If you are anything like me, you are always looking for ways to make your dog’s life healthier, more comfortable and overall better.
Up until recently, however, I was overlooking an incredibly important aspect: sleep. Not realizing sleep is a vital function, I was letting my dog sleep wherever it wanted to, be it a couch or a large cushion on the floor.
Now, my dog has a perfect bed that it can lay on whenever it wants to. The best part is that this bed is perfectly well-suited for outdoor use.
Quick Picks: The 5 Top-Rated Outdoor Dog Beds
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In a hurry? Check our best pick above, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide!
5 Reviews of the Best Outdoor Dog Beds
The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo
Elevated over seven inches off the ground, this cot-style outdoor dog bed can help keep your beloved pet safe from dust, insects, water and any other external element that could cause it harm. What is more, it prevents the dog from touching the cold floor that some outdoor environments are known for.
Ample and stable, this outdoor dog bed offers a lot in terms of support. Remarkably, it does this while also creating low-impact areas, preventing damage to pressure points and joints. As a result, The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo is a great option for older and delicate dogs.
In terms of materials, this dog bed is rather average. Its legs are made of steel. However, they are very thin. On the positive side, this characteristic makes the bed very lightweight. On the negative side, however, it makes it a bit flimsy. The fabric section of the bed is made of a breathable high-density polyethylene that works well but is difficult to wash.
Pros:
- Provides low-impact areas for added comfort.
- Lightweight.
- Portable.
- Comfortable.
- Prevents direct contact with the floor.
Cons:
- Somewhat flimsy.
- Difficult to wash.
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot
This waterproof outdoor dog bed is ample, comfortable and remarkably stable. Elevated off the ground, it helps keep your dog clean and safe. Featuring a fluffy plush bolster, it provides your pooch with a comfortable and reassuring space that it can call its own. More notable than anything, however, is its sturdy construction. No matter how rowdy your dog is, this cot-style dog bed will maintain its structural integrity.
Featuring an innovative design, the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot provides spaciousness and comfort without sacrificing stability or balance. Furthermore, this design promotes airflow, making this product a great choice for the warmer months of spring and summer. As a matter of fact, the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot would even make a good dog bed for travel and camping if it was a bit more portable.
Unfortunately, this product requires some assembly before it can be used. However, the processes of assembly and disassembly can be performed in a matter of minutes and without the use of tools. Additionally, something else positive that comes out of this is that it makes the bed’s bolster removable and, as a result, machine washable.
Pros:
- Machine washable bolster.
- Very stable.
- Very durable.
- Prevents the dog from being in direct contact with the floor.
- Waterproof, bacteria, mold and mildew resistant
Cons:
- Not portable.
- Heavy.
K&H Manufacturing Lectro Soft Heated Pet Bed
If your dog is mature or suffers from physical problems, you may want to take a look at the K&H Manufacturing Lectro Soft Heated Pet Bed. This orthopedic outdoor dog bed has several features designed to provide comfort, support and warmth to your pet. As a result, it is capable of improving the health of your pooch.
Featuring an electric temperature control system, the K&H Manufacturing Lectro Soft Heated Pet Bed can help keep your pet nice and warm at all times. As a result, it’s a great option for dogs that sleep outdoors in temperatures below cozy. If you are worried about this system getting too hot, don’t be: It is self-regulated, maintaining a specific temperature at all times and allowing you to go about your day (and night) without worrying about anything.
Made of orthopedic foam, the K&H Manufacturing Lectro Soft Heated Pet Bed is notably soft. If you have a hyperactive and vigorous dog, however, that may not be the best news. This bed is so soft that it can be easily torn apart by an over-excited good boy with a lot of energy to burn. However, keep in mind that older dogs do not usually tend to display that type of destructive behavior.
Pros:
- Self-regulated temperature.
- Orthopedic.
- Provides great support.
Cons:
- Frail and easy to destroy.
SuperJare XLarge Dog Cot With Canopy
Featuring a flashy design that is as innovative as it is luxurious, this covered outdoor dog bed is definitely worth a look. Elevated off the ground cot-style, it can help keep your beloved dog protected from anything that may be on the ground. That is not all, however, as it also features a tent-like protective cover that can keep your pet safe from excessive sunlight and even rain.
Despite being foldable, the SuperJare XLarge Dog Cot is supportive and stable. In fact, its steel structure can hold up dogs of up to 120 pounds without flinching. Meanwhile, its 1680D Oxford fabric body is durable, resistant to external elements and comfortable enough to keep your pet happy.
The SuperJare XLarge Dog Cot is marketed as being portable. While it is true that it can be folded up and carried from one place to another, calling it portable may be a stretch due to its size and weight. Still, when used as a static outdoor dog bed, this is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Protects pets from the sun.
- Durable and resistant.
- Stable and supportive.
Cons:
- Difficult to mount and carry.
Kuranda Ultra-Duty Aluminum Outdoor Dog Bed
The last product in our list of the best outdoor dog beds is the Kuranda Ultra-Duty Aluminum Outdoor Dog Bed. Made out of a patented material that is ultra resistant and durable, this product can take the biggest and rowdiest dogs without a problem. Apart from being elevated, its structure is extra-stable. Additionally, the bed’s design is orthopedic and extra comfortable.
Made out of high-quality vinyl, this outdoor dog bed’s main section is highly supportive. In addition, it’s durable and resistant to scratching or chewing. As if all that wasn’t enough, this material is incredibly easy to clean. Meanwhile, the bed’s frame is made out of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, making this product, at the same time, tough and lightweight.
Pros:
- Very tough and durable.
- Easy to clean.
- Anti-chew materials.
- Lightweight.
- Supports up to 250 pounds.
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble.
Best Outdoor Dog Beds – A Buyer’s Guide
Why Does My Dog Needs Its Own Bed?
Perhaps you are wondering why you shouldn’t just let your dog sleep on your bed or anywhere else it wants to. If you want to know the benefits of getting your dog its own bed, keep on reading:
Security
Having its own cozy little spot for sleeping gives your dog a sense of safety and security. That can help calm them down whenever they are feeling anxious, nervous or upset. Being territorial animals, dogs truly appreciate having a place they can claim as their own.
Comfort
Without a doubt, a dedicated dog bed will be a lot more comfortable than sleeping on the floor. Apart from making your pet feel better, added comfort will promote its good health by preventing lesions and other problems.
Protection
Apart from making your dog feel safe and providing it with comfort, a dog bed will protect it from external elements such as dirt, dander, fur, water and anything else that could cause damage to the animal’s health. This is particularly true if your dog has an allergy or allergy-related problems.
What to Look For in an Outdoor Dog Bed
The next time you find yourself looking to get an outdoor dog bed, take the following factors into account:
Size
Of course, it’s important to get a bed that your dog can comfortably fit it. If you don’t know exactly how much your dog measures, this is a good time to measure it. Apart from just its size, you should take into account the pet’s activity level. If your dog is hyperactive, it may be a good idea to buy a bed that provided a lot of extra room.
Sleeping Style
Much like humans, dogs have different sleeping styles and preferences. While some dogs like to stretch out as much as possible, others like to curl up into a little ball. If you are aware of your dog’s sleeping style, you will be able to get the perfect dog bed for it.
Cost
Like most types of products on the market, dog beds come in a variety of prices. Before deciding on a particular model or brand, take into account your budget. Take into account that, while the best dog beds are very expensive, they also tend to be a lot more durable and resistant to damage. Also, know that there are medium-cost outside dog beds that perform very well.
Types of Outdoor Dog Beds
In order to get the perfect bed for your dog, it’s very useful to be aware of the various types that are available. Let’s take a closer look:
Pillow Cushion Dog Beds
Simple and making an emphasis on comfort, pillow cushion style dog beds are great for pets who like to stretch out while napping. Additionally, being so simple and lightweight, this type of bed is great if you need to move it around a lot. A great advantage that this type of dog bed has is that allows even the smallest dogs to hop in and out with ease.
Donut and Bolster Style Dog Beds
Featuring a round or oval cushioned base, this type of dog bed provides some depth for your dog to burrow into. At the same time, it provides great neck and head support, a factor that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. As if that wasn’t enough, they can help your pet retain body heat.
Orthopedic Style Dog Beds
Pets who suffer from conditions such as joint pain and arthritis will greatly benefit from an orthopedic style bed. These conditions are common among older dogs. Additionally, this type of bed can provide added support for thinner dogs with bony prominences.
Heated Dog Beds
If cold is an issue where you live, it may be a good idea to buy a heated dog bed. Typically, they are heated using a small electrical system. Apart from helping your pet maintain their heat, this type of dog bed can help soothe painful joints, making this a good option for older dogs.
Cot-Style Dog Beds
When talking about outdoor sleeping needs, cot-style dog beds are one of the best options. Being elevated off the floor, they offer protection from the cold as well as potentially-dangerous external elements such as water, insects or dust.
Final Thoughts
Despite being featured last in this article, the Kuranda Ultra-Duty Aluminum Outdoor Dog Bed is hands-down the best outdoor bed for dogs. As simple and straightforward as it is, this product provides all the support, protection and security that your dog needs. Additionally, it’s remarkably durable and resistant to external elements.