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Top 6 Best Elevated Dog Beds Compared
Your dog is a part of your family, and so it’s no surprise that you want the absolute best for them. However, one area of your dog’s life that is normally neglected in their bed and bedding. It’s easy to focus on toys, food, and grooming needs without ever thinking about whether or not your dog is happy with his or her bed.
Your dog’s bed plays a large role within their life. In fact, having the proper bed can prevent future health issues in your dog such as arthritis and joint pain. With as many options as there are available, picking the right bed can be difficult.
One of the best types of beds for your dog is an elevated dog bed. These types of beds are designed to be mess-free, comfortable, and supportive. While they offer an abundance of benefits, not every elevated dog bed is made equally. Each one is made of different materials and is designed in a different way that can produce an elevated bed completely different from every other one. If you’re interested in purchasing one for your dog but not sure where to begin, here is a list of reviews for the best raised off-the-ground pet beds.
Reviews of Best Raised Dog Beds
1. Kuranda Dog Bed Ultra Duty Outdoor – Top Elevated Dog Bed
The Kuranda dog bed is one of the most reputable brands for elevated dog beds. In fact, these are the ones you’re most likely to see in a shelter. The original Kuranda dog bed in particular is available with a frame made of either aluminum or PVC. Both are equally as durable, but the aluminum version is designed for larger, heavier dogs. The aluminum version can support up to 250 pounds, while the PVC version is better for smaller dogs, supporting only up to 100 pounds. Both versions, though, are orthopedic and designed to give your dog the most comfort possible out of a bed.
The comfortable, easy to clean bed portion is chew proof; in fact, it is specifically designed with aggressive chewers in mind. The bed is designed to slide into the frame so that no edges – which is where dogs tend to chew the most – are exposed. If your dog does manage to break the bed, it comes with a one-year warranty. This bed is a great option for every dog and every need.
Pros
- Chew proof, durable bed
- Sturdy aluminum frame for indoors or outdoors
- PVC version available
- One-year warranty available
- Supports dogs up to 250 pounds (Aluminum Version) up to 100 pounds for PVC version
- Orthopedic
- Easy to assemble and clean
Cons
- True size varies from advertised size
2. K&H Pet Products Original Elevated Bed
The K&H Original Elevated Bed is unique for a lot of reasons. One of the most noticeable reasons, though, is the extra stuffed pillow that lines the bed. While this means that is isn’t the best option for dogs that are known to be aggressive chewers, for those dogs that don’t chew, it provides extra support and comfort. This raised bed can be used indoors or outdoors thanks to its nylon fabric that is both waterproof and microbial (bacteria, mold, and mildew) proof. However, if you plan to put this bed in direct sunlight, be aware of the fact it fades easily and quickly.
The K&H bed, due to the fact it doesn’t require tools and comes with detailed instructions, is easy to assemble and disassemble. This makes it perfect if you plan to travel or camp and want to take your dog and his or her bed with you. If this bed happens to get dirty, you can either use a damp rag to wipe it down or a machine to wash it.
Pros
- Available in 3 sizes
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Easy to assemble and disassemble making it great for traveling and camping
- Easy to clean
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not intended for sun exposure and will fade quickly
- Often arrives missing necessary pieces Not a good choice for aggressive chewers
3. AmazonBasics Elevated Bed
If a simple but efficient elevated dog bed is just what you are looking for, the AmazonBasics Elevated Bed is a great choice. It is available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra-large and two colors – green and grey. This bed is made of a durable iron frame and breathable mesh PVC fabric that is easy to clean with tap water and will keep your dog cool. For extra safety, this bed features rounded corners that will prevent your dog from injuring itself.
This bed’s best quality is the fact that it is ultralightweight, simple, and easy to move. This bed is a great option is you plan on moving the bed throughout your home or plan to travel and camp often. You can also use a damp rag – don’t use anything except for tap water – to wipe down and clean the AmazonBasics bed. If anything is to happen to your bed, such as if it arrives missing the pieces necessary to assemble it, it is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Available in 5 sizes ranging from extra small to extra large
- Cleans easily with tap water
- Made of a durable iron frame
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Often arrives missing necessary pieces
- Difficult to assemble
4. K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Pet Cot
This is another K&H product, and it is just one of many. However, the Coolin’ Pet Cot is designed specifically to keep your dog, no matter their size, cool in even the hottest weather. This bed has a special, unique ‘cool pad’ in the center that your dog can lay on to cool off. To activate the nonremovable pad, you have to fill it with normal tap water. You can even do this by using a hose. If that isn’t enough to keep your dog cool, you can also purchase an attachable canopy to provide extra shade as well.
This bed has a sturdy steel frame that can support up to 200 pounds. It can be used indoors or outdoors but is prone to fading and rusting. If it becomes dirty, you can clean it using either a damp cloth to wipe it down or even the hose to rinse it off – just make sure to dry it properly. For added security, it also has nonskid rubber feet so that your dog can rest or get up to play without worrying about the bed moving out from under them.
Pros
- Can support up to 200 pounds
- Available in medium and large
- Cool pad center that helps your dog stay even cooler
- Nonskid rubber feet
- One-year limited warranty
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Easy to assemble
- Attachable canopy available (sold separately)
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Legs rust easily
- Not designed for aggressive chewers
- Frame warps easily and quickly
5. Coolaroo Original Elevated Dog Bed
The Coolaroo bed is advertised as the original elevated dog bed. Its durable but lightweight steel frame elevates your dog more than 7 inches off the ground. This not only works to keep your dog cool but, in the case of an older dog or dog suffering from joint disease, to help your dog easily lay down and rest comfortably. It is made out of breathable fabric that is highly resistant in regard to fleas, mites, mold, mildew, and bacteria.
With three sizes and four colors, you’re bound to find the perfect bed for your dog and lifestyle. It is easy to clean and portable, making it great for indoor or outdoor use and traveling and camping. However, the original assembly can be difficult and may require a trip to your local hardware store to pick up sturdier connectors and proper screws.
Pros
- Elevates your dog more than 7 inches off the ground keeping them cool and making it easier for senior, arthritic dogs to lay down
- Lightweight, durable steel frame
- Breathable, high-density fabric that helps prevent hot spots
- Flea, mite, and microbial resistant
- Easy to wash
- Available in 3 sizes and 4 colors
- Designed to be portable and for either indoor or outdoor use
Cons
- Plastic connectors can break easily
- Fabric is not durable enough to support larger dogs or aggressive chewers
- Difficult to assemble
- Screws are not the proper size
6. PawHut Elevated Cooling Dog Bed with Canopy
The PawHut Cooling bed is unique because it comes with a canopy that will provide your dog with extra shade and a traveling bag to make bringing your dog on the road easier. The lightweight steel frame is durable enough to hold up to 66 pounds, although one customer said it supported their 90-pound American Akita. Due to the fact that this bed is designed specifically for pet owners who plan to travel a lot, this bed is easy to assemble, even with the canopy top. The only thing to be careful and watch out for are the plastic pieces as they are more fragile than the metal bolsters. This bed is great for dogs who spend a lot of time outside in average heat (it is not recommended to leave your dog outside in extreme heat, even with this bed) or for owners who want to travel and bring their dog’s bed with them.
Pros
- Comes with canopy to provide extra shade for your dog to keep them even cooler
- Comes with travel bag to make traveling and camping easier
- Supports dogs up to 66 pounds, though some customers have claimed that it supports heavier dogs
- Durable yet lightweight steel frame
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Doesn’t provide a large amount of shade
- While the metal is durable, the plastic pieces such as the nonskid feet and connectors break easily
- Expensive
Benefits of Elevated Beds
Elevated dog beds offer benefits to both healthy and arthritic dogs. Due to the fact they are designed without any stuffing or filling – which also helps prevent messes from your dog chewing or scratching the bed – these dog beds provide the perfect amount of support and firmness to cushion your dog’s joints and pressure points. This can help prevent arthritis and alleviate the associated symptoms in dogs that are already arthritic. This minimalistic design also helps keep these beds hypoallergenic as there is no filling to hold in the dirt, dust, hair, and other allergens.
Since these beds are elevated off the ground, they provide the necessary air circulation underneath your dog that keeps him or her at a comfortable temperature. Some of the more popular places for dog beds within the house, such as on the tile floor, can become too cold. This can disrupt their sleep and further aggravate their joints.
Due to how hygienic they are, elevated dog beds also offer a lot of benefits for you as an owner. While the lack of interior fluff and stuffing is beneficial in regard to reducing allergens, it also prevents your dog from destroying the bed and scattering the inner filling. Also, unlike regular dog beds, with an elevated raised dog bed, simply wiping the exterior with a damp cloth is enough to clean it.
What to Look For in an Elevated Raised Dog Bed
Before You Buy
One of the most important things to look for in an elevated dog bed is quality. Picking out a bed for your dog is much like picking one for yourself. First, check the support beams; they should be made of a sturdy material that won’t bend under your dog’s weight. Next, check to make sure that the part where your dog will be sleeping is made out of comfortable, tightly woven fabric. By making sure it is tightly woven, you can be sure that the bed will be durable enough to withstand your dog’s teeth and claws.
After You Buy An Elevated Bed
Let your dog lay on their new bed. Elevated dog beds are designed to support even the largest of dogs, so, while your dog is laying on the bed, make sure their body is being fully supported. If the bed is high quality and working properly, your dog will remain suspended. If not, you will notice the bed saggy – your dog may even touch the floor. Also, make sure that the bed is large enough that your dog can lay in a comfortable position without hanging off of the bed.
Conclusion on Elevated Beds
Your dog’s bed is just as important in their lives as your bed is in yours. That’s why picking the absolute best bed that is both comfortable and beneficial for your dog is so important. Like with every other investment, there are an abundance of things to consider before and even after purchasing your dog’s first elevated bed. First, you will need to make sure the bed is high quality and durable, then, after purchasing it, you need to make sure that it lives up to your expectations.
The Kuranda bed is our recommended choice because of both its durability and comfort. It’s high strength and chew proof, but, thanks to its sturdy aluminum frame, it’s still lightweight enough to make installation and cleaning easy. This raised dog bed is also made to support the habits of heavy chewers and diggers, and, just in case it doesn’t live up to that promise, a one-year guarantee covers the Kuranda bed. Even better, this bed is designed with larger dog breeds, especially those that tend to suffer the most from arthritis and other joint-related illnesses, in mind.
No matter what bed you end up choosing for your dog, it is important to make sure that you take the time to make sure all of your dog’s needs are met. By picking an elevated bed, you may find that your dog is able to live a healthier, happier, pain-free life, and they’ll appreciate the time you’ve taken in making sure that’s possible for them.