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Raised dog beds can be great for keeping your dog cool – and many are also near-indestructible. Which dogs can benefit from this type of bed though? And which are the best elevated dog beds? Keep reading to find out.
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One of the most interesting types is the elevated bed. As the name suggests, these have raised sleeping surfaces that are often around 7″ high. They are usually constructed with a PVC or metal frame, and a fabric cover that acts as a stiff hammock. If you imagine a cot without sides, that’s pretty close to an elevated bed.
Raised beds don’t provide the padding of more luxurious beds, but that doesn’t mean they are uncomfortable. The elevated surface prevents pressure points and allows air to circulate to keep your pet cool. So, if your pup often overheats, they could be a great choice. You’ll probably need to add a blanket to soften the surface though.
As with all types of dog beds, however, not all elevated beds are worth buying. In this article, I’ll take you through the benefits of this type of bed, before listing the five best elevated dog beds for 2021. So let’s get started!
Kuranda Chew Proof Almond Pet Bed
Ultra-durable raised bed with heavy-duty PVC frame
Our top pick for a raised dog bed is the Kuranda Chew Proof. It’s made with a strong PVC frame and tough Cordura, so it resists digging. It’s also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
If you’ve never bought an elevated dog bed before, you might be wondering what the fuss is about. Here are some of the advantages of this type of bed.
There are some drawbacks to this type of bed too. As I mentioned, they don’t provide orthopedic support, so I don’t recommend them for dogs with joint problems – especially large breeds. They may also not be the best choice if your pup likes to curl against something when sleeping.
Tip: If your dog finds it hard to stay cool in warm weather, a cooling vest may help.
There are plenty of elevated beds on the market. But what should you look for when buying? Here are some of the most important factors.
Now you know what to look for in an elevated dog bed, here are five excellent options. While I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these beds, make sure you read the mini-reviews to find out which is best for your pet.
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The Kuranda Chew Proof Elevated bed is my top pick in this category (and one of the best dog beds in any category.) It’s a highly durable model with hidden fabric edges to prevent chewing, strong cover material and a range of sizes and colors. In short, the Kuranda is close to the perfect raised bed.
Unlike the other beds on this list, the Kuranda is made with a heavy-duty PVC frame. While this isn’t as durable as steel, it’s still more than a match for all but the strongest and most aggressive chewers.
The cover is highly doggy-proof, as it’s made from tough Cordura to resist determined digging. It also provides plenty of traction to help your dog get into the bed.
This particular model (the Almond PVC version) is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you prefer the Walnut version, which is identical in most respects, it is not suitable for outdoors. Make sure you keep this in mind when buying.
A slight drawback is that it’s only suitable for dogs up to 125lbs. If you have an extra large breed, or a dog that’s an aggressive chewer, Kuranda also produce an aluminum frame alternative. This can hold up to 250lbs and is one of the best elevated dog beds for large dogs.
If you’re looking for a basic elevated bed that doesn’t cost too much, the Coolaroo is a great choice. It’s one of the most popular raised beds of all time due to its excellent price, strong steel frame and breathable cover.
There are four sizes available, with the largest being nearly 60″ long. This makes it great for dogs of almost any size. You can also choose between several colors to get a bed that matches your interior decor.
As a bonus, the fabric is designed to resist mold, mites, fleas and mildew. This means it’s suitable for outdoor use – especially as the cover can be easily washed.
A minor complaint about the Coolaroo Pet Bed is that it has small gaps in the corners. While these are unlikely to cause a problem, it could be possible for a small dog’s paws to slip down them.
Even so, it’s difficult to find any complaints about this elevated dog bed. It’s sturdy, available for a great price and comfortable for your dog. The Kuranda is the better option if your dog is an aggressive and determined digger though, as the fabric cover is tougher.
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K&H has a reputation for producing top quality products, and their Pet Cot is no exception. With a low price and 1-year warranty, this bed could be the perfect option if you’re on a tight budget.
The Pet Cot is made with a durable metal frame and 600 denier fabric. The mesh at the centre helps keep your dog cool, while the outsides provide greater comfort. The fabric is also waterproof which can help protect your floor if your dog has an accident.
One of my favorite things about this elevated dog bed is how easy it is to put together. You can assemble or take it apart without using any tools, so it’s a portable option. Like the Coolaroo, the K&H also resists moisture, mold and bacteria.
A downside is that the corner joints are made from plastic. These are likely to be targets for chewing if your dog is a chewer. There are fairly large gaps in the corners, which could be potentially dangerous for pups with small paws. It’s also not the most durable elevated bed – although this is to be expected from such an inexpensive model.
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If you’re looking for a portable elevated dog bed that can be used outside, the PawHut could be a great option. As you can see from the picture, it’s a canopy dog bed that’s designed to provide shade for your pet, and can be folded into a small bag for storage or travel.
As you would expect from a travel bed, the Pawhut isn’t as durable as some of the other options on this list. Despite the steel frame, the mesh fabric isn’t likely to last long against a determined digger. For less destructive dogs, however, it provides a comfortable and cooling sleeping surface that’s easy to take with you. You can also remove the canopy when it’s not needed.
A complaint I have about this bed is that the largest size is also only 48 inches long, which means it isn’t suitable for large breeds or even big Labradors (check out our beds for big dogs page for more info). For small or medium size dogs, however, it’s a great option if you need a foldable elevated bed.
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The final elevated dog bed on this list is also one the cheapest. Made by AmazonBasics, this is (unsurprisingly) a straightforward elevated bed without extra features such as hidden fabric edges or tool-free assembly. I also don’t think the fabric is as durable as other options.
Even so, it provides a comfortable sleeping surface for a much lower cost than options such as Kuranda. The fabric is simple to wash with tap water and is made with a breathable mesh to keep your pet cool. It also elevates your pet more than 7″ above ground, which helps improve airflow.
A bonus is that the bed is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The lightweight design also makes it easy to carry around the house.
The AmazonBasics is available in several sizes, including an Extra Large option. This has a huge length of 60″, making it suitable for many big dogs and giant breeds.
If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive elevated bed, it’s a great value option. I don’t recommend it for dogs that are likely to chew the fabric edges though.
An elevated dog bed can be a great choice if your dog overheats. The raised surface and breathable mesh provide extra cooling and greater airflow. Most are also durable, so can be a good option if your dog has a habit of destroying his bed!
My top recommendation is the Kuranda. It’s a durable model with a gap-free sleeping surface and high-quality materials. If you’re looking for a budget alternative, the Coolaroo is fantastic for the money.
Do you have any questions about choosing the best elevated dog bed for your pet? Let me know in the comments – I’ll do my best to help!
Richard is a journalist who specialises in dog behavior. He's written hundreds of articles and books related to dogs, including for the Continental Kennel Club, Dog Fest (the UK's biggest dog festival) and various veterinary surgeries. When he's not spending time with Jess and Rudy (his beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers), he enjoys reading, hiking and watching sports. You can find him on Facebook or Twitter.
