An orthopedic dog bed is designed to support your dog’s joints, spine, and overall posture, which promotes healthy alignment and relieving pressure points.

What are the features of orthopedic dog beds?

Unlike traditional polyfill or basic foam beds, orthopedic beds should be made from high-density or memory foam that conforms to your dog’s body while maintaining firm, lasting support. High quality orthopedic beds will also have features like multi-layer foam construction, washable covers, waterproof liners, and bolster edges for added function and care.

What are the benefits of orthopedic dog beds?

• Joint support: Helps reduce pressure on hips, elbows, and shoulders, especially for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.
• Improved sleep quality: Even weight distribution and cushioning reduce tossing and turning.
• Pain relief and recovery: Supports circulation and muscle relaxation after activity or surgery.
• Long-term durability: High-quality foam maintains its shape and performance over time.

What are the different types of orthopedic dog beds?

Orthopedic beds can come in several forms like flat mattresses, bolstered designs, or donut-style beds. Each offers unique benefits depending on your dog’s sleep habits. The Bluewater Dog Bouclé Bed, for instance, combines layered orthopedic memory foam with a subtle bolster, giving dogs the freedom to stretch out while still enjoying supportive edges to lean against.

Yes. Orthopedic dog beds are proven to make a noticeable difference in comfort and mobility, particularly for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or age-related stiffness. The foam layers distribute your dog’s weight evenly and relieve joint pressure, which can help reduce pain and improve sleep quality.

Are orthopedic dog beds good for all dogs, or just older dogs?

While they’re especially beneficial for seniors, orthopedic beds are ideal for dogs at every stage of life. Puppies benefit from the proper joint support as they grow, and active adult dogs enjoy faster recovery and deeper rest. Choosing an orthopedic design early on can help maintain joint health over time, ensuring your dog rests comfortably for years to come.

Choosing the right size is key to ensuring comfort and proper support. Here’s a simple approach that we recommend:

• Measure your dog from the base of their neck to the base of their tail while they’re lying in their favorite sleeping position. This ensures the bed accommodates their body length without unnecessary overhang.
• If your dog curls up, choose a bed slightly larger than their curled length.
• If your dog stretches out, opt for a bed that allows full extension with some extra room for comfort.
• Consider bolstered designs: if your dog likes leaning or resting their head on the edge, a slightly larger bed can ensure the bolster is usable without crowding them.

The Bluewater Dog Bouclé Bed is designed to go beyond basic orthopedic support. While many beds offer a single layer of foam, ours features layered, high-density memory foam that cushions pressure points while maintaining firm structural support for joints and spine.

Our memory foam meets CertiPUR-US® standards for content, emissions and durability, and are analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories. Because we use the highest quality foam, this bed is perfect for supporting your dog's joints along with the memory foam bolsters providing the perfect chin rest.

We also take pride in including thoughtful features like:

• A subtle raised bolster which adds a sense of security and provides a soft place to rest the head
• An ultra-soft, OEKO-TEX® 100 bouclé cover that creates a luxurious surface that’s gentle on your dog’s coat and easy to clean
• A waterproof liner to protect the foam from spills or accidents
• A discreet handle on the back for easy lifting and transport

Every element of the Bouclé Bed has been carefully crafted so that it's a bed your dog genuinely loves and chooses to rest in, and that it's a bed you also love to display in your home!

Absolutely. The Bouclé Bed is built with high-density, layered orthopedic memory foam that provides consistent support for dogs of all sizes, including larger breeds. Its firm base and cushioning topper help relieve pressure on hips, shoulders, and joints, making it especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis or age-related stiffness.

The bed’s subtle raised bolster offers additional comfort and security, allowing dogs to lean or curl against it without compromising alignment. There's also a waterproof liner that protects the bed from spills, accidents, or extra moisture since we know that older dogs may be prone to incontinence, but also because we know life (and dogs) can get messy.

CertiPUR-US® certified foam means that the foam is made WITHOUT: ozone depleters; PBDEs or the following Tris flame retardants: TCEP, TDBPP, TDCPP or TEPA; mercury, lead and heavy metals; formaldehyde; phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The foam is performance-tested, durability-tested, emissions-tested, content-tested, and analyzed by independent accredited testing laboratories.

A bolster dog bed features raised edges along one or more sides, giving dogs a soft surface to rest their head and a gentle boundary that helps them feel secure. The bolsters also mimic the feeling of being cradled or nestled, which is something many dogs instinctively seek out for comfort and protection.

Why do dogs like bolsters?
Dogs are den animals by nature. Raised sides give them a sense of enclosure, making the space feel safe and familiar. Bolsters also provide physical support for the neck and spine, much like a pillow does for us. For many dogs, this combination of comfort and security makes a bolster bed their preferred place to rest.

Yes—bolster beds offer both physical and emotional benefits. The raised sides provide head and neck support, which can help relieve pressure on joints and muscles. At the same time, the enclosed shape helps dogs feel calm and protected, especially those who are anxious or easily startled.

Bolster beds are versatile too: dogs who like to sprawl can rest against the sides for support, while snug sleepers can curl into the bolstered corners for warmth and reassurance. A well-designed bolster bed, like the Bluewater Dog Bouclé Bed, strikes a balance between open space and comforting boundaries, making it a great fit for most sleeping styles.

Yes. Dogs often seek enclosed or elevated edges as a way to feel safe and calm, and the Bouclé Bed’s subtly raised bolster is designed specifically to provide that sense of security without compromising comfort or alignment. Unlike higher, traditional bolsters that can sometimes strain a dog’s neck or head when resting, our gentle, supportive height allows dogs to lean or rest naturally, keeping their spine and head properly aligned while still offering a cozy, nest-like boundary.

Paired with the layered orthopedic foam, the bed promotes a comfortable, supportive surface that helps reduce restlessness and encourages deeper, more restorative sleep. The combination of thoughtful physical support and calming design makes the Bouclé Bed a go-to space for dogs who need reassurance, comfort, and a truly restful place to relax.

Bouclé is a textured fabric made from looped yarns, known for its soft, nubby feel and sophisticated appearance. It’s often used in high-end furniture and interior design because it’s both cozy and durable, adding warmth and style to any space.

For dog beds, bouclé offers a unique balance of comfort and resilience. It feels plush and inviting to the touch (similar to a soft wool blend) while remaining breathable and easy to clean. The Bluewater Dog Bouclé Bed uses OEKO-TEX® 100 certified bouclé, ensuring it’s safe, gentle on skin, and free from harmful substances. It’s a material that looks beautiful in your home and feels even better to your dog.

Yes! Our covers are easy to wash. Just unzip the bouclé cover and machine wash on cold with mild detergent. Do not use bleach or any harsh chemicals. Wash with similar colors. We recommend hang drying the cover but we have had success in the dryer on an extra low setting, however high heat could shrink your cover.