🔎 How we picked our favorites
We started with the users — We scoured review sites to understand the full product landscape. Then we dug through customer reviews and product details to bring you the best options on the market today.
We confirmed with our vets — We don’t just stop at customer reviews. Our in-house vets weigh in on any health, wellness, and safety products with their expert insights and advice, giving their stamp of approval on everything that gets featured on the site.
Our favorite elevated dog beds, reviewed
What is an elevated dog bed?
Dogs can benefit from a luxury sleeping experience too. Elevated dog beds are exactly as they sound. Think of these beds as dog cots. They are beds for dogs typically built on four legs, with a taut fabric top as opposed to a cushion. By keeping your dog off the ground while they sleep, their body and comfort levels will benefit.
The benefits of elevated dog beds
There’s a range of benefits, both practical and aesthetic, when choosing an elevated bed for your pup. Here are a few reasons why our vets loved elevated dog beds:
- Decreases pain. While the ground may look comfortable for your pup and some dogs love the cold floor, it actually has significant disadvantages. It puts pressure on their joints. Elevated beds keep them off the hard floor, protecting pressure points.
- Regulates temperature. During cooler months, the floor can be cold. During hotter months, the air can be stuffy. By keeping your dog elevated, airflow will circulate beneath them with a cooling effect in the summer and a warming effect in the winter.
- Easier on older or injured pups. Older pups or those suffering from arthritis might have a hard time getting up and down. It’s actually much easier for them to step on or off a slightly elevated surface.
- Great for outdoor use. If your dog likes to lounge outside, we all know of the mess that they come back into the house with. Elevated beds keep your dog clean and off of the dirt when resting in the backyard. Most elevated beds are also easy to clean due to their material.
- Looks nice in your home. Let’s face it, cushions on the floor just don’t look that great in a home. If you’re a design aficionado, there’s probably an elevated bed that will look great in your living room.
👉If you live in any extreme climate, elevated beds are worth special consideration. The elements can cause a lot of discomfort and even long-term health issues for your pup.
How to pick the right raised dog bed
There are a few things to pay attention to when picking the elevated bed that’s best for your pup:
- Size. This one seems obvious, but your dog should be able to comfortably curl up or splay out on the bed without their legs hanging off.
- Fabric. Mesh or any tightly woven materials prevent snagging. These breathable fabrics also tend to be easy to clean.
- Height. Make sure your dog can step off and on the bed easily. They shouldn’t need to jump.
- Materials. The bed should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of your pup. Steel frames are especially well built. Consider a water-resistant bed if you want to use it as an outdoor dog bed.
- Portability. Depending on your needs, you might be looking for a bed that folds up for on-the-go use.
Teaching your pooch to use the elevated bed
Replacing your dog’s bed can cause them a bit of confusion. First, it may help to put the new bed in the same spot as the old bed. Try placing any treats, toys, or blankets with familiar smells on the elevated bed to help them get used to it. Once their scent is on the bed, they’ll begin to get comfortable in their new sleeping setup. Your scent may also be useful. Put one of your sweaters or scarves on the bed.
👉Puppies can be extra stubborn when it comes to learning how to use their new bed. There are a few tips and tricks to have up your sleeve.
Dos and don’ts
Do
You should always follow some extra precautions when using an elevated dog bed:
- Do make sure puppies and small dogs don’t have to jump to get on the bed.
- Do teach dogs how to use the bed.
- Do confirm with the vet that older dogs (especially those with arthritis) can use an elevated bed.
- Do pick a bed with washable materials if your dog likes to make a mess.
🚨 If your dog falls off their new bed and appears to be injured, visit the vet.
Don’t
There are a few things to look out for and consider when investing in your dog’s elevated bed:
- Don’t choose a bed with holes at the corners. Dogs can get their paws stuck!
- Don’t put more weight on the bed than it can handle.
👉 Be sure to always check the weight capacity in the instructions manual that comes with the bed.
Elevated beds are worth it
It’s true that elevated beds can be more expensive than normal cushions and dog beds. Elevated beds provide the temperature control and joint support that a floor cushion doesn’t. But don’t let the cost deter you — there are plenty of affordable options that are well worth swapping in for a floor bed in order to keep your furry friend cool and comfortable.
