Orthopaedic dog mattresses and bed pads
A dog mattress is a flat, low-profile bed rather than one with raised sides, which makes it easier for an older or less mobile dog to get on and off without climbing. The short answer: look at the foam type before the thickness, choose a washable cover, and size it so your dog can lie fully stretched out rather than curled to fit.
Foam matters more than thickness
A thick mattress filled with cheap, low-density foam can still flatten under a dog's weight within months, while a thinner one built with proper supportive or memory foam holds its shape for far longer. This matters most for senior dogs and larger breeds, where a bed that has gone flat stops giving any real joint support.
Memory foam contours to a dog's body and spreads weight more evenly across pressure points, which is why it tends to be recommended for dogs with joint stiffness or arthritis. A standard supportive foam is a perfectly reasonable choice for a younger, healthy dog without those concerns.
Sizing and practical care
Measure your dog lying fully stretched out, nose to tail, and add a margin rather than buying to their curled-up size — a dog who cannot stretch out on their own bed will often end up sleeping somewhere else instead. Bigger is rarely a wasted choice with a flat mattress.
A removable, washable cover is worth prioritising over one that is not, since a bed that cannot be washed properly will hold odour and shed hair into the same spot every day. Check whether the whole cover unzips or only part of it before you buy.
In this section
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Self-Heating Pet Mat, No Plug Required, Three Sizes, Two Greys
No element, no cable and nothing to switch off: the mat returns your pet's own body heat instead of letting it drain away into a cold floor.
From£10.99
Moderna Plastic Dog Bed Warm
Moderna's Domus plastic dog bed in warm grey, moulded from over 98% recycled plastic, in five sizes from Small to Giant.
From£14.99
Cartoon Cat and Shiba Inu Fleece Cave Bed, Four Sizes to 80cm
A domed fleece nest with a cartoon cat or Shiba Inu face, filled with rebound PP cotton to hold its shape, in four sizes running from 50cm across to 80cm.
From£21.99
Moderna Plastic Dog Bed Extra
The extra large Domus bed, moulded from over 98% recycled plastic with a ventilated base
£29.99
Bolstered Orthopaedic Dog Bed
A supportive bolstered dog bed with a thick cushioned base and raised sides that cradle joints and give a place to rest the head. Ideal for older dogs or any pet who likes to stretch out for restful, comfortable sleep.
From£45.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Padded Pet Crate Mat with Corner Ties
A padded crate mat with corner ties that stays put inside a cage or carrier.
From£8.99
Machine Washable Self-Heating Plush Dog Mat, Six Colours, Two Sizes
A plush self-heating mat that actually goes in the washing machine, which most reflective mats do not, offered in six colours and a choice of small or large.
From£19.99
Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed with Washable Cover
A supportive memory-foam dog bed with raised bolster sides for head and neck resting. The soft cream boucle cover removes for washing, making it easy to keep fresh while giving your dog proper rest.
From£69.99
Four-Sided Washable Dog Bed
A cosy bolstered dog bed with raised sides for a sense of security and a fully removable, machine-washable cover. The layered cushion and mattress lift out for easy cleaning, ideal for autumn and winter.
From£46.99
Moderna Plastic Dog Bed Warm Grey Extra Large
A wipe-clean recycled plastic dog bed frame, 78.8 x 49.2cm inside
£29.99
Self-Heating Non-Slip Pet Mat in Cotton Fleece, Grey or Brown
A cotton fleece mat that reflects your dog's own body heat back at them, with a non-slip backing, so there is no cable, no plug and nothing to chew.
From£12.99
Common questions
- Are orthopaedic dog mattresses actually worth it for older dogs?
- For a senior dog or one with existing joint stiffness, a supportive foam mattress genuinely spreads their weight more evenly than a thin, unsupportive pad, which can make lying down and getting up more comfortable. It is not a treatment for arthritis, so continue following your vet's advice alongside it.
- How do I know if a dog mattress has gone flat?
- Press down firmly in the middle of the bed with your hand and see how far it compresses before you feel the floor underneath. If there is very little cushioning left, or the bed no longer springs back into shape once your dog gets up, it is time to replace it.
- What size mattress does my dog need?
- Measure your dog lying fully stretched out from nose to tail rather than curled up, and choose a mattress at least that long. A dog who cannot lie flat on their own bed will often choose the sofa or floor instead, which defeats the point of buying one.
- Can I wash a dog mattress in a normal washing machine?
- Only the cover, in almost every case — the foam insert itself should not go in a washing machine, as it can break down the foam and take a very long time to dry properly. Check the specific care label before washing anything, since covers vary between fully removable and partially so.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.