Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Is Made for Old Dogs

We purchased the Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed so our expert reviewer and her dogs could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

If you have an older dog that suffers from joint pain or arthritis, an orthopedic dog bed can help cushion their joints and provide much-needed support. The Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed features a human-grade memory foam mattress and bolstered sides for maximum comfort. We have to admit, our dogs are pretty spoiled—they already have their fair share of plush dog beds. So when we received the Friends Forever bed, we couldn’t help but wonder: Would this high-end orthopedic bed pass with our pampered pooches? Read on to find out. 

Performance: Our dogs love it—and so do we 

We have two small dogs—both Maltese. One weighs about 10 pounds and the other is 14 pounds. We ordered the Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed in a size large, which measures 36 x 28 x 9 inches. While a small certainly would have sufficed for solo use, we went with the large so they could comfortably stretch out together.

Sometimes our dogs are finicky about new products; the last dog bed we bought sat untouched for more than a month before they tried it out. Surprisingly, both dogs immediately took to this new bed. Almost as soon as we set it on the floor, one dog climbed in, curled right up, and started to doze off. Our dogs have now used the bed every day for two weeks and it has retained its shape and firmness. 

Design: Durable comfort 

The Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed comes in four neutral colors: cocoa, khaki beige, pewter, and vanilla. It’s also available in four different sizes: small (25 x 20 x 5 inches), large (36 x 28 x 9 inches), extra-large (44 x 34 x 10 inches), and jumbo (40 x 50 x 13 inches). The thickness of the foam mattress will vary depending on the size of the bed. Comprised of 100-percent suede, the cover is high-quality and attractive. We wouldn’t mind having a couch or chair of our own in this material. The sides are bolstered so dogs can rest their heads comfortably while they’re lying in it. Our dogs always like to have their heads propped up on something, so the sofa-style design of this bed is a big plus. 

We really appreciate the low entrance to the bed—just four inches off the floor. Both of our dogs are still healthy and active, but our older one has a minor joint issue that prevents her from jumping very high. She had no problem climbing into this bed and making herself comfortable. Although the human-grade memory foam isn’t a necessity, we’re confident that this bed will hold up in the long run. Our oldest dog is on the verge of entering her senior years, so knowing that this bed will provide joint pain relief gives us peace of mind.  

Another great thing about the Forever Friends bed is that it doesn’t slide all over our hardwood floors. Our male Maltese is quite the little watchdog; he jumps out of bed anytime he hears a noise outside. Due to all this movement, their last bed would often slide under the end table at an awkward angle, deterring the dogs from using it unless we pulled it back out. Thanks to a non-skid, non-slip bottom, this bed stays in place and our dogs can remain in their favorite spot.  

Care: Easy to clean 

We have this bed in pewter. Because it’s a darker color, we noticed that saliva stains are more visible than they were on the off-white and cream-colored beds we’ve previously owned. Concealing stains and dirt isn’t necessarily a good thing, though, as seeing that they’re there encourages us to clean the bed more often. Fortunately, the Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed is easy to spruce up thanks to a removable, machine-washable cover. You can also spot clean it with a washcloth moistened with a little soap and water. 

According to the manufacturer, the suede cover is resistant to fur and hair. However, we didn’t notice a difference in the amount of pet hair that collected on this bed versus other brands that we own. Our dogs have hair rather than fur and produce a minimal amount of shedding, so this isn’t a big problem for us. However, if you have a dog that sheds a lot, it could certainly be an issue. Here’s the good news: It’s very easy to remove the pet hair. We ran a lint brush over the bed and that got rid of most of it. We also have a vacuum with an attachment specifically intended for pet hair that’s extremely effective. 

Price: On the steep side 

Ranging from $70 to $240 depending on size, the Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed certainly isn’t pocket change. However, if you have an older dog with arthritis or joint pain, it’s definitely worth the investment. If you simply want to pamper your pooch with an ultra-plush memory foam bed, that’s OK too. There are some budget options available, but you might have to sacrifice a few higher-end features. 

Competition: Multiple budget options to consider 

BarkBox Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed: Retailing between $30 and $65 depending on size, the BarkBox Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is an affordable favorite. This orthopedic bed has an ergonomic memory foam base topped with gel foam for ultimate comfort and support. It’s available in four different sizes—XS through XL—which can accommodate almost every breed. 

Furhaven Pet Dog Bed: With an MSRP of $30 to $110 depending on size, the Furhaven Pet Dog Bed is low in price but still delivers a high level of comfort. Featuring an orthopedic “egg crate” foam base and three bolstered sides, this sofa-style dog bed offers plenty of support for your furry friends. It’s available in five sizes (small through jumbo plus) and a staggering selection of colors from dark sage velvet to coffee chenille. 

Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed: Ranging in price from $30 to $45, the Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed has an “egg crate” style foam mattress that provides a thick layer of support. Available in three sizes (the smallest measuring 35 x 22 x 3.9 inches), it’s best suited to large dogs who suffer from common conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.