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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you’re looking for a pet bed with a lot of durability, an elevated dog bed should be on your radar. Elevated dog beds are raised off the ground, sometimes by at least a few inches, making them come into less contact with dirt and dust and making them easier to clean. Elevated dog beds are often used with seniors or dogs with arthritis or joint issues because they provide firm, gentle support. They’re also generally very portable and lightweight, and some cot-style beds even boast a chew-resistant frame.
We spoke with Dr. Alex Crow, MRCVS, and Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, to learn what to look for when choosing an elevated dog bed for your pup. Read on for our top picks.
- Best for Cooling: The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo (Verified Review)
- Best for Senior and Arthritic Dogs: Kuranda Dog Bed
- Best Outdoor Bed: Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Elevated Dog Bed
- Best Indestructible: K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Armored™ Rip-Stop Elevated Dog Bed
- Best Portable Elevated Bed: K&H Pet Products Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
- Best for Large Breeds: Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
- Best Elevated Bolster-Style Bed: K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed
- Best Couch-Style Elevated Bed: Furhaven Elevated Dog Bed Frame
Best for Cooling: The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo (Verified Review)
Raised seven inches off the ground, this Coolaroo elevated pet bed is made of breathable fabric to keep your dog cool, one of the most important things to look for in this type of bed, according to Dr. Crow. “The best type of elevated beds resemble cots,” he explains. “These beds are made from a string mesh material that is great for breathability, and they are also very easy to clean and maintain.”
The Coolaroo’s steel frame is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move from inside to outside. While it doesn’t offer much cushioning, the bed’s high-density polyethylene fabric is easy to keep clean and resistant to fleas, mites, and mildew. A trusted Rover reviewer liked that this bed provided a spot for their Boston Terrier to chew outside without being directly on the grass. “It’s still holding up well through wind, heavy rain, and direct sunshine—and it’s small enough to store away for the winter.”
Things to know:
- Available in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large
- Good to use indoors and outdoors
- Removable cover
- This elevated bed helps prevent hot spots with proper airflow and is designed to relieve joint pressure
Best for Senior and Arthritic Dogs: Kuranda Dog Bed
This elevated Kuranda dog bed is durable and firm thanks to its strong and chew-proof PVC frame, making it an excellent choice for senior or arthritic dogs who need gentle support. These pups often benefit most from elevated beds, according to Dr. Crow. “Since it allows their body to conform better, it helps with sore legs and makes it easier for a dog to find their footing when getting in and out of bed,” he says. “It takes less effort, which is helpful for aging dogs.”
This bed is available in various sizes to support dogs up to 100 pounds and comes in your choice of color for the abrasion-resistant fabric. While not exactly soft, this bed is easy to clean and makes a great choice for dogs who are heavy chewers. You can also place a soft blanket on top if your dog prefers a plusher surface, suggests Dr. Crow.
Things to know:
- Available five sizes: mini to extra extra large
- Frame is made from aluminum with stainless steel fasteners
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Low, orthopedic design
Best Outdoor Bed: Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Elevated Dog Bed
This elevated dog bed with a removable canopy provides a shady spot for dogs who like to chill outside, especially during summer. The breathable mesh fabric on the bed allows for good airflow to keep pets cool, while the canopy helps block the sun’s rays. With an elevation of just seven inches, this bed is friendly to small dogs, who can sometimes have trouble with elevated beds.
Things to know:
- Available in two sizes: medium and large
- Steel frame
- Lightweight and portable
Best Indestructible: K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Armored™ Rip-Stop Elevated Dog Bed
When it comes to chewers and diggers, animal health and behavior expert Erin Askeland recommends this heavy-duty bed. “K9 Ballistics makes a great, well-made elevated bed that is a little more expensive but should last a long time,” she says.
This bed is good for indoor and outdoor use and is mud and water-resistant. The company calls it a “chew-resistant” dog bed and even offers a 120-day chew-proof armored warranty with each purchase. This elevated dog bed fits in most standard crate sizes and, because of its aluminum corners and legs, helps deter chewers from destroying it.
Things to know:
- Arrives preassembled, so you don’t need to put it together
- Clean with soap and water
- Aluminum frame
Best Portable Elevated Bed: K&H Pet Products Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
If you’re always on the go, you’ll want to look for a portable collapsible bed to keep your doggo comfortable and safe, and this one fits the bill. This elevated bed is made with a strong steel frame that can hold up to 200 to 300 pounds (depending on the size), which Erin Askeland notes is important with collapsible beds. “Be aware of collapsible elevated beds that may be less sturdy or collapse on a pet if not put together properly,” she cautions.
The bed is made of a cooling, breathable fabric that provides constant airflow when your pet sits on it. With 9 inches of ground clearance, it may be more difficult for miniature or smaller dog breeds to jump in. Still, customers of larger dogs, like Great Danes and German Shepherds, report the extra large size provides a comfortable spot for their pups.
Things to know:
- Machine washable cover
- Features non-skid rubber feet
- Good for indoor and outdoor use
Best for Large Breeds: Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
It’s not always easy to find dog beds that comfortably fit larger dog breeds, but at 59 inches in length and 37.5 inches in width, this elevated cot bed provides ample support and more. The XX-Large holds dogs up to 150 pounds, while the mesh fabric provides a cool and comfortable spot to stretch out. The bed has a hook and loop design and is popularly regarded as “scratch proof” for diggers.
Things to know:
- Made of mesh and powdered coat steel
- Available in five sizes: small to xx-large
- Bed made with textilene fabric that’s heat-resistant and breathable
Best Elevated Bolster-Style Bed: K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed
This elevated bolster-style bed is a strong choice for dogs who want comfort and support. While some pet parents may worry the flatbed isn’t comfortable for their pup, Erin Askeland reassured us there’s more than meets the eye. “A heavily cushioned elevated bed may be comfy for a dog, but it won’t provide the same type of airflow a breathable material provides,” she explains.
The cushioned bolster sides provide a soft, pillow-like spot for your dog to rest their head, while the mesh bed provides cooling and sturdy support. The bolster can also be removed if it needs to be cleaned or if you require a flat elevated bed.
Things to know:
- Available in three sizes: small, medium, and large
- The frame is made of metal with anti-slide rubber feet
- Good for indoor and outdoor use
Best Couch-Style Elevated Bed: Furhaven Elevated Dog Bed Frame
This couch-style elevated bed provides both style and support with a wood slate base and cushioned bed. While it doesn’t provide cooling relief like many other elevated beds on the list, the height may appeal to pups who like the extra inches to see what’s going on. Most standard-sized Furhaven beds fit in it, giving you more control over the design and level of padding. It’s also pretty easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes, so you won’t need any tools.
Things to know:
- Available in four sizes: small to jumbo
- Comes with bedframe only; bedding sold separately
- Fits standard FurHaven orthopedic mattresses and sofa-style beds
How We Chose
The elevated dog beds featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized elevated beds with strong reviews, durable frames, and recommendations from the pet specialists we spoke with for the article. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.