Who said humans are the only ones that get to sleep in style? What if our canine companions want their own version of luxury sleeping arrangements? Well, fret no more!
In this article, we’re going to discuss the benefits of elevated pet beds and review some of the most popular models.
These beds are less common than their cushioned counterparts, but they can provide double the benefits. From support to temperature control, elevated dog beds provide some serious advantages – we’ll help you find out if they’re right for your pooch.
Best Elevated Dog Beds: Quick Picks
- #1 K&H Raised Pet Cot [Best All-Around] — Ultimate combination of quality and budget, this raised dog bed provides air circulation through the mesh top and is a breeze to assemble.
- #2 PetFusion Ultimate Outdoor Dog Bed [Most Comfortable] — This raised bed is made with a softer polyester mesh for added comfort, it’s suitable for outdoor use, and it includes a foam corner bolster that’s perfect for dogs who like to lean against their beds when they sleep.
- #3 Kuranda Chew-Proof Raised Bed [Best For Chewers] — Made with a chew-proof aluminum frame and durable vinyl, this raised bed can withstand even the chompiest dogs. Comes in several colors and sizes, including XXL size for giant canines.
- #4 HDP Elevated Napper Cot [Best For Travel] — Raised oxford fabric bed that can be easily folded for portability. Large will support a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
What is an Elevated Dog Bed?
Elevated dog beds are generally the human equivalent of a cot. The frame is composed of four sturdy legs, and fabric is pulled taut across the frame to provide support for the dog’s body.
The idea behind the product is pretty simple – to provide comfort and support for your dog while keeping them off the ground. This elevated bed design has provides a number of benefits, especially for arthritic or senior dogs.
1. K&H Elevated Pet Cot
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K&H Elevated Pet Cot
Lightweight dog bed that’s easy to disassemble, making it perfect for travel.
Features:
- Waterproof fabric. The mesh repels water, mold, mildew, and odors.
- Tool-free assembly. Setup takes only a few minutes.
- Great for travel. Lightweight and easy to break down for camping, picnics, etc.
Pros
- Large and extra-large models will support up to 200 pounds(!)
- Very easy to assemble and disassemble (no tools required)
- Available in sizes suitable for pretty big dogs
- This bed has earned extremely positive reviews from owners
Cons
- Some owners were disappointed it was made in China
- Owners reported that the frame will rust if left outside
- Has holes in corners
2. PetFusion Ultimate Elevated Outdoor Dog Bed
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PetFusion Outdoor Dog Bed
Elevated bed with a mesh laying surface and attached foam bolsters for added comfort.
Features:
- Ideal for larger dogs. Comes in a large or extra-large size for giant dogs
- High-quality breathable materials. This bed uses polyester fabric that’s generally more comfortable than the plastic-coated mesh bed commonly found in similarly-styled dog beds, while still remaining water-resistant and tear-resistant.
- Foam bolsters. Includes foam bolsters that offer a comfy spot for your dog to rest his head – this is especially great for dogs who like to lean.
- Steel frame. Durable steel frame provides solid support
- Weatherproof cover. This bed comes with a weatherproof cover to protect the bed when not in use.
Pros
- One of the best options for big dogs
- Foam bolsters provide a comfy place for your canine to rest his head
- Breathable mesh laying surface keeps your pup cool
- Steel frame is quite durable
Cons
- Kinda pricey
- Heavier than some other options, so may not be ideal for traveling
- Has holes in corners, but they’re pretty small
Meg here – Remy and I got to try out this bed and loved it! Remy loves to curl up and lean against his beds, so he really appreciates the bolsters. Our yard right now is pretty muddy, so it’s great that he now has a place to relax that’s raised off of the ground, keeping his coat a bit cleaner!
3. Kuranda Aluminum Chew-Proof Raised Bed
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Kuranda Aluminum Chew-Proof Raised Bed
Lightweight and durable dog bed that’s available in several colors and sizes.
Features:
- Wide variety of sizes. Ranging from small to XXL. Maximum weight is 250 pounds.
- Several color options. Available in burgundy, forest green, smoke, and royal blue.
- Easy to clean. Holds up to repeated cleaning.
- Vinyl fabric. This fabric is abrasion resistant and very durable.
- Hole-free design. The lack of holes in this design prevents the possibility of snagged paws.
Pros
- Vinyl fabric is durable and abrasion resistant
- Aluminum frame should be able to withstand most canine’s chompers
- 250-pound capacity (for XXL model) means it’s strong enough for even the largest pups
- Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Relatively expensive bed (but still more affordable than constantly replacing beds your dog chews)
- Some owners had trouble assembling the bed
4. HDP Elevated Napper Cot
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HDP Elevated Napper Cot
Light and collapsible dog bed that’s easy to fold up and carry in the included case.
Features:
- Heavy duty fabric. Made of water-resistant oxford material.
- Powder coated steel frame. Designed to resist rust.
- Padded support. Designed to increase comfort by adding cushioning.
- No tools needed. Assembly takes seconds.
- Lightweight and packs away into a bag. Perfect for travel or camping.
Pros
- Easy to break down and carry thanks to the folding frame and included bag
- Water-resistant fabric and rust-proof frame make it great for outdoor use
- Available in four colors to match your pup’s sense of style
Cons
- Large version is only suitable for pets weighing up to 40 pounds
- A few owners complained that the frame wasn’t especially stable
5. Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
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Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
Collapsible, elevated dog bed made with breathable fabric and a durable steel frame.
Features:
- Ideal for large dogs or small dogs. The large bed can hold dogs up to 100lbs.
- Breathable fabric. Made from HDPE knitted mesh fabric which allows plenty of air circulation.
- Steel frame. Lightweight and sturdy frame to offer maximum support and durability.
- Plenty of options. Available in five colors and three sizes.
Pros
- GREENGUARD certification gives owners peace of mind
- Very easy to assemble or disassemble
- Large enough for big ‘ol doggos
- Fabric allows a lot of air flow, making it great for use in warm climates
Cons
- Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, but there were scattered reports that the laying surface began to sag or rip over time
- Small holes present in the corners
6. Pawhut Elevated Dog Bed
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Pawhut Elevated Dog Bed
Elevated bed with a steel frame and canopy top to provide your pooch with some shade.
Features:
- Indoor and outdoor use. Designed to resist mold and mildew.
- Canopy allows for additional shade and cooling.
- Breathable fabric. Provides optimum ventilation for warmer days.
- Strong steel frame. Designed to be durable and is built to last.
- Easy to clean. Just use water and soap.
Pros
- Provides a cool and shady place for your pup to snooze
- Shade canopy utilizes poles and straps to stay in place
- Water-resistant fabric and a rust-proof frame make it great for outdoor use
Cons
- 26-pound capacity means this bed is only suitable for pretty small pups
- A few owners have noted that the frame is not very stable
- Small holes in the corners
What Are the Benefits of an Elevated Dog Bed?
Why use an elevated pet bed? So glad you asked!
Here are seven great benefits elevated dog beds provide to our pets.
1. Floor No More!
Elevated dog beds are perfect for getting your pooch off the hard floor. While the floor might seem like a swell sleeping place for your dog, it has damaging disadvantages.
Sleeping on the floor can cause unwanted pain in pressure points on hips, hocks, and elbows. Each time your dog gets up and down from the floor, these pressure points come in contact with the hard surface. In some dogs, this can lead to calluses or even sores, especially over the elbows.
This sleeping arrangement is especially hard on dogs with arthritis and joint problems because these pressure points typically coincide with the already sore areas. Pressure on these joints can lead to further inflammation and even more pain for your friend. Elevated pet beds eliminate these pressure points leading to a more comfortable sleep.
2. Staying Cool Or Toasty (Depending On The Season)
Elevated pet beds are wonderful for keeping your best friend warm in the cooler months and vice versa. By raising your pet off the floor, you are preventing them from being in contact with a potentially cold surface. This allows your pooch to stay warmer (which is also great for your dog’s joints, as keeping warm relieves stiff joints).
These dog beds are also great in the summer, as the elevated design allows for air to circulate beneath your pet, which has a cooling effect. It’s a win-win design!
3. Easy on the Knees
As dogs get older, it often gets more difficult for them to lay down or get up from their bed. Elevated dog beds allow dogs to simply step into or off of the bed. They don’t need to cover as much of a distance when getting up and down.
Getting onto and off of a raised surface is a much easier movement for senior canines, as its easier on their joints.
4. Sleeping on the Go
Elevated dog beds are lightweight and easy to assemble, making them perfect dog beds for traveling. Simply break them down and pack them away for transportation.
5. Perfect for Dogs That Love the Outdoors
Raised dog beds are a great way to keep your dog elevated off of the cold ground, mud, or wet grass.
Whether you plan on placing the bed in your backyard or packing it away for camping, elevated dog beds are a wonderful option for the outdoors since they prevent your pup from getting into close contact with the dirty ground (or at least stop your hound from rolling around in the dirt while sleeping).
6. Easiest Beds to Clean
Worried the bed will get dirty?
The durable canvas mesh and plastic/metal frame of traditionally-styled elevated dog beds are easy to hose off before you bring the bed back in the house.
These elevated canvas beds are much easier and quicker to clean than foam or stuffed beds, which require at least one run through the washing machine to get truly clean.
7. Won’t Empty Your Pockets
Raised dog beds are extremely affordable when compared to orthopedic dog beds designed for the same purpose. There are options that can fit every budget!
How to Pick the Best Elevated Dog Bed
When shopping for an elevated dog bed you will want to have this checklist in mind:
- Size and Height: To make sure your dog is as comfortable as can be, you want the size of the dog bed to be appropriate. Your dog should be able to curl up without any limbs hanging over the frame. Also, be sure that the bed is not too high or too low – your dog should be able to easily step onto or off of the bed without issue.
- Materials: Ideally, the bed’s frame should be made out of aluminum or steel. PVC doesn’t have the same amount of strength as metal, although it’s usually fine for smaller to medium sized dogs If you do choose to go with PVC, make sure the bed you’re after can withstand the weight of your dog. I would recommend going with a bed that has a higher maximum weight, just to be safe.
- Fabric: Most elevated dog beds come with a strong mesh fabric. Opt for a fabric with a tight weave to prevent snagging of nails and collar tags. The mesh should be strung tightly across the frame to provide adequate support and prevent sagging.
- Quality: Choosing a bed made from high-quality materials is key to providing optimum comfort and to guarantee the bed will last for years to come. A strong metal frame and fabric made of a durable canvas mesh will prevent collapsing and tearing of the bed.
- Durability: These beds need to be able to take some abuse. This is important because they have to provide adequate support, but also because they need to last though each of your dog’s life stages. This means the bed should hold up against teething puppies and the consistent use by an adult or senior dog. Strong metal materials and a thick canvas should be able to withstand a beating by even a rough and tough dog!
- Ease of Cleaning: Ideally, these beds should be easily cleaned. The frame and canvas need to be made of materials that can be cleaned with water and detergents without causing damage to the integrity of the bed. Look for weatherproof options, especially if you plan on bringing the bed outdoors.
- Portability: These beds should be lightweight and easy to assemble, especially if you plan on using them both indoor and outdoors, moving throughout the day or between seasons. These raised dog beds are ideal for people who travel, go camping, or go to shows with their dogs. The bed will provide a comfortable place for your pooch to rest his paws without lying on the cold, hard ground.
- Avoid Corner Holes: Some frames will have a hold at each of the four corners. This poses a possible safety issue as dogs can get their feet snagged in these holes. Look for a bed that has a uniform fabric around the perimeter of the frame.
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FAQ About Elevated Dog Beds
Are elevated dog beds better?
Elevated dog beds are better for some dogs, but they aren’t a necessity in many cases. Elevated dog beds are a better option than a standard padded dog bed for dogs who overheat easily or who need a joint-friendly dog bed option.
How do you put an elevated dog bed together?
Most elevated dog beds use a mesh panel along with metal or plastic support pieces. Only light installation is required, as you’ll likely need to attach a few components and slide the mesh panel over the support pieces.
Which dogs like elevated dog beds?
Elevated dog beds tend to be popular with dogs who spend a lot of time outside in the heat, since elevated dog beds cool faster than standard foam or cushion dog beds. They’re also great for large dogs with joint issues, as the mesh canopy tends to be easy on joints.
Do elevated dog beds work?
Yes, elevated dog beds do a great job at keeping your pup comfortable. The cooling function works due to the fact that air can circulate underneath the bed, keeping your dog cooler on a hot day. It’s a bit like sleeping on a hammock!
Can you leave an elevated dog bed outside?
You can use an elevated dog bed inside or outside. Elevated beds tend to be popular for outside use because they’re incredibly easy to clean without the need for careful fabric spot cleaning or machine washing. Just spray down the bed with a hose or give it a light scrub with some soap and a sponge as needed.
What’s your top pick for an elevated dog bed? Share your thoughts in the comments!
5 Comments
June 5, 2019
Very well written dog bed article. I have never seen these dog bed articles before. Are any of these pet beds good for german shephard dogs? Thank you for the well written article. I enjoyed reading it.
June 6, 2019
Hey, Bill. Glad you enjoyed the article.
We’d probably recommend the Coolaroo (#1) or the Kuranda (#3) for a big shepherd.
Let us know which one you choose! Thanks for reading.
January 6, 2019
You left out the Petcot (petcot.com)! We bought one over a decade ago, and it still looks new. It’s been the favorite bed of every dog that’s come to our house, so it’s apparently very comfortable. We now also have a puppy who’s been stealing the bed from our now-11-year-old dog, so I’m getting him one of his own. I was shocked to see the price hasn’t even gone up over the years! Great product and great customer service, too.
January 4, 2019
You say the Coolaroo is the most affordable, but above in the comparison chart it shows as least $. One of these must be a mistake ?
January 4, 2019
Yup, that’s a mistake. Correcting that now!