Senior dogs have different needs than younger pups.
Ageing brings joint stiffness, arthritis, reduced mobility, and sometimes incontinence. The right bed can make a real difference to an older dog's comfort and quality of life.
Here are the best dog beds specifically chosen for senior dogs, based on what older dogs actually need.
Quick Picks: Best Beds for Senior Dogs
Our top pick: Big Barker because the premium foam provides genuine joint support that will not flatten, backed by a 10 year warranty.
What Senior Dogs Need in a Bed
Joint Support
Older dogs commonly develop arthritis, hip dysplasia, and general joint stiffness. They need beds that:
- Distribute weight evenly
- Cushion pressure points
- Do not flatten under repeated use
- Help them get comfortable
Best option: Orthopaedic memory foam beds with thick, high density foam.
Easy Entry and Exit
Stiff joints make climbing difficult. Senior beds should have:
- Low entry points (no high bolsters to climb over)
- Stable, non slip base
- Firm enough to push off from when standing
Best option: Flat beds or beds with one open/low side.
Warmth
Older dogs often feel the cold more due to:
- Less body fat
- Reduced circulation
- Less activity generating body heat
- Thinner coats in some cases
Best option: Heated beds or self warming beds for cold climates.
Waterproof Protection
Senior dogs may develop incontinence. Beds need:
- Waterproof liner or base
- Easy to wash covers
- Materials that do not hold odours
Best option: Beds with waterproof liners and removable, washable covers.
Adequate Size
Older dogs may not curl up as tightly due to stiffness. They need:
- Room to stretch out fully
- Space to change positions comfortably
- Extra length for dogs who sleep stretched
Best option: Size up from what you would buy a younger dog.
Best Beds for Senior Dogs: Detailed Reviews
1. Big Barker Orthopaedic Dog Bed
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Best Overall for Senior Dogs
Big Barker is specifically designed for large dogs with joint issues. The premium American made foam provides genuine therapeutic support.
Why it is great for seniors:
The 7 inch foam does not flatten over time, maintaining support for years. This matters for senior dogs who spend more time resting. The 10 year warranty guarantees long term performance.
Specifications:
- Foam: 7 inch American made orthopaedic foam
- Support: Calibrated for large dogs
- Cover: Microfibre, removable and washable
- Warranty: 10 years (foam will not flatten)
- Sizes: Large to Giant
Pros:
- Genuine joint support
- Will not flatten (guaranteed)
- 10 year warranty
- Proven results for arthritic dogs
- Supports heavy dogs properly
Cons:
- Premium price
- Only large sizes available
- Heavy to move
Best for: Large breed seniors, dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia, long term investment.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
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Best Mid Range for Seniors
PetFusion offers quality memory foam with bolsters at a more accessible price point.
Why it is great for seniors:
4 inch memory foam base provides good support. Bolsters offer head rest support that arthritic dogs often appreciate. Water resistant cover helps with accidents.
Specifications:
- Foam: 4 inch memory foam base
- Design: Bolsters on three sides
- Cover: Water resistant, removable
- Certification: CertiPUR certified foam
- Sizes: Small to XXL
Pros:
- Good memory foam quality
- Bolsters for head support
- Water resistant cover
- More affordable than premium
- Multiple sizes
Cons:
- Not as thick as Big Barker
- Bolsters may be difficult for some seniors to climb over
- Foam may compress over time
Best for: Medium to large seniors, dogs who like bolsters, mid range budget.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Furhaven Orthopaedic Sofa Bed
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Best Budget for Seniors
Furhaven provides orthopaedic foam at budget prices, making joint support accessible.
Why it is great for seniors:
Egg crate orthopaedic foam provides decent support at low cost. Three sided bolster design has one low side for easy entry. Machine washable cover for hygiene.
Specifications:
- Foam: Egg crate orthopaedic or memory foam options
- Design: Three bolsters, one open side
- Cover: Removable, machine washable
- Sizes: Small to Jumbo Plus
- Price: Budget friendly
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy entry from open side
- Machine washable
- Wide size range
- Decent support
Cons:
- Foam compresses faster than premium
- May need replacing sooner
- Less durable long term
Best for: Budget buyers, testing orthopaedic beds, seniors needing easy entry.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. K&H Thermo Snuggly Heated Bed
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Best Heated Bed for Seniors
For senior dogs who feel the cold, a heated bed provides soothing warmth.
Why it is great for seniors:
Gentle warmth helps stiff, arthritic joints feel better. Thermostat control maintains safe temperature. Older dogs who feel cold benefit significantly.
Specifications:
- Heat: Thermostat controlled, low wattage
- Temperature: Warms to dog's body temperature
- Safety: MET certified
- Cover: Removable, washable
- Sizes: Multiple options
Pros:
- Soothing warmth for joints
- Safe thermostat control
- Low energy use
- Helps circulation
- Comfortable for cold seniors
Cons:
- Requires electricity
- Cord management needed
- Not for dogs who chew
- Less padding than orthopaedic beds
Best for: Senior dogs who feel cold, arthritis relief, thin coated breeds.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Big Barker with Waterproof Liner
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Best for Senior Incontinence
For seniors with bladder issues, Big Barker with waterproof protection offers both support and practicality.
Why it is great for seniors:
Premium orthopaedic support combined with waterproof liner protects the foam from accidents. Easy wash cover for frequent cleaning.
Specifications:
- Foam: 7 inch orthopaedic (same as standard)
- Protection: Waterproof liner included
- Cover: Removable, machine washable
- Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
- Premium joint support
- Waterproof protection
- Foam protected from urine damage
- Easy to clean
- Long term durability
Cons:
- Highest price point
- Large sizes only
- Heavy
Best for: Incontinent senior dogs, large breeds with joint issues, long term value.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Senior Dog Beds: Comparison Table
| Bed | Foam Thickness | Waterproof | Heated | Price | Action |
|---|
|
Big Barker |
7 inch |
Optional |
No |
$$$ | |
|
PetFusion |
4 inch |
Resistant |
No |
$$ | |
|
Furhaven |
2-3 inch |
No |
No |
$ | |
|
K&H Heated |
Varies |
No |
Yes |
$$ | |
|
Big Barker WP |
7 inch |
Yes |
No |
$$$ | |
Common Senior Dog Health Issues and Bed Solutions
Arthritis
What it is: Joint inflammation causing pain and stiffness.
Bed solution: Thick orthopaedic foam that supports joints and does not create pressure points. Big Barker or PetFusion recommended.
Hip Dysplasia
What it is: Malformed hip joint causing pain and mobility issues.
Bed solution: Memory foam that moulds to body shape, reducing hip pressure. Avoid beds that require climbing.
Incontinence
What it is: Loss of bladder control, common in senior dogs.
Bed solution: Waterproof liner protecting foam, easy wash covers. Consider having two covers for rotation.
Cognitive Dysfunction
What it is: Canine dementia affecting behaviour and sleep patterns.
Bed solution: Familiar, comfortable bed in consistent location. Calming beds may help some dogs.
Poor Circulation
What it is: Reduced blood flow causing cold extremities.
Bed solution: Heated beds or self warming beds. Raise bed off cold floors.
Muscle Wasting
What it is: Loss of muscle mass making bones more prominent.
Bed solution: Extra thick padding to cushion bony prominences. Soft surface materials.
Features to Look for in Senior Dog Beds
Must Have Features
Orthopaedic foam: Real support, not just softness. Look for memory foam or high density orthopaedic foam.
Easy cleaning: Removable, machine washable covers. Seniors may have accidents or drool more.
Low entry: Avoid high bolsters seniors must climb over. Open sides or low profile preferred.
Non slip base: Seniors need stable footing when getting up. Slipping can cause injury.
Nice to Have Features
Waterproof liner: Essential if incontinence is an issue, helpful regardless.
Bolsters for head rest: Many seniors like resting their head on raised edges.
Warming feature: For dogs who feel the cold or have circulation issues.
Multiple size options: Allows sizing up for comfort.
Avoid These Features
High bolsters on all sides: Difficult for stiff dogs to climb into.
Thin padding: Does not provide joint support seniors need.
Difficult to clean designs: Seniors need beds washed frequently.
Slippery surfaces: Can cause falls when getting up.
Helping Senior Dogs Use Their Beds
Placement Tips
Keep it accessible. Ground level, no stairs required.
Choose a quiet spot. Seniors need undisturbed rest.
Maintain consistent location. Familiar placement helps dogs with cognitive issues.
Away from drafts. Older dogs feel cold more easily.
Near family activity. Seniors still want to be part of the household.
Encouraging Use
Make it familiar. Add their old blanket or your scent initially.
Positive association. Treats and praise when using the bed.
Patience required. Older dogs may take time to accept new beds.
Consider keeping old bed nearby. Transition gradually if needed.
Additional Comfort
Add a blanket. Extra warmth and familiar smell.
Provide water nearby. Reduce need to travel far.
Ramps if needed. If bed is on furniture or raised platform.
When to Upgrade Your Senior Dog's Bed
Signs it is time for a senior specific bed:
- Dog struggles to get comfortable
- Reluctance to lie down or get up
- Visible stiffness after resting
- Seeking softer surfaces (your bed, sofa)
- Diagnosed with arthritis or joint issues
- Increased sleeping time (need better support)
- Accidents requiring waterproof protection
- Current bed has flattened
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bed is best for a senior dog?
+
Orthopaedic memory foam beds with thick padding, easy entry, and washable covers. Seniors need real joint support, not just softness.
Do senior dogs need orthopaedic beds?
+
They benefit significantly from them. Orthopaedic beds reduce joint pressure, improve comfort, and can help manage arthritis symptoms.
How thick should a senior dog bed be?
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At minimum 3 to 4 inches of quality foam. Large senior dogs benefit from 6 to 7 inches. Thicker foam provides better support for ageing joints.
Are heated beds safe for senior dogs?
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Yes, pet specific heated beds with thermostats are safe. They help arthritis, circulation issues, and dogs who feel cold. Avoid human heating pads.
Should I get a waterproof bed for my senior dog?
+
Recommended even if your senior is currently continent. Incontinence can develop, and waterproof protection preserves the bed when it happens.
How do I know if my senior dog's bed is comfortable?
+
Signs of comfort: settles quickly, sleeps soundly, chooses the bed over other spots, does not shift constantly. Signs of discomfort: reluctance to use bed, constant repositioning, seeking other surfaces.
The Bottom Line
Senior dogs deserve beds that support their ageing bodies. The right bed can genuinely improve quality of life for older dogs dealing with joint issues, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Our recommendations:
Best overall: Big Barker for premium joint support that lasts.
Mid range: PetFusion Ultimate for quality at accessible price.
Budget: Furhaven Orthopaedic for affordable support.
Cold seniors: K&H Heated for warmth that soothes joints.
Incontinence: Big Barker with waterproof liner for complete protection.
Investing in a quality senior bed is one of the best things you can do for your ageing companion.
Check our top pick: Big Barker on Amazon
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4.4
out of 5
24 global ratings
Top reviews
★★★★★5.0
Huge relief for our arthritic Lab
Our 11-year-old Lab, Daisy, was really starting to struggle getting up after sleeping on her old cushion bed. She’d pace, flop down with a sigh, then shift around all night. We finally bit the bullet on the Big Barker with the waterproof liner and it’s honestly the first time in months she’s been able to lie down and get comfortable straight away. The 7" foam feels more like a firm human mattress than a dog bed and it hasn’t sagged at all. She can push herself up without wobbling and spends more time stretched out instead of curling into awkward positions. The waterproof liner already saved the foam after a nighttime accident. It’s a big, heavy bed and not cheap, but for a large senior with joint issues it’s worth every penny.
Helpful
Thank you Helen, we’re so glad Daisy is getting better rest on the Big Barker with waterproof liner.
★★★★★5.0
PetFusion made getting up so much easier
Our 10-year-old Border Collie mix, Luna, has hip dysplasia and was struggling on her old squishy bed. We switched to the PetFusion Ultimate and the difference was noticeable within a few days. She doesn’t hesitate as much when lying down and she can push herself up without sliding around. The bolsters are her favorite part, she always has her head propped on the side. I like that the cover is water resistant because she sometimes drools in her sleep. It’s not as thick as Big Barker, but for a medium-sized senior it’s the right balance of support and softness.
Helpful
Thanks Marcus, happy to hear Luna is finding it easier to get up and down on the PetFusion.
★★★★☆4.0
Great support but a big footprint
We bought the Big Barker for our 12-year-old Golden Retriever after our vet recommended a true orthopedic bed. The support is fantastic and he doesn’t sink to the floor anymore. He used to groan when getting up, now it’s much smoother. My only complaint is how huge and heavy the XL size is. It dominates our living room and is not something you casually move around. Still, our old boy clearly feels better on it, so I can live with rearranging furniture.
Helpful
Appreciate the honest feedback, Jessica – glad your Golden is more comfortable even if the Big Barker takes up some extra space.
★★★★★5.0
Budget Furhaven worked for our small senior
Our 13-year-old Chihuahua mix doesn’t need a giant bed, just something softer than the folded blankets she was using. We went with a Furhaven orthopedic sofa bed in a small size because of the open front. She can step in and out easily, which matters now that her back legs are weaker. The egg-crate foam isn’t fancy, but it’s way better than her old setup and within our budget. After about 8 months I can feel some flattening in the middle, but for the price I expected that.
Helpful
Thanks Daniel, it’s great to hear the Furhaven’s low front is helping your girl get in and out easier.
★★★★☆4.0
K&H heated bed is perfect for our cold old lady
We live in upstate New York and winters are hard on our 14-year-old Beagle. She trembles a lot when she first lies down at night. The K&H heated bed has made a huge difference. The warmth is gentle, not hot, and she settles quicker and seems less stiff in the morning. I do wish the padding were a bit thicker like a full orthopedic bed, so we put it on top of a flat foam pad for more support. As a warming layer for arthritic seniors, it’s excellent.
Helpful
Thank you Amanda, using the K&H bed on top of extra foam is a smart way to combine warmth and support.
★★★☆☆3.0
Senior didn’t love the bolsters
We tried the PetFusion Ultimate for our 12-year-old German Shepherd mix. The foam support was solid, but he really didn’t like stepping over the bolsters. Even with the lower front, he preferred to sleep on the rug beside it half the time. I think if he were younger it would be perfect, but with his stiff hips he wants the easiest possible access. We ended up moving the PetFusion to our younger dog and getting a flat-style orthopedic mat for our senior.
Helpful
Appreciate the honest review, Tyler – flat beds are sometimes a better fit for seniors who struggle with bolsters.
★★★★★5.0
Waterproof Big Barker saved us so much cleanup
Our 15-year-old Boxer has started having nighttime accidents. We were constantly washing cheap beds or throwing them out when the foam got smelly. The Big Barker with the waterproof liner has been a game changer. He gets real joint support and when he has an accident we just strip the cover, wipe down the liner, and wash the fabric. The foam still looks and smells new months later. It was a painful price at checkout, but it’s already paying off in less frustration and better sleep for him.
Helpful
Thanks Brittany, we’re really glad the waterproof Big Barker is helping you manage both comfort and accidents.
★★★★☆4.0
Good mid-range option for our senior Cocker
We didn’t have Big Barker money but wanted something better than the flat Costco bed our 11-year-old Cocker Spaniel was using. The PetFusion Ultimate hits that middle ground nicely. The foam has held up well over 9 months and she can stretch out or curl against the bolsters. The cover actually is water resistant – we’ve had a couple of dribbles that never soaked through. I took one star off because the zipper is a little fiddly to get around the corners when washing.
Helpful
Thank you Christopher, happy to hear PetFusion is working well for your Cocker and we appreciate the note on the zipper.
★★★★★5.0
Furhaven was a nice upgrade from blankets
Our senior rescue, a 10-year-old mixed breed around 40 lbs, had always slept on a pile of old blankets. As his arthritis worsened, he started avoiding that spot and climbing on the couch instead. We bought a Furhaven orthopedic sofa bed with the egg-crate foam and he immediately claimed it. The low front is key because he drags his back feet a bit. I know it won’t last for years like a premium bed, but at this stage we mainly wanted something comfortable and easy to wash. It’s ticking those boxes.
Helpful
Thanks Laura, we’re glad the Furhaven’s open front and foam have made your senior more comfortable.
★★★☆☆3.0
Heated bed helped but cord is a concern
We tried the K&H heated bed for our 13-year-old Dachshund with back issues. The warmth clearly helped her settle and she stopped shivering at night, so the concept is great. The downside is we’re always a little nervous about the cord since she’s chewed wires in the past. We routed it behind furniture and supervised heavily at first. In the end we only plug it in on really cold nights. I’d rate it higher if there were a truly chew-proof cord or cordless version.
Helpful
Appreciate the detailed feedback, Brian – managing cords with former chewers is definitely a balancing act.
★★★★★5.0
Senior Husky actually chooses this bed over the tile
Our 12-year-old Husky has always preferred hard, cool surfaces and ignored most beds. As her hips got worse she started struggling to get up off the tile. We took a chance on the PetFusion Ultimate and were surprised to see her using it almost immediately. I think the combination of firm foam and the ability to sprawl out sold her on it. She still occasionally moves to the floor if she’s hot, but most nights she’s on the bed and gets up with less stiffness.
Helpful
Thanks Rachel, glad to hear your Husky has finally found a bed she actually uses.
★★★★☆4.0
Good support but Furhaven foam didn’t last forever
We used a Furhaven orthopedic sofa bed for our 11-year-old Pit mix. For the first 6–8 months it gave him noticeably better support than his old pillow bed, and he loved resting his head on the bolsters. Around the one-year mark I could feel the foam getting softer in the middle and he started shifting more during the night. For the price, I can’t complain too much, but if your senior is heavy and you want something to last several years, I’d plan on upgrading to a higher-end foam bed.
Helpful
Thank you Evan, that’s very helpful context on how the Furhaven held up over time with a heavier senior.
★★★★★5.0
Heated K&H is a lifesaver for our arthritic Yorkie
Our 15-year-old Yorkie has pretty advanced arthritis and gets very stiff overnight. We added a small K&H heated bed in our bedroom and she beelines for it every evening now. The heat is gentle, not hot, and she doesn’t seem restless like she did on her regular bed. In the morning she still walks slowly, but the chair-leg wobble she used to have is noticeably less. We keep it on a low setting and haven’t had any issues. For a tiny cold senior, it’s been a big quality-of-life upgrade.
Helpful
Thanks Courtney, we’re so happy to hear your Yorkie is getting some relief from the warmth.
★★★★☆4.0
Big Barker is amazing, but measure your space
The Big Barker has been incredible for our 9-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog. He’s just hitting that senior stage and was already showing some stiffness. On this bed he doesn’t bottom out at all and can fully stretch without hanging off. My only real regret is not measuring better. The giant size is basically another piece of furniture in our small living room. If you live in an apartment, think carefully about dimensions before ordering. For support, though, it’s everything the marketing claims.
Helpful
Appreciate the honest review, Zachary – and yes, the giant Big Barker is a serious piece of furniture.
★★★★★5.0
Waterproof liner is a must for our leaky senior
We originally had a standard orthopedic bed for our 13-year-old Shepherd mix, but once she started having nighttime leaks the foam was ruined within a month. Switching to a Big Barker with the waterproof liner has simplified everything. We’ve had a few bad nights where the cover was soaked, but the liner kept the foam completely dry. Wash the cover, wipe the liner, and she’s back on it. The foam is also much firmer than our old bed, so her elbows don’t hit the floor anymore.
Helpful
Thank you Michelle, we’re glad the waterproof liner has made those inevitable accidents easier to deal with.
★★★☆☆3.0
Senior dog was indifferent to the new bed
We bought a Furhaven orthopedic sofa bed for our 12-year-old mixed breed hoping it would help his stiff joints. The bed seems fine quality for the price and the foam isn’t terrible, but honestly he still spends half his time on the rug or our couch. I don’t think the bed is bad, he just doesn’t seem to care either way. If your dog already loves beds you’ll probably see more of a difference than we did.
Helpful
Appreciate the candid feedback, Anthony – some seniors definitely have strong preferences for where they like to sleep.
★★★★★5.0
PetFusion is perfect for our medium senior pair
We have two 10+ year-old dogs, a Beagle and a small Aussie, who started crowding each other off our couch. We added an XL PetFusion Ultimate bed in the living room and now they share it most evenings. The foam is firm enough that neither dog sinks to the floor and they both like resting their heads on the bolsters while still having an open front to step in easily. Cleaning has been straightforward – the cover handles frequent washing without shrinking.
Helpful
Thanks Kaitlyn, we love hearing about senior duos sharing a supportive bed comfortably.
★★★★☆4.0
Heated bed for night, orthopedic for day
For our 13-year-old Collie, we ended up with two-bed setup: a K&H heated bed in the bedroom and a standard orthopedic foam bed in the living room. She prefers the heated one at night when the house is cooler and sleeps more soundly there. During the day she likes the thicker, non-heated bed where she can sprawl. If you live somewhere cold, a heated bed on its own might not be enough support, but combined with an orthopedic option it’s a nice solution.
Helpful
Thank you Logan, that’s a great example of how combining warmth and support can work for a senior dog.
★★★★★5.0
Our senior Dane finally has a bed that holds him
We’ve gone through so many beds for our 8-year-old Great Dane as he’s aged. Everything either flattened or was too small within months. The Big Barker giant size is the first one that actually fits him with room to stretch and doesn’t compress to the floor. He used to hesitate before lying down, now he flops on it every night. Expensive, yes, but when you have a giant senior with sore joints it’s honestly a relief to have something built for his size.
Helpful
Thanks Olivia, we’re thrilled your Dane finally has a bed that truly supports his size and age.
★★★★☆4.0
PetFusion helped, but took a week for her to accept
We ordered the PetFusion Ultimate for our 11-year-old mixed breed after noticing she was slow to get up from her old bed. At first she wouldn’t go near the new one and kept sleeping on the floor. After about a week of bribing with treats and moving her blanket onto it, she finally started using it regularly. Now she seems less stiff in the mornings and really likes resting her chin on the bolster. Just be prepared for a bit of an adjustment if your senior doesn’t love change.
Helpful
Appreciate you sharing the transition process, Jason – seniors can definitely need a little time to accept a new bed.
★★★★★5.0
Furhaven open side is ideal for our wobbly senior
We chose the Furhaven orthopedic sofa-style bed specifically because of the open front. Our 14-year-old Spaniel has weak back legs and trips easily, so climbing over bolsters was a non-starter. She can step straight onto the foam and then scoot herself back to lean against the sides. Is it Big Barker quality? No. But it gave her a safe, low entry spot and enough support that she doesn’t look uncomfortable like she did on the bare floor.
Helpful
Thank you Madison, we’re glad that low, open entry is helping your girl get into bed safely.
★★★★★5.0
Heated bed made winter bearable for our old Shepherd
Our 12-year-old German Shepherd always struggled more in winter. He’d shiver even with the heat on and was very stiff getting up in the morning. We added a medium K&H heated bed in our family room and he spends most of his evenings on it now. The warmth seems to loosen him up and he doesn’t pace as much at night. We still use a separate orthopedic bed for real joint support, but as a warming station for an old dog with arthritis it’s fantastic.
Helpful
Thanks Brandon, we’re happy the K&H heated bed has helped your Shepherd handle the colder months.
★★★★☆4.0
Big Barker is excellent but overkill for our smaller senior
We bought a Big Barker for our 10-year-old 55 lb mixed breed, thinking we’d future-proof his senior years. The support is fantastic and he clearly loves it, but in hindsight it’s more bed than he truly needs at his size. It takes up a lot of space and was a serious investment. If you have a genuinely large or giant senior, it makes sense. For mid-size seniors, a good memory foam option like PetFusion would probably be enough.
Helpful
Thank you Samantha, that’s helpful perspective – Big Barker really shines for the larger seniors that need maximum foam.
★★★★★5.0
Waterproof protection gave our old boy his spot back
Our 14-year-old Coonhound had started leaking urine in his sleep, so we had moved him off the couch and onto old towels. He clearly missed having a real bed. We ordered a Big Barker with the waterproof liner and set it up where his old bed used to be. Now he’s back to snoozing in the middle of the action and we aren’t panic-washing foam every week. The foam is firm enough that his bony hips don’t dig in and the liner has already saved us multiple times.
Helpful
Thanks Eric, we’re so glad your Coonhound could reclaim his favorite spot without the cleanup nightmare.