Choosing a bed for a senior dog: what changes after the age of eight

Older dogs sleep more, find it harder to get up and are more sensitive to the cold. A bed that suited your dog at three may no longer provide enough support at nine.

Easy access High sides can be an obstacle for a dog with arthritis. Choose a mattress or a bed with bolsters on no more than three sides, leaving the front open for easy access.

A thicker, firmer core A senior dog needs a core that keeps them comfortably clear of the floor throughout the night. For dogs weighing more than 20 kg, we recommend at least 8 to 10 cm of high-resilience foam. Counter-intuitively, an overly soft filling can make getting up more difficult.

Warmth and draughts As senior dogs are less able to regulate their body temperature, they need a draught-free spot — ideally with a slightly thicker sleeping surface in winter.

A non-slip base A bed that slides across a smooth floor poses a risk to an older dog. A non-slip base, or a rug beneath the bed, will give them greater stability when getting up.

Hygiene Night-time accidents are common in senior dogs. A waterproof liner beneath the cover and a spare cover to hand will make life easier for you both.