How to choose a bed for an older pet

An older dog or cat can spend 14 to 18 hours a day resting. With so many hours, the bed stops being an accessory and becomes a wellbeing tool. The wrong bed, too soft, too small or hard to reach, can make stiffness worse and make getting up painful. These are the key points to get it right.

Why their needs change with age

Over the years they lose muscle and protective fat, and their joints suffer. They also regulate temperature less well and their skin is thinner. That is why they appreciate a surface that spreads their weight, insulates them from the cold floor and is easy to get on and off.

1. Size: room to stretch out

Measure your pet lying on their side, from nose to base of the tail, and add 15 to 20 cm. Many older animals sleep stretched out because curling up hurts their hips and elbows. If your dog always sleeps curled up, a slightly smaller bed may do, but if in doubt choose the larger size.

2. Firmness: neither hard nor sinking

Not the floor, and not a cushion that sinks until it touches the floor. Look for a filling that moulds to the body and recovers its shape, such as memory foam or high-density foam. A trick: press the centre with your open hand; if you can feel the floor, it is too thin for a medium or large dog.

Our plush memory foam bed (75 × 50 cm) is designed for small and medium dogs and for cats.

3. Entry height

For an animal with arthritis, a high edge is an obstacle. Choose flat beds or ones with a low edge on at least one side. If they like to rest their head, a low side bolster is perfect. If their favourite spot is the sofa or your bed, add a ramp or step so they do not have to jump.

4. The cover: washable and pleasant

The cover should be removable and machine washable, which is especially important if there are urine leaks. Plush is warm and soft, ideal in winter; in summer, a cooler fabric or a cotton blanket on top helps. If your pet has incontinence, put a waterproof protector under the cover. There are more ideas in our article on incontinence in older dogs and cats.

5. A non-slip base

When getting up, an older pet puts all their weight on one point. If the bed slides on a wooden floor, they may slip. Look for a non-slip base or place the bed on a rug.

6. Where to put it

• Away from draughts and cold floors: avoid outside doors, ill-fitting windows and stone floors without a rug.
• Close to the family: older animals seek company and get anxious if they feel isolated.
• In a quiet area: without constant foot traffic or loud noise.
• One per floor, if possible: so they do not have to climb stairs to rest.

7. Signs their bed no longer works

• They lie on the floor instead of their bed.
• They circle a lot before lying down or change position often.
• They get up stiffly or complain.
• The filling is flattened or lumpy.

Older cats: warmth and height

Older cats still look for high places but find them harder to reach. Offer beds at mid height with a step in between, or on the floor next to a gentle source of heat. A soft bed in a sunny corner is usually a hit. More tips in caring for an older cat at home.

Combine it with other aids

A good bed works best with other small changes: non-slip floors, gentle walks and weight control. If they also take medication, the Rest & Care Pack includes the bed and a pill shooter. See all the options in our rest collection.

How often to replace the bed

As a guide, check the filling every six months and replace the bed when it no longer recovers its shape or has sunken areas, usually one to three years after buying it depending on use. Washing the cover every one or two weeks keeps smells, mites and hair at bay.

In short

Measure carefully, look for a filling that spreads their weight, choose a low edge, a washable cover and a base that does not slip, and place it somewhere warm and quiet. Your companion will thank you every morning.

Important: this article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet. If your pet shows pain when lying down or getting up, see a professional.