These beds help to reduce joint problems, encourage circulation / healing and provide a comfortable and snug place for your Shiba Inu to sleep.

As you probably have already imagined, there are tons of options when it comes to buying an orthopedic dog bed.

But relax, we’ve done the research, tested the beds and chosen the best from the rest.

Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Better Than Regular Dog Beds?

Yes, most orthopedic dog beds are superior to regular dog beds due to the support they offer.

The extra support helps to reduce load on your dog’s joints. This additional support has long term benefits for senior dogs as well as working dogs.

There is one caveat though.

Any dog bed can be labeled as an “orthopedic” bed, so it’s very important to know the basics of what a “true” orthopedic beds is.

So “quality” orthopedic dog beds are better than regular dog beds for a number of reasons, mostly related to what they’re made of. Let’s explore what sets them apart:

"Quality" Orthopedic Dog Beds Contain Better Materials Than Regular Dog Beds

Most regular dog beds are “stuffed,” kind of like a stuffed animal might be. They are cloth casings filled with fluff (foam, fiber, and sometimes even little foam beads), and don’t offer much in the way of support.

Often times, the foam “fillings” in these types of bed compresses with your dog’s weight and stays compressed, leaving the bed flat, lumpy, and unable to offer much joint support.

These beds, while perfectly suitable for a young puppy who is likely to soil their bed / chew it up, aren’t as well suited for adult dogs who could use the extra comfort and support.

Egg-Crate Foam

Many orthopedic dog beds are made of egg-crate foam, which is found in many human grade mattresses.

Egg crate foam is a good filling for dog beds because it offers many layers of joint-friendly support, and plenty of airflow, so they’ll be nice and cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter.

Solid Memory Foam

In terms of support, egg crate foam is not as a supportive as solid memory foam. But it does offer better temperature regulation and is a good choice for dogs that need “cooler” beds due to climate.

Memory foam orthopedic dog beds are the best choice for superior support and comfort. This is the same memory foam material that is used in higher end human bed choices.

The best orthopedic dog beds use thick, single layer slabs of memory foam instead of thinner pieces of foam that is sometimes glued together.

One disadvantage of memory foam is that it doesn’t regulate heat as well as other foam beds. Additionally, memory foam beds are the most expensive of orthopedic dog bed optionss.

Orthopedic Dog Beds Are Better Constructed and Last Longer Than Typical Dog Beds

Because orthopedic dog beds are made from more durable materials, they tend to last much longer than inexpensive dog beds.

So while you’ll likely spend more initially, orthopedic beds make up for their price by being long lasting and resilient.

Orthopedic Dog Beds Provides Your Dog With a Better Night's Sleep

When your Shiba sleeps contentedly, they’ll sleep longer and better!

Orthopedic dog beds offer everything from joint support to temperature control, and tend to be plusher, thicker, and more comfortable than standard dog beds.

How Dogs Benefit From Orthopedic Beds

While all dogs will reap the benefits of a well-made orthopedic dog bed, they are especially useful for dogs that may not get a good night’s sleep without one.

The following are situations where an orthopedic dog bed can an invaluable investment into your dog’s long term health:

Older dogs:

Our aging canine friends often suffer from a variety of age-related health concerns, such as arthritis, joint problems, weak hindquarters, and are generally are less flexible then their younger counterparts.

If your Shiba Inu is a golden girl or boy, an orthopedic dog bed will offer them the extra joint support they need, as well help to keep their back aligned and their hindquarters supported.

If you have an Shiba Inu that’s getting on in years- they deserve the extra comfort!

Dogs in Recovery:

Any dog that has undergone a surgical procedure will appreciate the extra comfort and support that orthopedic beds offer.

If your Shiba has just been neutered, spayed, or has had any other type of procedure, an orthopedic bed will offer them a cozy place to recuperate.

Heavy Dogs:

If you’ve got a chubby Shiba Inu on your hands, an orthopedic dog bed might mean the difference between a good night's sleep and restless, uncomfortable sleep!

And if your heavy dog hasn’t slept well, how will they have the energy to walk off all those extra calories?

If you’re the proud dog parent of a shapely Shiba, an orthopedic dog bed will handle their extra weight much better than a regular dog bed.

While regular dog beds tend to sink with the dogs mass (which means they’re basically sleeping on the floor) orthopedic dog beds are thick and better distribute the dog's weight.

Indulged dogs / Spoiled Shibas:

Does your Shiba Inu think they’re royalty?

Do you maybe treat them that way?

We’re not judging- we do the same!

Spoiled Shibas will love the luxurious feel of an orthopedic dog bed.

Long Term Preventative Support:

In the long term, having your dog sleep on a supportive bed will provide long term health benefits that will make transitioning into old age easier on the dog.

Supportive beds protect your dog’s bones, joints and muscles. Additionally, beds help prevent calluses on dogs - especially heavier ones.

Memory foam orthopedic beds provide additional warmth to your dog while sleeping.

This warmth promotes good circulation that encourages healing which is ideal for arthritic and / or injured dogs.

Some Shiba Inus suffer from hip dysplasia and will definitely benefit from a supportive orthopedic dog bed.

For dogs with hip dysplasia, we always recommend orthopedic dog beds that are constructed with 100%, single slab, thick memory foam.

Why Do Orthopedic Dog Beds Cost More Than Regular Dog Beds?

The main drawback to orthopedic dog beds is that they tend to cost quite a bit more than a regular dog bed would.

While a stuffed dog bed at the pet store may run you $10-$20, orthopedic dog beds can easily cost double, triple, or even more.

The higher price of orthopedic dog beds is mainly due to the higher costs of the materials used in these beds.

Egg-crate foam is more costly than foam filling, while memory foam is more costly than egg-crate foam.

Additionally orthopedic beds are usually constructed to be more durable than traditional dog beds.

Beds made of one thick layer of orthopedic material tend to cost more than beds made up of many small individual layers, but all versions will be more expensive than a typical dog bed.

Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Worth The Additional Cost?

A quality orthopedic bed is worth the extra cost because it ensures that your dog has a bed that offers support and comfort.

Most dogs, including some lazy Shiba Inus that I know, sleep more than they are awake. A supportive orthopedic bed will give these dogs rejuvenating rest while protecting their joint in the long term.

3 Good Reasons To Invest In An Orthopedic Bed:

1. They last longer. Because they are made with more durable materials, orthopedic dog beds tend to last a very long time- much longer than the cheaper alternatives.
2. They’ll suit every stage of your dog’s life. An orthopedic dog bed can easily last the duration of your dog’s life, especially a well-made memory foam bed with a washable cover.
3. From puppyhood to old age, orthopedic beds provide the comfort, support, and luxury that Shibas need at every stage of their lives for a good night's’ sleep.

When An Orthopedic Dog Bed Might Not Be Worth It:

• If your dog isn’t potty trained yet. If your Shiba puppy is still learning, don’t buy an orthopedic dog bed until they’ve got the routine down pat! It’s very hard to wash urine out of foam, and you’ll be peeved if your pup soils a brand new bed. For the interim period, feel free to purchase an inexpensive bed that you won’t mind tossing or throwing in the wash. Better yet, stick to soft towels or blankets until your pup knows where to potty.
• If your dog is a destroyer. If your Shiba delights in chewing up and destroying everything you place on the floor, you might want to skip the orthopedic dog bed. The materials inside an orthopedic bed may be irresistible to your little Attila the Hun, and you’ll have essentially spent a lot of money for an over-sized chew toy.

How to Choose and Orthopedic Dog Bed

There are a few basic things to keep in mind when shopping for an orthopedic dog bed for your Shiba Inu. Let’s break them down:

• How much do you want to spend? Orthopedic dog beds can run from inexpensive to unreasonable. Decide on your bed budget and stick with it. 
• Is your Shiba a destroyer? Do they chew on, dig in, and rip apart anything they can find? Because Shiba Inus are so intelligent, they bore easily and may entertain themselves by being destructive. If your Shiba is like this, you’ll want to focus on finding a bed that can withstand a little abuse. 
• Washable. Shiba Inus prefer being clean - and we prefer them and their belongings to be clean also. You’ll want to be able to throw the bed, or at least the bed cover, in the wash once and a while. Pick a bed that is washable!
• Your dog's personal preference. Shibas tend to have a lot of opinions, and while you can’t directly ask your dog what kind of bed they’d prefer, (or maybe you can? No judgment!) you know your Shiba Inu better than anyone. Do they like to snuggle up in a nest, or sprawl out on a big bed that’s made for a Great Dane? Do they like furry places to curl up in, or a smooth bed that’s easy to get in and out of? Take your dogs needs and predilections into consideration- if your Shiba won’t sleep on it, the dog bed isn’t very helpful!

"You can have the dog bed, i'll just take this...." - anonymous spoiled Shiba

Types of Orthopedic Dog Beds

There are a few types of orthopedic dog beds on the market. The following describes the most common:

• Memory Foam: Memory foam beds are made of the same material, invented by NASA, that human memory foam mattresses are made of. They are usually one slab of thick foam (but not always), and will conform to your dog’s body shape and weight. If you press down on a memory foam dog bed, you’ll see the imprint of your hand! Orthopedic beds made out of pure memory foam are the most supportive orthopedic beds available on the market. They also are the most expensive.
• Egg Crate: High quality egg crate foam is a great alternative to memory foam, as it tends to retain less heat yet still offers the comfort and support that your Shiba Inuneeds. These beds tend to be a little bit less expensive, as well. Most egg crate orthopedic dog beds are made of many layers of egg crate, or one single, thick piece.
• Filled: Filled orthopedic dog beds are not made of single pieces of foam, but are instead filled with lots of little bits of it. These beds, while comfy, don’t offer the same support that a single slab or layered foam does, so we don’t recommend them.

Additional Considerations For Choosing The Right Orthopedic Bed For Your Dog

• Keep in mind that single-slab memory foam, while it’s also the most expensive, also offers your Shiba the best in support and comfort. If you want to take advantage of all that an orthopedic bed has to offer, and you don’t mind spending a little extra, this is definitely the way to go.
• How hot is your house? If you live in place with cold winters, a memory foam bed may be the best option, as they retain enough heat to keep your Shiba snug all winter long. If you live in a tropical region, an egg-crate bed may be a better choice, as they tend to have better temperature control.
• Buy a larger sized bed than you think you need. Dogs prefer bigger beds and a bigger bed will ensure that your dog can find a comfortable position without having to contort themselves. As a rule of thumb, choose a bed that is about one foot longer than the length of your dog.
• Consider choosing a bed that offers a washable cover. Accidents do happen. And many times, it isn't pretty. Quality bed covers can prolong the life of the dog bed.

Our Top Orthopedic Dog Bed Choices:

The following list is our top choices for orthopedic beds. All of these beds should comfortably fit all Shiba Inu sizes.

If you don’t want to take the time to read about each pick, a sure bet would our top choice, the Pet Fusion Ultimate Bed and Lounge.

What about the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed?

While we have no doubt that the Big Barker is a quality, supportive orthopedic bed - the price point is just too high.

Some of the Big Barker beds cost almost as much as a twin bed for humans.

This is also true for the Furfighter orthopedic bolster bed. We love the bed - but not the price.

Is your head spinning from all the choices?

And imagine- we’ve only reviewed seven of them!

There are hundreds more available on the market.

We tried to locate the best of the best, keeping in mind materials, durability, comfort, and price.

If we had to choose between the orthopedic beds we’ve reviewed, the PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed & Lounge is the clear winner!

With its 4 inches of memory foam, comfortable “lounge” style borders, and waterproof cover, the PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed & Lounge is perfect for discerning Shibas who need the support of a memory foam mattress combined with the comfort of the plush headrests.

Many Shiba Inus love to burrow and make a little nest in their bed, and this model is perfect for it!

The solid slab of memory foam, coupled with the soft raised borders, make the PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed & Lounge a wonderful combination of coziness and support.

While the PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed & Lounge may set you back a little more than a regular dog bed from the pet store, the price is well worth the longevity, comfort and support.

And doesn’t your Shiba Inu deserve the best?