For those of us who love spending quality time outdoors, an outdoor dog bed could be one of the best investments you can make if you love to tag your furry friend whenever you head outdoors.
If you have a nature-loving pup who is always excited about spending quality time outside the house, an outdoor dog bed will be the ideal solution for him. The best outdoor dog bed should be waterproof and sufficiently padded so it can be comfortable for the dog.
With an outdoor dog bed, your pup will find it better to take a nap on it rather than napping on the hard, uncomfortable ground surfaces. While you can suitably use an outdoor dog bed on the balcony, backyard, or garden, these beds are highly portable so you easily take them for camping, mini trekking trips, and picnics with your pooch.
Qualities of the Best Outdoor Dog Bed
- Sturdy Construction- an outdoor bed must feature a robust construction that can withstand the outside weather elements. Besides the dog bed should have a weather-resistant construction to last through the various seasons of the year. Elements such as mold and mildew can compromise the integrity of the bed and pose a health risk to your pup and so a quality outdoor dog bed should be made of materials that can withstand such hazards.
- Portability- Outdoor dog beds use is not limited to use at home, when you take an adventure with your canine friend, the bed tags along. For this reason, the bed should be easy to carry, assemble and disassemble. Also, you may want to change the position of the dog bed in your backyard and so you will need equipment that is easy to toe.
- Raised Bed- spoil your buddy with an elevated dog bed. The elevation is very important as it helps to keep dirt and bugs away from your furry friend. Raised dog beds also help with aching joints and will be great for senior dogs.
- Breathable Fabric- the best outdoor dog beds with breathable fabric are the real deal. Coupling this to the elevated design creates a hammock-like relaxing spot for your canine friend. The fabric allows free flow of air which contributes to added comfort for your pooch.
With the market offering a wide range of outdoor dog beds to choose from, here are 8 of the best outdoor dog beds which offer durability along with great functionality and reliability.
8 Best Outdoor Dog Beds
#1) SUPERJARE Large Outdoor Dog Bed with Canopy
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#2) Bedsure Elevated Dog Bed Cot
This is an elevated bed cot suitable for medium to large-sized dogs. This dog bed features an off-the-ground design and a breathable mesh to keep your dog cool and snug by increasing airflow on his fur coat while comfortably reducing pressure on all his body parts. This bed features high-quality construction with sturdy frames and Teslin mesh that keep it stable and safe for use. The durable sleeping surface supports your dog comfortably and resists rips from claws. The non-skid rubber feet will protect your floor from scratches and keep the bed from sliding when the dog jumps on and off. Its setup process is quick and hassle-free and so is the disassembling process. By being lightweight, you can easily take it with you whenever you and your pet go. For optimal dog health, pet hair and dirt don’t cling to the mesh fabric and the fabric can be easily cleaned using tap water. We believe your pet family deserves this comfy bed, so go ahead and get one. Key Features
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#3) Refined Canine Chaise Outdoor Dog Bed
Treat your furry friend to some quality outdoor fun using the Refined Canine Chaise Outdoor Dog Bed. This bed is soft, stylish, and luxurious, providing your pet with the ultimate outdoor comfort. Since this dog bed is waterproof, it is perfect for a nap on the deck or a poolside siesta. Additionally, it comes with a built-in overhanging shade for those sunny days where your dog will want to cool off. The chaise lounger is made of durable waterproof rattan material and includes a plush thick outdoor cushion that’s sturdy enough to accommodate dogs up to 75lbs. The assembly process of this outdoor dog bed is quick and simple, with no tools needed. For your own convenience and to ensure optimal dog health, the outdoor cushion is machine washable. Key Features
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#4) Kuranda Chewproof Outdoor Dog Bed
Provide your dog with a snug spot to sleep using the Kuranda Dog Bed. This elevated dog bed is perfect for your dog to sleep either indoors or outdoors. The lightweight yet sturdy PVC frame with a breathable cot is ideal for dogs weighing up to 250lbs. This furniture-grade poly resin dog bed looks beautiful and stylish in any home and its durable design stands up to the most mischievous dogs. The walnut-colored frame, legs, and corners blend perfectly with the wide choice of fabric colors available. The patented design of this bed allows the fabric to slide inside the frame and hides the edges of the fabric to discourage chewing. While this bed can elevate your dog more than 9” off the ground, the breathable fabric cover will allow airflow underneath them and keep them cool during summer. The bed is easy to assemble and disassemble with no tools needed. Dirt or air will not cling to the bed and when you need to clean it, simply use tap water to clean it. Definitely one of the best outdoor dog beds for indoor/outdoor use. Key Features
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#5) Paws and Pals Elevated Dog Bed
Having extra space for your furry friend to rest and relax whenever you guys are outdoors is definitely an idea worth investing in. This elevated dog bed from Paws and Pals provides the right amount to keep your dog off the ground, away from dirt and dust. Designed to maximize the dog’s comfort and bone structure support, this dog bed is just the right shape to match your pet’s cute and fluffy body. The breathable mesh fabric makes it great for outdoor use, plus with the foldable design and the included carrying bag, travel is made easier. The bed is made from heavy-duty and breathable waterproof oxford cloth which is easy to wash by hand or air dry. The frame is made with sturdy metal to accommodate small to medium-sized dogs. The bottom feet are non-skid to enhance stability in smooth and slippery ground surfaces. As one of the best outdoor dog beds, you can also use this Paws & Pals Elevated Dog Bed as a cooling platform Key Features
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#6) K&H Pet Products Cooling Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed
This elevated outdoor dog bed from K&H products provides the ultimate comfort that your dog deserves. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this bed is also ideal for camping, traveling, picnicking, and more. Since the bed is available in an off-the-ground design, it will keep your pet cool by increasing airflow on his fur coat and comfortably reduce stress on the joints. The non-removable cooling pad sewn in the center stays cool by adding normal tap water to the core. The elevated pet bed assembles easily with no tools needed. While it features a sturdy steel frame that can hold up to 150lbs, the slip-resistant rubber feet provide protection for indoor flooring. When not in use, this pet bed disassembles quickly and folds down into a compact size for easy storage. Replacement covers are separately available and can easily be interchanged to suit your pet’s needs for each season. To ensure optimal dog health, this pet bed cleans easily and doesn’t absorb dirt, dust, and fur. Key Features
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#7) Pet Gear Lifestyle Pet Cot Elevated Bed
This elevated dog bed by Pet Gear Lifestyle provides the perfect stretch time for your pet. It has a good weight capacity and you can use it indoors and outdoors as well. This pet coat features an off-the-ground design to elevate your pet off the ground while keeping him snug and off the dirt. The strong mesh design allows for airflow to your dog, keeping him cool when the temperatures outside are unbearable. The bed is made with durable and water-resistant materials to ensure many years of use. Additionally, the powder-coated steel frame adds on the best sturdiness making it one of the best outdoor dog beds. Rubber grippers on all four legs help prevent the cot from sliding and prevent damage to the floor. By being lightweight, this cot is great for travel and camping. Furthermore, it is easy to disassemble as it is easy to assemble and its easy-fold design makes storage easy when it is not in use. This dog bed is quite sturdy and provides a perfect spot for your pooch to chill and relax. Key Features
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#8) Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed
While this pet bed by Coolaroo is remarkably affordable, it comes with quality features meant to provide your furry friend with a comfortable place to rest or sleep. This is a high-quality dog bed that’s sturdy enough to accommodate dogs weighing up to 100lbs. It features an off-the-ground design and an HDPE fabric bed surface which keeps your dog cool by eliminating hot spots while increasing cool airflow. To enhance your dog’s comfort, the flexible bed reduces stress on your dog’s joints. This dog bed is available in 5 different designer colors that blend perfectly with most interior home décor. Furthermore, the fabric used is not just eco-friendly but also flea, mite, mold, and mildew resistant for optimal dog health. Setting up this bed is quick and straightforward, and you ideally use it either indoors or outdoors. It is lightweight, easy to carry around, and easy to clean as well. Simply hose off the water then allow it to dry. Key Features
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Related: Best Plastic Dog Crates
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Dog Beds
With the market offering a wide range of outdoor dog beds to choose from, here are some of the important factors to consider, so you can pick a bed that your pooch will be comfortable with.
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Weather-Resistance
The bed you choose should be resistant to all weather elements. Now that the bed is going to stay outside for long hours, you’ll be required to get a dog bed that efficiently deals with all sorts of weather that may come it’s way.
The bed should have the ability to repel and resist water, dust, and cold. With such a bed, you won’t have to worry about water or dust accumulating on the dog bed.
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Breathability
Outdoor weather conditions are always unpredictable. They can put your dog against many sorts of challenging weathers that can make your pooch feel crammed. You’ll need a bed that can regulate and maintain a good temperature of your pooch when the temperature outside becomes unbearable.
Some outdoor dog beds feature cooling pads meant to regulate your dog’s body temperature. Others are elevated to enhance breathability. All the beds reviewed above are products that can provide healthy ventilation.
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Comfort
Your favorite furry friend deserves all the comfort he can get after a long day outdoors. The bed needs to be comfortable for him so it feels like home. The bed needs to be comfortable enough so your dog can easily pull up a piece of sunbeam and nap.
Find a bed that supports your dog’s body and prevents any unforeseen orthopedic issues in the future. Look for a bed with enough dense filling to be comfortable.
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Durability
An outdoor dog bed is going to be exposed to different weather elements. Over time, it is going to get weak and also fade. A dog bed made of high-quality materials will have distinct qualities to increase its lifespan.
Find a bed that’s made of high-quality material which is also sturdy enough to withstand the dog’s chewing behavior. Depending on where you intend to use the bed, choose a design that’s going to wear well and you’ll be able to use it for more than one season.
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Size
The market offers a multitude of outdoor dog beds available in different sizes to suit the needs of different pet owners. Pay close attention to the size of the bed and compare it with the size of your dog.
Dogs come in all sorts of unique shapes and sizes, and you must not go ahead to purchase a product without considering its size. Measure your dog and find a size according to their length and girth, while making sure that they have enough space to turn around if they want to.
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Weight
Outdoor dog beds are either used for a permanent doggy space in the backyard or porch, however, most dog owners prefer lightweight and portable beds so they can carry them whenever they take their dogs out.
If you travel with your pooch regularly, go for a bed that is easy to assemble, lightweight, and easy to carry around. Some of these beds have carrying bags included for convenient transportation.
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Sleeping Pattern
Whether your canine friend loves to lay his head on a bolster, or sprawl around on the space they sleep on, there is something for every dog. It is therefore important to look for an outdoor dog bed that will accommodate your dog’s sleeping styles and pattern, in case they are to doze off.
What is the Best Outdoor Dog Bedding?
Happy pets make happy pet parents. If your pooch snoozes outside, providing bedding keeps him warm and also adds makes napping outside cozier. Finding dog bedding that provides insulation is very important. Not only that, outdoor bedding should be moisture resistant. Here are some of the beddings worth your consideration:
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Grass Hay Dog Bedding
Hay is excellent outdoor bedding for dogs. It is ideal for the cold season because of its insulating properties. Grass hay has several placement options, you can put in the dog house, in the kennel, or put it on the ground. Hay is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly solution compared to commercial dog beddings.
Make sure the grass hay you are using is of high quality as low-quality has can pose a health risk to your buddy when it becomes moldy or dusty. The only downside to the use of hay is the dog eating it which may cause digestive problems. Be sure to change the grass on regular basis.
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Pine Straw Dog Bedding
Pine straw in another excellent outdoor bedding material for dogs. Pine straw creates a comfy environment for your canine friend. Although comfortable to the pooch, pine straw bedding is prone to moisture attack and requires constant replacement often.
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Cedar Chips Dog Bedding
For ultimate snoozing and odor control, cedar chips are the way to go. The chips are popular in outdoor bedding because of their insect repelling properties. However, the chips are not ideal for allergic pups as the strong scent worsens the problem. When ingested, cedar is dangerous and this disqualifies the cedar chips as bedding for chewers.
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Old Bedding
Old linens, blankets, and rugs make excellent outdoor bedding for dogs. A pup doesn’t care what material it is sleeping on as long as the bed is comfortable and warm. Make sure the materials are clean and dry prior to placing them on the dog bed.
How to Make Your Outdoor Dog Bed Last Long
Once you get an outdoor dog bed for your favorite canine friend, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it lasts long enough so you can get great value for money.
- Clean it. Once you have checked on the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the bed, make sure that you do it regularly. Most of these beds can be easily cleaned using a white piece of cloth and some mild detergent. Others feature a removable cover that’s machine washable. Cleaning your dog’s bed regularly will make it last longer while maintaining the dog’s optimal health.
- Grooming The Dog. Keep your dog’s nails neat and trimmed to prevent accidental punctures. Regular brushing will remove excess hair that your dog sheds and prevent it from building up on their bed.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight. Never place an outdoor dog bed in direct sunlight. Doing so damages the inside contents while reducing its cooling effects.
- Check Underneath. Before you place the bed on the surface, make sure that there is nothing underneath that can cause rips or tears. If there is dirt or something sharp, clean all that. Make sure that the surface is also dry to prevent moisture build-up. Moisture breeds bacteria and mold that can be harmful to your dog and degrade the bed over time.
Best Outdoor Dog Beds FAQs
Q: Are Outdoor Dog Beds Good for Old Dogs?
A: Yes. Outdoor dog beds provide a comfortable angle to sleep for adult and old dogs while keeping them off the ground. The off-the-ground design with a mesh fabric keeps them cool while relieving pressure on the joints and muscles. The elevated design protects them from dirt and dust as well as cold and hot floor surfaces.
Q: Should an Outdoor Dog Bed Be water-resistant?
A: Yes. An outdoor dog bed must be able to withstand any water or liquid. Outdoor settings are more susceptible to weather change. To ensure that the outdoor dog bed lasts longer, choose one that withstands both rain and dust.
Q: Do Dogs Prefer Hard or Soft Beds?
A: Dogs need to lie down on a firm surface that’s not too soft. Too soft beds and pillows don’t offer the support needed for a snug rest and healthy joints. Additionally, an old dog that sinks into a plush bed may find it difficult to get into and out of the bed.
Q: How Do I Choose the Right Outdoor Bed for My Dog?
A: Outdoor dog beds should be sufficiently padded and made from a comfortable and weather-resistant material. Waterproof beds are helpful in preventing them from getting damp. If you travel with your pooch regularly, the bed should be lightweight and portable.
Conclusion
Having the right outdoor dog bed will keep your dog comfortable and secure as they take an afternoon nap under the sun. While the market offers a wide range of outdoor dog beds to choose from, we have made your selection work easy by reviewing the best dog beds suitable for outdoor use. All the products reviewed above are good for your dog and we hope that you love them too.
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