The Best Elevated Dog Beds
If there's one thing all dog lovers share in common, it's that we all want our pets to be healthy, happy, and well rested. An elevated dog bed can be the perfect tool for this: they're easier for your pooch to scramble onto than your mattress, and much of the time they can be just as comfy. If you have a dog with orthopedic issues, or simply want to ensure they don't develop them, an elevated dog best is a must for your canine companion's quality of life. There were three major things we decided to look at before giving you our dog bed recommendations: is this bed comfortable, is it ergonomic, and is it easy to set up and take care of? We found many fantastic variations for dog lovers of all kinds, from the adorable sofa-esque Best Choice Products bed for smaller dogs to the YEP HHO bed designed specifically for use in the rugged outdoors. No matter what sort of elevated dog bed your pooch needs, a good night (or day's) sleep awaits them somewhere on this list, so read on.
Coolaroo The Original Elevated Pet Bed
Form and function for Fido
There are many reasons to get your pup a proper dog bed. Not only does it give them a safe space of their own, but it may enhance their health in the long run, too. When it comes to choosing the best type of bed, a raised one does the most in terms of health. The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo keeps your pooch off the cold ground when it’s chilly out and lets air circulate through the waterproof, breathable mesh center when it’s hot out. It also creates low-impact areas to take pressure off the joints, helping to prevent arthritis. Best of all, looking after your dog’s health can be a stylish affair, too, because this bed comes in six different colors and is super easy to hose off after a particularly muddy lie-in.
Pros:
- This bed is made from recyclable material, letting you do a good thing for the earth while you serve your dog’s needs as well.
- It’s flea- and mite-resistant, adding an extra level of security when it comes to health.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to assemble.
Bedsure Original Elevated Dog Cot Bed
For big-boned babies
Lovable as big dogs may be, they tend to require more care than smaller ones when it comes to their joints. And that makes sense since they are carrying more weight around. Thankfully, the designers at Bedsure made an elevated dog bed just for these big boys. Accommodating dogs up to 85 pounds, this platform rises eight inches off the ground, which is just high enough to ease joint stress while still being low enough for older dogs to hop on and off. The curved corners of the durable frame will keep the bed stable, while the skid-resistant feet will make sure the bed doesn’t slide to and fro when your dog jumps off — no matter how big Fido may get.
Pros:
- This is very affordable compared to other beds designed specifically for large dogs.
- The roomy size means it can fit not only one large dog, but several mid-to-small sized dogs.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to fold and store.
K&H Pet Products Elevated Pet Bed
A cozier snooze
It’s no surprise that our pups are always trying to get into our beds. Not only do they get to sleep against their favorite humans, but they also get the benefit of laying on a super soft surface. Now while we may be tempted to get them their own plush, squishy bed, an elevated dog bed will be better for them in the long term. This doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable, though. This bed from K&H combines all the great features of a classic raised bed with a fluffy plush bolster to keep them secure and comfortable up high. And you can even purchase extra add-ons, like a canopy or self-warming cot cover from the same company.
Pros:
- It’s designed to look like a tiny couch for dogs, which is delightful.
- This bed is virtually odorless, meaning even the smelliest dogs won’t rub off on it (literally).
Cons:
- The bolster requires some extra care when washing to keep the seams intact.
Best Choice Products Cooling Dog Bed
More shade in more places
As much as you might love how loyal your dogs are, you probably don’t always want them following you around. This is especially the case when you’re out in your yard; you can probably tell your pooch is hot, but they won’t go indoors without you. That’s where a canopy bed like this elevated option by Best Choice Products can help. While the breathable mesh fabric helps to circulate air underneath their body, the removable canopy keeps them in the shade no matter what your outdoor space looks like. And you don’t have to worry about dragging the bed inside when you go in, either. The canopy is designed to withstand the elements, so Buster can come and go as he pleases, no matter the season.
Pros:
- The double reinforced stitching makes it more durable than many of its competitors.
- Its miniature size means cats and small dogs alike can relax in style.
Cons:
- The canopy sits too low for large dogs to jump in easily, so keep this one for pups and smaller pooches.
Yep HHO Portable Pet Bed
Adventures await
One of the best things about pups is that they’re almost always down for an adventure, and it’s even more fun when they get to go on one with you. But just like you need the proper gear to sleep under the stars, so does Fido. This elevated pet bed by Yep HHO is the perfect accessory to throw in the back of your car to make sure your pup gets as good a night’s sleep as you do. There’s no assembly required, either; simply fold it like a camping chair when you’re off for the day’s travels. And when the camping trip is over, you can put the lightweight bed into its carrying bag and hike back to your vehicle with it around your shoulder.
Pros:
- The fabric is heat resistant, making it a good choice for hot days.
- Its metal legs are very durable, letting it lay claim to being one of the sturdiest beds on our list.
Cons:
- It’s a bit on the pricy side compared to other models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my dog bed?
While an elevated dog bed will keep your pup cleaner than if they were just laying on the floor, it doesn’t mean that the bed itself won’t get dirty over time. Thankfully, because most raised dog beds are made using a mesh fabric center, you’ll be able to easily clean off any dirt by simply wiping it down with soap and water. You can even periodically hose the bed off if it is primarily used outdoors.
Are there any disadvantages to using an elevated dog bed?
Because these beds tend to use durable mesh and fabric, they may be stiffer than other beds. This can be a problem for dogs with particularly achy joints, in which case a proper orthopedic dog bed is recommended. Also, keep in mind that some dogs may just feel uncomfortable getting on a raised bed in the first place and may not end up using it.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.