A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 05, 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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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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