7 Best Elevated Dog Beds To Keep Your Pup Cool While Lounging Outside
Updated: Apr. 25, 2024
Your pup wants to spend the summer outside—with you! Help them stay cool, clean and comfy with these elevated dog beds suitable for outdoor use.
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Summer has arrived, and it’s time to prepare the patio and backyard for enjoyable days and evenings outdoors. Before you fire up the grill and settle down with a refreshing drink, remember to consider your four-legged family member. Your dog shares your love for the outdoors and enjoys spending time with you. Ensure they stay cool, clean and safe this summer with an elevated dog bed.
We have all witnessed dogs having a fantastic time in the backyard. They love rolling in the grass, playing fetch and diligently keeping track of the squirrels. However, these activities can be tiring and cause overheating. So, why not help your pup cool off and relax with an elevated dog bed? These raised platforms offer the perfect vantage point for overseeing their backyard domain.
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Best overall elevated dog bed
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot
We selected K&H’s bolster pet cot as our top pick for the best elevated dog bed due to its price, comfort and sturdiness. The bed features a robust metal frame with a slip-on canvas mesh surface and a breathable mesh center for constant air flow.
Removable padded bolsters offer your pup a sense of security, something to lean on and a spot to rest their weary head after a hard day of chasing squirrels. The materials are machine washable, ensuring easy maintenance, and the cot is available in three different sizes. For more ways to keep Fido cool outside, check out these dog cooling vests to prevent them from overheating.
Pros
- Collapses for easy storage and travel
- Mid-range price
- Bed and bolster covers are machine-washable
- Large size accommodates dogs up to 200 pounds
- Breathable mesh center for constant air flow
- Easy to assemble and disassemble—no tools necessary
Cons
- Some buyers say the bed sags too much under the weight of heavy dogs
Nancy Snyder/RD.com
Best budget elevated dog bed
Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
If you’re uncertain about your dog’s acceptance of an elevated pet bed, it’s better to start with baby steps (…er, paw steps). Amazon Basics offers a simple raised bed that costs between $30 and $50, depending on the size. This well-reviewed option (it boasts more than 49,000 five-star reviews!) features a cool canvas surface that raises your pup seven inches above the ground. The breathable fabric ensures your dog stays cool, while the elevation provides easier access for older dogs with joint issues.
Nancy Snyder, Senior Shopping Editor of The Pet Collective, is a fan: “My dog loves to sunbathe and I wanted something that would keep him comfortable—and clean—while lounging on my patio,” she says. “Not only was it quick and easy to put together, but my dog understood the assignment and hopped up immediately. It’s extremely durable for his 50-pound frame, which is important considering he’s now on it all day, every day.”
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Simple, easy-to-assemble construction
- Washes off with a hose
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- Some users say their big dogs jumped on the bed and bent the frame
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Best shaded elevated dog bed
Superjare Dog Bed with Canopy
While an elevated pet bed can be constructed with mesh to provide a cooler sleeping surface for dogs, what occurs on a sunny day? This shady dog bed features a built-in canopy, ensuring that your buddy doesn’t overheat due to excessive sun exposure. Plus, it eliminates the need for constantly relocating the bed to avoid direct sunlight. It is also collapsible and portable, making it suitable for camping trips or picnics at the park.
Pros
- Removable canopy provides extra sense of security for pets
- Anti-scratch durable material
- Good for extra-large dogs (up to 100 pounds)
- Collapsible, with a carrying case for easy portability
Cons
- Some users say it’s difficult to assemble
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Best portable elevated dog bed
Arcadia Trail Elevated Canopy Cot
This lightweight, easy-to-carry doggy cot folds up like a camp chair and provides a cool, clean place for your furry friend to rest after a day of hiking the hills or patrolling the backyard. It can be used alone or with the included canopy. There’s also a fold-down sunshade to provide additional cover and protection from the elements. It’s also the perfect option for any of these dog-friendly beaches—a cleaner dog means you bring home less sand! You can also keep your pup’s feet clean and cool with these dog shoes.
Pros
- Comes with a handy carrying case
- Water-resistant roll-down sunshade
- Washes off with a hose
- Holds pups up to 120 pounds
Cons
- Support bar in the middle may be uncomfortable for big dogs
- Some users say heavy dogs collapse the cot
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Best for multiple dogs
Iconic Pet Rattan Rectangular Sofa
Allow your pooches to gather on this extra-large rattan bed, designed with support on three sides. This stylish sofa-style pick seamlessly blends with various patio furniture options, and its comfy eco-friendly, foam-filled cushion may entice all the family pets to jump on board. The memory-foam cushion has a removable cover for easy cleaning, while the bed’s short legs facilitate easier access for older dogs to climb in and out.
Pros
- Three sizes, large size accommodates up to 120 pounds
- Comfortable eco-friendly foam-filled cushion
- Water-resistant and machine-washable cover
- Sturdy powder-coated metal frame with rattan weaving
Cons
- On the pricey side
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Best for an insecure dog
K&H Pet Cot House
If your anxious dog becomes slightly overwhelmed by crowds, noise or other animals, provide them with their own dedicated space for some alone time. This elevated pet bed doubles as a doghouse, featuring three enclosed sides and a door for them to observe all the action, just in case they experience doggie FOMO. The detachable cover includes two windows that can be rolled open to enhance airflow. The unit is available in three sizes and is also portable for added convenience.
Pros
- Provides shelter and security for a nervous pet
- Easy-to-wash nylon fabric is mold-, mildew- and bacteria-resistant
- Provides shade on sunny days
- Three sizes
Cons
- Larger dogs might not like the confined space and small door
- Only one color option
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Cutest elevated pet bed
PawHut Wicker Dog House
Seriously, this elevated pet bed is so cute, you might need to plant flowers in front of it (just steer clear of these poisonous plants for dogs!). Its peaked roof resembles a real house—all that’s missing is a mailbox! Made from a hand-woven rattan-style vinyl, this cute canopy bed blends right in with a variety of patio furniture. The foam mattress bed features a removable, washable cover for easy maintenance.
Pros
- Cute design provides comfort and shade
- 110-pound weight capacity
- Solid steel frame and all-weather rattan
- Attractive hand-woven style weave
- Easy-to-clean fabric cushion
Cons
- Mattress cover is not waterproof
- Some users say the assembly directions are hard to follow
What to consider when buying an elevated dog bed
We all strive to enhance the comfort of our pets, whether through a no-pull harness, an elevated water bowl or a portable dog water bottle. However, before purchasing a raised bed, there are a few factors to consider. First, take into account your budget, available space and your pup’s habits.
Your dog’s destructive tendencies, such as digging, chewing or scratching, may enable them to damage even the most resilient bed. Moreover, while an elevated bed can prevent your dog from resting directly on the ground, it cannot prevent them from rolling in the mud or getting dirty paws.
Your dog might not take a liking to the bed. If they are anything like our pets, they cannot be coerced into doing something they don’t want to do, including lying on a dog bed that doesn’t “feel” right to them. But remember, if your dog doesn’t fancy their new bed, you can always donate it to a local animal shelter.
Evaluation criteria
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FAQ
Are elevated dog beds better?
Some dogs prefer elevated dog beds, whether inside or outside. These beds can be particularly beneficial in keeping dogs cool during the summer months. Additionally, many pets enjoy the cozy sensation of being nestled in a dog hammock-like structure. An outdoor elevated bed prevents dogs from lying directly on hard—and often hot—patio surfaces.
Plus, for older dogs with arthritis, accessing a raised bed is easier compared to lying down and getting up from the ground. Overall, if your dog is comfortable with an elevated bed, it provides a cool, clean and comfortable option, especially for outdoor use.
How big should an elevated dog bed be?
You can select an elevated dog bed that’s more or less the same size as a regular dog bed. Your pup should have ample space to comfortably lie down and stretch out on their side, back, tummy or any sleeping position without the risk of rolling off the bed. In case you have multiple dogs, they might enjoy lounging together, so consider selecting a bed that can accommodate two (or more!) dogs. Don’t forget, the cat may also want to join in on the fun!
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Originally Published: June 22, 2023
