We Got Hands-On With The New Orvis RecoveryZone Dog Beds

Orvis makes one ofour favorite dog beds, so there's already ample reason to check out their new line of RecoveryZone therapeutic dog beds, which are designed to help dogs recover while they rest, for optimal health and wellness.

Known first as a purveyor of outdoor and fishing gear, Orvis began manufacturing dog beds in 1976, and have expanded into collars, leashes, car seat protectors, and foldable dog crates. For the new line of beds, Orvis went through 12 prototypes, studying a variety of foam types and configurations to find the best combination of support, comfort, and temperature regulation.

We had the chance to try out the final result at an event held in New York, and one of our favorite doggy testers, Gidget the Pomeranian, was along for the ride. Gidget tried out both versions of the new RecoveryZone dog beds and seemed to enjoy them. We couldn't resist trying them out as humans too—they're very comfortable! We will be conducting more extensive testing in the coming weeks, and considering it for inclusion in our roundups of the best dog beds.

In the meantime, we had the opportunity to speak to the developers of the new dog bed about how the RecoveryZone line innovates new approaches to a comfortable night's sleep for your dog.

From strenuous exercise, liking hiking and jogging, to daily walks, “it all comes down to supporting the recovery of a dog’s musculoskeletal system,” Dr. Kurt Venator DVM told The Spruce Pets. Dr. Venator is the Chief Veterinary Officer at Purina, who collaborated with Orvis on the development of the new therapeutic dog beds. “Dogs, much like people, are sore after they exercise, and with these beds, a dog’s weight is evenly dispersed so the bed isn’t putting pressure on sensitive areas or joints, like their hip or shoulder.”

A comfortable bed benefits every dog, but finding a bed that offers orthopedic support is especially advantageous for seniors dogs with mobility issues, like arthritis, and for dogs recovering from surgery.

Each RecoveryZone bed has two solid layers inside, four inches of medium-density foam topped with one inch of softer foam. “A traditional memory foam traps heat,” shared Brandon Jorgensen, Senior Product Designer at Orvis. Jorgensen’s team found that the combination of foam layers inside each RecoveryZone bed offers support and keeps dogs from getting hot while they sleep—which are essential for optimizing periods of rest and recovery.

Both types of foam in the RecoveryZone beds are manufactured in the United States and certified by theSustainable Furnishings Council (Certi-PUR)to be free of known ozone-depleting chemicals like formaldehyde, lead, and phthalates.

The RecoveryZone line has two styles, a Couch with three bolstered sides and a Lounger with a level surface, and each bed is lightweight with a flat handle (to minimize a dog’s temptation to chew) on the front for portability.

Since dogs are prone to getting messy, the team at Orvis also made sure these beds were equipped with an easy-to-remove, machine-washable cover that’s available in three fabric types: regular, ToughChew which is the most durable, and FleeceLock with an extra soft layer of fleece. And just like other Orvis dog beds, you can get the RecoveryZone bed custom embroidered with your dog's name.

The beds are available in four sizes, small for dogs up to 40 pounds and extra-large for dogs 90 to 120 pounds. For smaller dogs that might find the five-inch height to be too much of a climb, an extra-small version of the bed is in development. And just like other Orvis dog beds, you can get the RecoveryZone bed custom embroidered with your dog's name.

The new Orvis RecoveryZone dog beds are available now.