The Best Elevated Dog Beds To Keep Your Dog Cool
Quick Guide
Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes but when you picture a dog bed, you probably think of a nice, plush pillow or perhaps one in a mattress-like style.
What is a Cooling Dog Bed?
An elevated dog bed is a completely different style of bed that features a rigid frame with fabric stretched over it. This type of design helps to keep your dog elevated off the floor and, because air can flow under it, it helps to keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
This type of dog bed can be used indoors in your home and it is also a great option for outdoor kennels or dog houses.
Not only do elevated dog beds help to keep your dog cool with their unique design, but they also deliver firm and even support, unlike plush pillow or nesting dog beds.
Support is very important for large and giant breeds, especially for older and arthritic dogs – it helps to keep them comfortable for hours on end without aggravating bone or joint problems.
Elevated dog beds are also surprisingly portable because they are generally lightweight in their construction and they have the added bonus of durability.
Your dog will have a hard time chewing up an elevated dog bed while a traditional pillow bed stuffed with poly fiber fill is easy to rip apart and spread all over the house.
If you think that an elevated or cooling bed might be the right choice for your dog, take your time when shopping around to make sure that you get the right one.
These beds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles so you can find one that perfectly suits your dog’s needs as well as his individual sleeping style.
You should be prepared to spend a little more on an elevated or cooling dog bed than on a simple crate mat or pillow bed, but it is worth the cost for the added durability and versatility. To help you get started in looking for elevated and cooling pet beds you will find reviews for some of the top-rated models for small, medium, large, and giant breeds below.
The Best Elevated Beds for Small Dogs
If your small or medium-breed dog has a tendency to go through dog beds very quickly, you might want to take a moment to think about the type of dog bed you are buying.
Pillow beds and crate mats can wear out quickly with repeated use but elevated dog beds tend to be more durable in their construction. Not only do these beds offer better durability, but they can be used to keep your dog off the hot pavement during the summer and off the cold floor during the winter. If you like, you can add an extra layer of comfort by topping an elevated bed with a crate mat.
To help you get started with shopping, consider the following three top-rated elevated and cooling dog beds for small to medium sized dogs:
Carlson Pet Products Portable Pup Travel Pet Bed Review
If you frequently travel out of town and you like to take your dog with you, you will love the Carlson Pet Products Portable Pup Travel Pet Bed. Not only is this pet bed travel-friendly, but it is also an elevated and cooling pet bed. This pet bed is super light-weight and it features a fold-up design that makes it easy to stow and go – you can also use it anywhere in your house to keep your dog elevated off the hard ground or outside to protect him from the hot pavement. It even comes with a convenient carrying case to protect the bed during travel.
The Carlson Pet Products Portable Pup Travel Pet Bed is a heavy-duty but lightweight elevated pet bed that is surprisingly affordable and generous in terms of its size. This bed measures 26-by-26 inches for the smallest size and it sells for under $30. Because of its sturdy elevated design, this pet bed gives your dog a steady dose of support while he sleeps – this is particularly beneficial for older and arthritic dogs. Simply put, if you want a pet bed that is more than just a pillow on the ground, consider this Carlson Pet Products Portable Pup Travel Pet Bed.
Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Pet Bed Review
If you are looking for a heavy-duty elevated pet bed that won’t break the bank, you should seriously consider the Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Pet Bed. This bed is steel-framed for durability but it is still surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport when needed. The steel frame is complemented by a unique, breathable fabric that takes advantage of the air flowing under and around the bed to keep your dog cool and comfortable for hours on end. As an added bonus, the fabric is treated to repel mold and mildew as well as insect pests like fleas, ticks, and mites – this is very important if you plan to use your dog’s elevated pet bed outdoors.
The Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Pet Bed features a simple, classic design but it also offers some modern features. For example, the high-density polyethylene fabric is incredibly durable, not to mention pest- and water-resistant. With a powder-coated steel frame, you don’t have to worry about this pet bed standing the test of time. The elevated design keeps your dog off the hard ground and it is incredibly comfortable for dogs of all breeds and ages. The small size is ideal for dogs up to 50 pounds and it is priced under $20. The medium size is for dogs up to 75 pounds and it only costs a few dollars more. What more could you ask for?
K&H Pet Products Pet Cot Review
If you are looking for a high-quality pet bed that is easy to transport, consider the K&H Pet Products Pet Cot. This pet bed is highly durable but surprisingly lightweight. Plus, with its simple assembly, you can quickly take it apart, throw it into your car, and you are ready to go! Wherever you are, this elevated pet bed will keep your dog cool and comfortable for hours on end – both indoors and out. The generous 25-by-32-inch size is ideal for small and medium dogs, providing as much room as they need to sprawl out with a little bit to spare.
The K&H Pet Products Pet Cot is made from durable materials to ensure long-lasting quality. The cover of this dog bed is made from 600 Denier waterproof fabric so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet. Your dog will also love the unique design of this bed which features a mesh center for added breathability. This pet bed is quick and easy to assemble – no tools needed – and it has nonskid rubber feet so it will stay where you put it. For under $25, you will be hard pressed to find a better elevated or cooling pet bed than this!
The Best Cooling Beds for Large Dogs
Large and giant breeds that have double coats are extremely prone to heat exhaustion, even if they are just spending time outside and not engaging in rigorous exercise. Heat stroke can set in without warning, so if you plan to keep your dog outside in hot weather you should seriously consider investing in an elevated or cooling dog bed. Elevated dog beds keep your dog off the hot pavement and they can be made from materials that deflect heat. These beds come in all shapes and sizes, so consider your dog’s unique needs and his sleeping style before you buy. To help you get started, consider the following three top-rated elevated or cooling dog beds for large and giant dogs:
Starmark Dog Zone Pro-Training Dog Bed Review
If you are looking for an elevated pet bed to keep your large or giant breed dog cool in the heat, consider this Starmark Dog Zone Pro-Training Dog Bed. This bed is constructed with a hardened steel tubing frame and a durable ballistic nylon cover for maximum strength. As an added bonus, the bed can be partially disassembled for travel and it comes with a convenient carrying bag for transport. The nylon cover is machine-washable and resistant to stains and tearing, plus it offers your dog comfortable orthopedic support for his bones and joints. It even comes with a Pro-Training Clicker Deluxe and a dog training DVD.
The Starmark Dog Zone Pro-Training Dog Bed is by no means a cheap dog bed, either in terms of quality or price. The large size for this bed measures 44-by-27 inches and costs around $80 while the giant size measures 50-by-35 inches and costs around $115. Though you will pay more for this elevated dog bed, it is definitely worth every penny. The heavy-duty design guarantees maximum durability while the sleeping surface itself delivers both comfort and orthopedic support. For a high-quality elevated bed specially designed for large and giant breeds, this Starmark Dog Zone Pro-Training Dog Bed would be a great choice.
Pet Gear Designer Cot Review
When it comes to elevated pet beds, some designs are simply not streamlined for travel or portability. The Pet Gear Designer Cot, however, features a lightweight powder-coated steel frame that folds up for quick and easy travel. The frame is lightweight but surprisingly strong, and it is rust-resistant and self-stabilizing on uneven surfaces. This bed will keep your dog elevated off the ground by a cool 6 inches for maximum cooling comfort. The largest size for this Pet Gear Designer Cot measures a generous 50-by-34 inches and it costs under $60 which makes it a very affordable option in terms of elevated pet beds.
If you are looking for a lightweight but durable elevated pet bed that also offers maximum comfort, give this Pet Gear Designer Cot a try. In addition to a powder-coated steel base, this elevated pet bed features a durable mesh base that allows for maximum air flow to keep your dog cool and comfortable for hours on end. This bed is the perfect solution if your dog is sleeping on the hard floor or on hot pavement outdoors. It is also a great solution if you want a dog bed that will support your large or elderly dog’s bones and joints without breaking the bank.
K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Dog Bed Review
The K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Dog Bed is a uniquely designed cooling dog bed that harnesses the cooling power of water. Simple fill the bed with fresh water using the easy-fill cap and adjust the comfort level according to your dog’s preferences with the easy-air valve. This cooling dog bed is made from ultra-durable nylon/vinyl for maximum longevity but it is still extremely comfortable for your dog. Whether you are looking for an outdoor cooling dog bed for your home or something you can take with you on the go, the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Dog Bed is a great option to consider.
If you are looking for a quality elevated pet bed but you don’t want to spend a small fortune, the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Dog Bed might be a good option. The largest size for this bed measures a generous 44-by-32 inches and costs under $50. Plus, with its classic rectangular design, it gives your dog plenty of space to sprawl out, no matter what type of sleeping style he has. This cooling pet bed is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, but you shouldn’t use it if your dog has a tendency to chew on and destroy things. With proper care, this cooling pet bed could last for years.
Elevated dog beds are unique from other models in their construction and they also provide a unique array of benefits. In addition to providing your dog with a comfortable place to rest, elevated dog beds can keep your dog cool by keeping him off the cold, hard ground. These dog beds can be made from a variety of materials to offer waterproof or easy-cleaning benefits, plus they tend to be very durable which is great for larger dogs and for outdoor use. When you are ready to start shopping, consider one of the top-rated elevated/cooling dog beds reviewed above for small, medium, large and giant dogs.