Choosing a dog bed sounds simple until you actually start looking for one to buy. Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed looks simple, but getting the right one for your dog is not that simple.
I have found that many dog beds look impressive in product photos but leave you with the same questions after you start checking them closely: And this are some of the questions that may come to your mind. Is it actually comfortable? Is the sleeping area big enough? Will my dog find it easy to get into? Can I clean it properly? And most importantly, is the design suitable for the way my dog actually sleeps?
That is why the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed caught my attention. At brooktroutdogcollar.com we help dog owner select what is perfect for their dogs.
Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed is not just another rectangular cushion that you throw into a corner of the house. The Oslo Ortho combines a memory foam sleeping surface, raised bolsters, a scooped entrance and a furniture-style design. It is available in four sizes, from Small through XL, and the largest version has an external footprint of 47 by 35 inches.
After looking closely at how the bed is designed, how the different sizes work and what is involved in maintaining it, I think the most important thing to understand is this:
The Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed is designed around the dog’s sleeping experience, not simply around having a soft cushion on the floor.
Here is what I would look at before buying one.
What Is the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed?
The Bowsers Oslo Ortho is an orthopedic-style dog bed built around a cushioned center and supportive raised sides.
The first thing I notice about the design is the scooped front.
Instead of making the dog climb over a tall bolster to get into the bed, Bowsers lowers the front section. That makes the entrance more accessible while still keeping the raised sides around much of the sleeping area.
The center cushion uses Cool Gel memory foam, while the surrounding bolsters give the bed its nest-like shape. The outer cover is removable and washable, and replacement components are available if parts of the bed eventually need replacing.
That last part is something I particularly like about the design.
A dog bed does not necessarily become useless just because the outer cover becomes worn. Bowsers currently offers replacement outer covers, inner cushion covers, memory foam inserts and bolster sets for the Oslo Ortho.
That gives the bed a different ownership proposition from a cheaper bed that you simply throw away when one component wears out.
Why the Scooped Front Matters
The scooped front is one of the most interesting features of the Oslo Ortho.
At first glance, it may look like a design choice made primarily for appearance. It is certainly part of the bed’s modern look, but it also serves a practical purpose.
Think about how your dog gets into bed.
A young, agile dog may happily jump over a raised edge. An older dog, a smaller dog or a dog that does not like stepping over obstacles may prefer a lower entrance.
The Oslo Ortho gives the dog a defined sleeping space without making the entire front edge a high barrier.
Retailers specifically describe the scooped design as providing easier access for smaller and older dogs, including dogs with arthritis.
I would not interpret that as meaning the bed treats arthritis or any other medical condition. A dog with a medical problem should still be assessed by a veterinarian.
What the design does provide is a lower entry point, and that can be a useful consideration when choosing a bed for a dog that finds climbing into conventional bolster beds difficult.
The Cool Gel Memory Foam Is the Main Attraction
The center cushion is where the Oslo Ortho moves beyond a basic dog bed.
Bowsers uses memory foam with Cool Gel Micro Beads in the cushion. The product information describes these beads as helping regulate body temperature.
The important thing here is not to overcomplicate the technology.
Your dog still lies on a padded sleeping surface. The difference is that the manufacturer has designed the cushion to provide a more supportive sleeping experience while incorporating cooling material.
For a dog that spends long periods sleeping, the center cushion is therefore one of the parts I would pay the most attention to.
The bed also has a removable center cushion, which makes maintenance more practical than having the entire bed permanently stitched together.
Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed Sizes
This is the section I want you to read carefully before ordering.
Do not choose your size simply because you have a “large dog.”
Measure your dog and pay attention to the inner sleeping dimensions, not just the external dimensions.
Here is the current sizing information:
| Size | Outer Dimensions | Inner Dimensions | Recommended Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 29 × 23 × 8.5 in | 18 × 14 × 5 in | Up to 25 lbs |
| Medium | 33 × 26 × 10 in | 22 × 18 × 6 in | Up to 50 lbs |
| Large | 39 × 30 × 11 in | 28 × 22 × 7 in | Up to 85 lbs |
| XL | 47 × 35 × 11 in | 35 × 24 × 7 in | Up to 120 lbs |
These measurements are listed by Bowsers and current retailers carrying the product.
Why the inner dimensions matter
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make when shopping for a dog bed.
An XL bed measuring 47 inches long sounds enormous.
But the actual inner sleeping area is approximately 35 by 24 inches.
The difference comes from the surrounding bolsters and structure.
That is not necessarily a problem. The bolsters are part of what makes this a nesting-style bed. However, if your dog stretches out when sleeping, I would measure your dog first instead of assuming that “XL” automatically means unlimited space.
Which Bowsers Oslo Ortho Size Should You Buy?
I would approach sizing based on this three things:
Your dog’s weight.
Dog’s body length.
Your dog’s sleeping position.
Weight gives you a starting point, but it should not be the only measurement.
A 50-pound dog that curls up tightly may have completely different space requirements from a 50-pound dog that stretches out across the entire bed.
Small
The Small measures 29 by 23 inches externally and has an 18 by 14-inch inner sleeping area.
It is designed for dogs up to 25 pounds.
Medium
The Medium provides a 22 by 18-inch inner sleeping area and is listed for dogs up to 50 pounds.
This is the point where I would definitely measure your dog before buying.
Large
The Large gives you a 28 by 22-inch inner sleeping area and is listed for dogs up to 85 pounds.
This makes it particularly relevant when shopping for a larger dog that still enjoys the security of bolstered sides.
XL
The XL measures 47 by 35 by 11 inches externally and provides a 35 by 24-inch inner sleeping area.
Bowsers lists it for dogs up to 120 pounds.
For an XL purchase, I would measure the dog’s normal sleeping position before placing an order.
What Does the Oslo Ortho Feel Like to Use?
The biggest difference between this bed and a simple flat dog mattress is the sense of enclosure.
The dog gets a defined central sleeping area while the raised bolsters create somewhere to lean against or rest the head.
If your dog likes curling up against the side of a bed, this design makes sense.
If your dog prefers to lie completely flat with its legs extended in every direction, I would pay more attention to the inner dimensions before buying.
The bed is essentially trying to solve two different comfort preferences at once:
A soft, supportive center for sleeping.
Raised sides for dogs that like a nest-like sleeping position.
That combination is what makes the Oslo Ortho different from a basic flat orthopedic mattress.
Is the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Good for Senior Dogs?
This is one of the strongest reasons to consider the design.
Senior dogs often have different needs from young dogs. Even without making medical claims, you can see why a lower entrance could be useful.
The Oslo Ortho’s scooped front reduces the need to step over a full-height bolster.
The memory foam center also gives the dog a dedicated padded sleeping surface.
And because the cover can be removed for cleaning, you are not stuck with a permanently enclosed cushion.
If your dog has arthritis, IVDD, joint disease or another medical condition, I would still speak with a veterinarian about the most appropriate sleeping arrangement.
For broader information about dog-related topics, I also cover subjects such as IVDD in dogs on BrookTroutDogCollar.com, so I would treat the bed decision and any medical advice as two separate questions.
What I Like About the Bowsers Oslo Ortho
There are several things that stand out to me when I examine the design.
The entrance is practical
The scooped front gives the bed a distinctive appearance while creating a lower entry point.
The sleeping area is more than a basic cushion
The Cool Gel memory foam center gives the bed a more structured sleeping surface.
The bolsters have a purpose
They create the feeling of a nest and give dogs something to lean against.
The cover is removable
The outer cover can be removed for cleaning, which matters because dog beds collect hair, dirt, dust and odors over time.
Replacement components are available
This is one of the most practical features.
Bowsers currently lists replacement memory foam inserts, inner cushion covers, outer covers and bolster sets.
It looks like furniture
The two-tone fabric and structured design make the bed look more deliberate than a simple cushion thrown into the corner of a room.
What I Would Consider Before Buying
I don’t think every dog needs an Oslo Ortho.
And that is important to say.
If you are buying purely based on the name or the photographs, you may miss the things that actually determine whether the bed suits your dog.
Your dog may not need bolsters
Some dogs love them.
Some dogs completely ignore them.
Some dogs prefer a flat mattress.
Watch how your dog sleeps before deciding.
The external size can be misleading
Always compare the external and internal dimensions.
The XL, for example, is 47 by 35 inches externally but has a 35 by 24-inch inner sleeping area.
It is not the cheapest type of dog bed
This is a premium-style product, so I would not compare it directly with a basic foam mat.
You are paying for the construction, design, materials, replaceable components and overall presentation.
It may not suit destructive chewers
If your dog regularly destroys cushions, fabric and zippers, I would think carefully before spending money on a premium upholstered bed.
No fabric dog bed should be treated as indestructible.
How Do You Clean the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed?
Cleaning is something I would investigate before buying any dog bed.
With the Oslo Ortho, the outer cover is removable.
Current care instructions indicate that you unzip the outer cover, remove the bolsters, rezip the cover and wash the cover on a cool setting. The cushion cover is also removable, while the foam and bolsters have their own care requirements.
That means you should not simply assume you can put the entire assembled bed into a washing machine.
I would remove the individual components first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
That sounds like extra work, but it is actually useful because it allows you to clean the part that gets dirty without treating the entire bed as one giant piece.
Replacement Parts Could Extend the Life of the Bed
This is one area where I think buyers should pay more attention.
Bowsers currently sells separate replacement parts for the Oslo Ortho, including:
- Cool Gel memory foam replacement inserts
- Inner cushion covers
- Outer covers
- Inner bolster sets
The outer replacement cover is available in the same four size categories, from Small through XL.
This matters because the part of a dog bed that wears out first may not be the foam.
It could be the cover.
Or the cushion.
Or a bolster.
Being able to replace individual components can make more sense than replacing the entire bed.
Bowsers Oslo Ortho vs a Basic Dog Bed
The easiest way to understand the Oslo Ortho is to compare what you are actually getting.
| Feature | Oslo Ortho | Basic Dog Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam center | Yes | Depends |
| Cool Gel material | Yes | Usually not |
| Raised bolsters | Yes | Depends |
| Scooped entrance | Yes | Usually not |
| Removable cover | Yes | Depends |
| Replacement components | Available | Depends |
| Multiple sizes | Yes | Usually |
| Furniture-style design | Yes | Depends |
The Oslo Ortho is therefore not simply competing with a cheap cushion.
It is aimed at someone who wants a combination of support, nesting, accessibility, cleanability and appearance.
Who Is the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed Best Suited For?
I would put the ideal buyer into a few categories.
Dogs that like to curl up
The raised sides give these dogs somewhere to settle against.
Dogs that like to rest their heads on a bolster
The surrounding structure provides several places to do that.
Older dogs
The lower front can make getting into the bed easier than climbing over a tall front bolster.
Larger dogs
The Large and XL versions provide substantially more space than the smaller sizes.
Owners who care about home appearance
The structured design looks more like furniture than a basic pet cushion.
Owners who want replaceable components
This is particularly useful if you plan to keep the bed for a long time.
Who Might Want Something Different?
I would consider another style of bed if:
- Your dog prefers a completely flat sleeping surface.
- Your dog destroys upholstered beds.
- You have very limited floor space.
- You only want the cheapest possible sleeping mat.
- Your dog needs a specialized veterinary-recommended sleeping solution.
The right dog bed should match the dog rather than the marketing description.
7 Things I Would Check Before Buying the Bowsers Oslo Ortho
If I were standing in front of the product page ready to order, these are the seven things I would check first.
1. Measure the dog
Don’t rely only on breed.
2. Measure the sleeping position
Does your dog curl up or stretch out?
3. Check the inner dimensions
The outer measurement isn’t the actual sleeping area.
4. Consider the entrance
A low entry can be useful, particularly for dogs that dislike climbing over high edges.
5. Think about cleaning
Make sure you are comfortable removing the covers and components.
6. Consider your dog’s chewing habits
Premium fabric and zippers are not designed to make a bed indestructible.
7. Look at replacement parts
Knowing that covers, foam inserts and bolsters can be replaced changes how I think about the long-term value of the bed.
Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed: My Final Take
The Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed stands out because it combines several features that normally make you choose between different types of dog beds.
You get a supportive memory foam center, raised bolsters, a lower scooped entrance, removable covers and multiple sizes. The Cool Gel component adds another feature to the sleeping surface, while the availability of replacement parts gives owners a way to maintain individual components rather than automatically replacing the entire bed.
But I would not buy it simply because the product looks luxurious.
Measure your dog first.
Look at the inner sleeping dimensions.
Think about how your dog sleeps.
Consider whether your dog likes bolsters.
And think about how much cleaning and maintenance you are prepared to do.
For the right dog, those details are more important than the appearance of the bed.
If you spend a lot of time thinking about your dog’s outdoor lifestyle as well, BrookTroutDogCollar.com also covers dog collar sizing, outdoor dog accessories and waterproof dog leashes. I recommend looking at those guides alongside your bed research because the best dog setup is the one that fits your dog’s actual lifestyle, not simply the one that looks best in a product photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed orthopedic?
It is marketed and designed as an orthopedic-style dog bed, with a Cool Gel memory foam center cushion. However, I would not treat the product as a medical device or claim that it treats a particular health condition.
Is the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed good for older dogs?
The scooped front provides a lower entry point, which can be useful for some older dogs. However, dogs with mobility or medical problems should still receive appropriate veterinary advice.
What is the largest Bowsers Oslo Ortho size?
The XL is the largest listed size. Its outer dimensions are 47 × 35 × 11 inches, with an inner sleeping area of approximately 35 × 24 × 7 inches.
Is the Bowsers Oslo Ortho Dog Bed washable?
The covers are removable and washable according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. You should remove the internal components rather than washing the entire assembled bed.
Can you buy replacement parts for the Oslo Ortho?
Yes. Bowsers currently lists replacement outer covers, inner cushion covers, Cool Gel memory foam inserts and bolster sets.
Is the Oslo Ortho suitable for large dogs?
The Large and XL sizes are designed for larger dogs, with the manufacturer and retailers listing the Large for dogs up to 85 pounds and XL for dogs up to 120 pounds. Always consider your dog’s actual body dimensions and sleeping position rather than weight alone.
Does the Oslo Ortho have memory foam?
Yes. The center cushion uses Cool Gel memory foam, with Cool Gel Micro Beads described as helping regulate body temperature.
Is the Oslo Ortho Dog Bed worth it?
That depends on what you need from a dog bed. If you want a simple inexpensive cushion, you may not need its additional design features. If you value a memory foam center, bolsters, a scooped entrance, removable covers and replaceable components, those features are much more relevant to your decision.
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