Putting your dog on a pedestal isn’t the only reason to invest in an elevated bed. The canine equivalent of a cot, elevated beds offer several benefits. The most obvious perk is getting your dog off the floor.
While dogs have been sleeping on the ground forever, for pooches who are elderly or suffering from joint conditions like arthritis, the hard ground can further inflame sore joints like hips, knees and ankles (known as the hock). Getting up and down from the floor puts more pressure on these joints and causes more pain. And an elevated bed eliminates the struggle some older dogs have in getting up from the floor, as they just have to step in the bed or step out.
Another perk of an elevated bed is temperature control. They get your pooch off a cold floor in winter — or in summer if you’re running the air conditioning. They also help keep joint pain down, which can be exacerbated by the cold. In warm weather, an elevated bed keeps the air circulating underneath, which helps dogs stay cool.
They can also be used outdoors to keep your pup out of mud, wet grass or moist patios. These bed are usually made of tough, durable material that can simply be hosed off or wiped down, making them easier to clean than traditional beds that need the hot water cycle in the washing machine. Many elevated beds are also made of fabric that can stand up to chewing.
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Lastly, an elevated bed is usually lightweight and travels easily. They are also less expensive than orthopedic beds but still offer much of the same benefits.
For those in the market for an elevated bed, here are some of the best:
Kuranda Standard Indoor/Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed
The Kuranda is one of the best, because it’s chew-proof and extremely strong. Made of high strength, furniture grade poly-resin frames with corrosive-resistant stainless-steel fasteners, this bed is built to last. It provides firm orthopedic support, comes in a variety of fabrics, and it’s even UV resistant, so it will stand up to the sun as well as repeated cleaning.
Available in four colors and fabrics: smooth nylon (won’t catch hair), textured nylon (provides traction for older dogs), outdoor mesh (waterproof weave allows water and air to flow through) and heavy-duty vinyl (good for diggers and heavier dogs). It comes in six sizes for very small to very large dogs.
Price: $64.95 to $124.95
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
While less pricey, the Coolaroo gets high marks for durability and comfort. It’s made of a knit mesh high-density polyethylene that provides great air flow and can hold small to large dogs, though it’s recommended for dogs that are not dedicated chewers. The powder-coated steel frame is strong and durable but easy to assemble and break down for transport. For indoor or outdoor use, the rubber feet keep the bed firmly in place. It’s also flea, mite, mildew and mold resistant.
Available in four colors. It comes in small, medium and Large.
Price: $15.01 to $31.83
Related: The 6 Best Dog Crates for Medium to Large Dogs
K&H Original Elevated Pet Cot
The K&H gets consistently high ratings. It’s made of waterproof, 600 denier fabric that works inside and outside. The center is mesh fabric to keep your dog cool. it’s also available in a Coolin’ Pet Cot — or get the Coolin’ Pet Cot Cover with gel technology to use in the summer with the original bed. Attach the Pet Cot Canopy™ to give your dog the ultimate summer lounging experience. The metal frame holds up to 150 pounds. Non-skid rubber feet keep it safe.
The Original Elevated Pet Cot comes in two colors and is sized from small to x-large.
Price: $34.99 to $49.99.
The Coolin’ Pet Cot is available in medium and large.
Price: $37.99 to $51.99.
The Coolin’ Pet Cot Cover is available in medium and large.
Price: $39.99 to $49.99.
The Pet Cot Canopy™ comes in small, medium and large in two colors.
Price: from $29.99 to $39.99
Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Pet Bed
The Frisco has a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and durable PVC fabric that is breathable but supportive. It can be used inside and outside with non-skid feet to keep it in place. You can wipe with a damp cloth for everyday cleaning or remove the cover and machine wash for a deep clean.
It is available in four colors and three sizes: small, for dogs up to 40 pounds; medium, for dogs up to 65 pounds; and large for dogs up to 85 pounds.
Price: from $15.99 to $19.99.
A replacement cover is also available from $6.99 to $10.49
K9 Ballistics Chew-Proof Raised Dog Bed
If your dog likes to chew up beds, the K9 Ballistics is made for you. It’s the toughest chew resistant bed on the market. According to K9, “If your dog chews through wood, brick and its own beds, then the Ballistic Chew Proof Cot is for your dog.” The sleeping surface is Ripstop Ballistic material with reinforced seams, double fabric at the bed’s corners and reduced seams. The aluminum-framed edges prevent chewing through the fabric, which is also water, odor and dirt resistant. The hypoallergenic cover can be cleaned with a damp cloth or throw the cover in the washing machine.
It is available in five colors in sizes small to xx-large.
Price: $100 to $175
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