The Best Elevated Dog Beds
If you've seen your dog sleeping on the cold hard floor and thought, "he looks happy," well, that very well may be true. But he could be happier. With the help of an elevated dog bed, Buster's slumbers could be more peaceful than ever. Elevated beds do a few things. First, they give your dog a dedicated place to sleep. But any old dog bed could do that. The elevated design provides increased airflow, which helps keep your dog cool. Elevated dog beds are also popular because they're portable, easy to clean, and durable.
What to Look For
Finding the best-elevated bed for your pooch’s needs, though, can be a challenge. The market is replete with duds and cheap beds masquerading as good ones. To help you cut through the noise, we researched and rounded up a few of our favorites. For example, we love anything made by Coolaroo, and their elevated bed is no exception — especially because it’s a great bed for dogs who are prone to overheating. And Pet Gear’s portable bed wowed us with its clever, fold-up design. There are more elevated beds where those came from, but to discover them, you’ll have to follow our lead and read on.
AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
Rock-a-bye, puppy
Sometimes, the simplest option is the best, and that’s exactly what we found with this AmazonBasics elevated pet bed. It’s just a mesh fabric supported by a metal frame, but its comfort is what makes it the perfect place for dogs to sleep. The mesh this bed is made from is breathable, so it helps to keep your dog cool on hot days.
Pros:
- We all know how gross a dog’s bed can become over time as grime and fur accumulate. Cleaning this one is easy, as you can just spray it down in the shower or with a hose.
- Because it’s so affordable, you might decide it makes sense to buy one for indoors and one for outdoors. That way, you won’t have to carry it back and forth when your pooch wants to lounge outside.
Cons:
- This may lack specific features that other elevated dog beds have, but its affordable price and comfort level make up for it.
Coolaroo’s Original Elevated Pet Bed
Feel the breeze
This product is where elevated pet beds began. Coolaroo created this style of bed and the competitors followed suit, so you can trust that you’re getting quality when you choose this beauty. This bed’s selling point is not just that it’s elevated, though; what is also so good about it is that it helps keep your dog cool.
The cooling feature works with the use of high-density polyethylene fabric. This fabric is naturally breathable and cooling, so this combined with the elevated design creates the perfect combination for a cooled-off pup. It’s also resistant to mold, mildew, mites, and fleas, which is a huge plus in keeping our furry friends as safe as possible.
Pros:
- Though it may not seem that important, we appreciate the variety of colors on offer here. After all, this bed will serve as a piece of furniture in your home.
- The mesh top provides a low-impact resting place, which is great for older or injured dogs’ joints.
Cons:
- Assembling this bed is not an easy task. You’ll need patience and some time to do it right.
Pet Gear Portable Elevated Dog Bed
If you often travel with your pups, you know that the right gear is essential. This portable elevated dog bed is the perfect way to keep your canine content and happy, even during travel.
Instead of taking the frame completely apart, you can simply fold the legs down and fold the bed in half when it’s time to go. This feature makes travel easy for you, and it makes sure your dog can have the same cozy bed with them wherever you go.
Pros:
- The sleeping surface rests closer to the ground, so if your dog is weak, injured, or older, they’ll be able to hop onto this with no trouble.
- Camping enthusiasts might benefit from this portable bed since it provides dogs an alternative to sleeping on the dirty ground.
Cons:
- The fabric isn’t the most chew-resistant, so if you’re dog is a chomper, consider a different option.
Phyex Elevated Dog Bed
Quality meets affordability
If costlier beds are a bit outside of your price range, this Phyex bed is one you’ll want to consider. It has pretty much all the great features of our favorite beds, but it’s available at a significantly lower price.
This elevated dog bed comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, and you can choose between gray and brown for the mesh color when you place your order. It’s also breathable, easy to assemble, and able to be used both indoors and outdoors. When you combine these factors with its low price point, this bed is a deal that just can’t be beaten.
Pros:
- Despite the sturdy steel frame, this bed is light enough to be carried in and outside. If only all our beds were so portable.
- It’s easy to clean in the shower or with a hose outside, so you won’t have to worry about stains and odors building up with this bed.
Cons:
- If you live alone, this bed may be hard to assemble. It’s much easier to do with two people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of elevated dog beds?
Elevated dog beds keep dogs cool, give them a place to sleep that is not on the floor, and they stay much cleaner than plush or fabric dog beds. They can also provide relief for the painful bones and joints that can come with injury, disease, or old age.
How do I know if my dog will like an elevated bed?
If your dog likes laying on raised items (such as the couch or a human bed) more than plopping on the floor, it’s more than likely that your dog will love this style of bed. There’s something about being off the floor that just lets dogs feel as comfortable as ever.
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