7 Best Elevated Dog Beds To Keep Your Pup Cool While Lounging Outside

We selected K&H’s bolster pet cot as our top pick for the best elevated dog bed due to its price, comfort and sturdiness. The bed features a robust metal frame with a slip-on canvas mesh surface and a breathable mesh center for constant air flow.

Removable padded bolsters offer your pup a sense of security, something to lean on and a spot to rest their weary head after a hard day of chasing squirrels. The materials are machine washable, ensuring easy maintenance, and the cot is available in three different sizes. For more ways to keep Fido cool outside, check out these dog cooling vests to prevent them from overheating.

Pros

• Collapses for easy storage and travel
• Mid-range price
• Bed and bolster covers are machine-washable
• Large size accommodates dogs up to 200 pounds
• Breathable mesh center for constant air flow
• Easy to assemble and disassemble—no tools necessary

Cons

• Some buyers say the bed sags too much under the weight of heavy dogs

If you’re uncertain about your dog’s acceptance of an elevated pet bed, it’s better to start with baby steps (…er, paw steps). Amazon Basics offers a simple raised bed that costs between $30 and $50, depending on the size. This well-reviewed option (it boasts more than 49,000 five-star reviews!) features a cool canvas surface that raises your pup seven inches above the ground. The breathable fabric ensures your dog stays cool, while the elevation provides easier access for older dogs with joint issues.

Nancy Snyder, Senior Shopping Editor of The Pet Collective, is a fan: “My dog loves to sunbathe and I wanted something that would keep him comfortable—and clean—while lounging on my patio,” she says. “Not only was it quick and easy to put together, but my dog understood the assignment and hopped up immediately. It’s extremely durable for his 50-pound frame, which is important considering he’s now on it all day, every day.”

Pros

• Budget-friendly price
• Simple, easy-to-assemble construction
• Washes off with a hose
• Breathable mesh fabric

Cons

• Some users say their big dogs jumped on the bed and bent the frame

While an elevated pet bed can be constructed with mesh to provide a cooler sleeping surface for dogs, what occurs on a sunny day? This shady dog bed features a built-in canopy, ensuring that your buddy doesn’t overheat due to excessive sun exposure. Plus, it eliminates the need for constantly relocating the bed to avoid direct sunlight. It is also collapsible and portable, making it suitable for camping trips or picnics at the park.

Pros

• Removable canopy provides extra sense of security for pets
• Anti-scratch durable material
• Good for extra-large dogs (up to 100 pounds)
• Collapsible, with a carrying case for easy portability

Cons

• Some users say it’s difficult to assemble

This lightweight, easy-to-carry doggy cot folds up like a camp chair and provides a cool, clean place for your furry friend to rest after a day of hiking the hills or patrolling the backyard. It can be used alone or with the included canopy. There’s also a fold-down sunshade to provide additional cover and protection from the elements. It’s also the perfect option for any of these dog-friendly beaches—a cleaner dog means you bring home less sand! You can also keep your pup’s feet clean and cool with these dog shoes.

Pros

• Comes with a handy carrying case
• Water-resistant roll-down sunshade
• Washes off with a hose
• Holds pups up to 120 pounds

Cons

• Support bar in the middle may be uncomfortable for big dogs
• Some users say heavy dogs collapse the cot

Allow your pooches to gather on this extra-large rattan bed, designed with support on three sides. This stylish sofa-style pick seamlessly blends with various patio furniture options, and its comfy eco-friendly, foam-filled cushion may entice all the family pets to jump on board. The memory-foam cushion has a removable cover for easy cleaning, while the bed’s short legs facilitate easier access for older dogs to climb in and out.

Pros

• Three sizes, large size accommodates up to 120 pounds
• Comfortable eco-friendly foam-filled cushion
• Water-resistant and machine-washable cover
• Sturdy powder-coated metal frame with rattan weaving

Cons

• On the pricey side

If your anxious dog becomes slightly overwhelmed by crowds, noise or other animals, provide them with their own dedicated space for some alone time. This elevated pet bed doubles as a doghouse, featuring three enclosed sides and a door for them to observe all the action, just in case they experience doggie FOMO. The detachable cover includes two windows that can be rolled open to enhance airflow. The unit is available in three sizes and is also portable for added convenience.

Pros

• Provides shelter and security for a nervous pet
• Easy-to-wash nylon fabric is mold-, mildew- and bacteria-resistant
• Provides shade on sunny days
• Three sizes

Cons

• Larger dogs might not like the confined space and small door
• Only one color option

Seriously, this elevated pet bed is so cute, you might need to plant flowers in front of it (just steer clear of these poisonous plants for dogs!). Its peaked roof resembles a real house—all that’s missing is a mailbox! Made from a hand-woven rattan-style vinyl, this cute canopy bed blends right in with a variety of patio furniture. The foam mattress bed features a removable, washable cover for easy maintenance.

Pros

• Cute design provides comfort and shade
• 110-pound weight capacity
• Solid steel frame and all-weather rattan
• Attractive hand-woven style weave
• Easy-to-clean fabric cushion

Cons

• Mattress cover is not waterproof
• Some users say the assembly directions are hard to follow