Buying guide for best elevated pet beds
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Most pet beds are plush, padded, and positioned directly on the floor. But foam and fabric models aren’t your only option. While they might not look as cozy as their cushioned counterparts, elevated pet beds boast some mighty impressive benefits.
Ideal for ailing, elderly, or injured pets, the cot-like surface of an elevated pet bed can greatly improve sleeping comfort by keeping aching joints and muscles off hard, cold floors. Resting on a raised surface will also help your four-legged friend stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And any pet parent is bound to appreciate a bed that’s easy to keep clean and nearly impossible to destroy.
If you’re in the market for an elevated pet bed, you have plenty of options to choose from, but selecting the right size, height, and construction materials isn’t always easy. To help you find the perfect fit for your fur baby, our buying guide has everything you need to know about elevated pet beds. You’ll find our five favorite products in the matrix above.
Key considerations
Type
Standard elevated pet beds consist of a sturdy frame with four legs that’s topped with a breathable mesh sleeping surface. Although most standard models are easy enough to move from point to point, they don’t typically fold down for travel or storage.
Intended for on-the-go use, portable elevated pet beds resemble camping cots and often feature an accordion-like design that folds flat for travel. Many also come with a dedicated travel bag to keep the bed from getting damaged in transit.
Size and height
Size and height have a direct impact on both comfort and functionality. The surface of an elevated pet bed should be spacious enough to accommodate your pet with room to stretch. Height is every bit as important and should also be selected in accordance with your pet’s size. For instance, smaller dogs might have a tough time getting on and off a bed that’s too tall and could even end up hurting themselves in the process.
Construction materials
Between climbing on and off, stretching, and rolling, elevated pet beds have to endure a considerable amount of daily activity. While thin PVC frames might be somewhat easier on the pocket, keep in mind that these aren’t entirely resistant to chewing and scratching. Frames made of aluminum or steel generally deliver an optimal balance of rugged durability and manageable heft. You should also look for a tightly woven mesh top with a decent amount of tension, which is more likely to withstand any potential snagging, chewing, or sagging.
Weight limit
Every elevated pet bed has a maximum weight capacity, and it’s vital that you choose an appropriate option, regardless of its size and construction materials. Many pet parents assume that a jumbo-sized bed will just as easily accommodate two medium-sized dogs as a single large-breed dog, but while the surface area might be spacious enough for slumber buddies, there’s no guarantee that the frame and fabric will be able to hold the extra weight. For safety reasons, it’s always a good idea to check the weight limit before you buy.
"The sturdy frame and tightly secured fabric of elevated pet beds deliver superior resistance to destructive behaviors like chewing."
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Features
Bolsters
Everyone enjoys having a comfy spot to rest their head while they relax, and our pets are no different. Bolsters can significantly boost naptime comfort, especially for pets who suffer from respiratory issues, and they will also reduce the likelihood of your fur baby accidentally taking a tumble off the bed. However, enthusiastic chewers might not be able to resist sinking their teeth into a softer surface, so keep this in mind if you happen to have a repeat offender.
Canopies
Some elevated pet beds come with removable shade canopies to keep pets protected from the elements. If you’re looking for a bed specifically for outdoor use, a model with a canopy will go the extra mile to ensure your dog remains cool and comfortable at all times.
Rubberized feet
Rubberized feet might not seem like a make-or-break feature, but they can help save your floors from scratches and scrapes while improving stability at the same time. Large breeds, in particular, are likely to cause some shifting when climbing onto their beds. Rubberized feet will help keep skidding to a minimum.
Color
Elevated pet beds come in a wide variety of colors to suit every preference and personality. While your dog probably won’t be too fussy about the color of the bed, choosing something that matches your decor or your dog’s collar and other accessories can add a nice personal touch.
Elevated pet bed prices
Inexpensive
Small, simple elevated pet beds or models with lightweight frames typically cost between $20 and $25.
Mid-range
Quality small to medium elevated pet beds with basic designs and a handful of large and sturdy options can be found between $25 and $35.
Expensive
If you’re searching for an elevated pet bed with standout features, like a removable shade canopy or a higher-than-average weight capacity, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $65.
Did you know?
By leaving no place for pests to hide, elevated pet beds are naturally resistant to fleas and mites.
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Tips
- Position the bed against a wall. If you’re concerned about the bed shifting or your pooch rolling off but don’t want a model with bolsters, placing an elevated pet bed against a wall can provide a bit of extra security.
- Skip the blankets. Blankets and cushions can make an elevated pet bed a little cozier, but keep in mind that padding will reduce airflow.
- Choose a bed with UV coating for outdoor use. Exposure to direct sunlight will cause colors to fade over time. If you plan to keep your elevated pet bed outdoors, UV-resistant fabric and a powder-coated frame can boost durability.
- Give your pup some time to get used to the new bed. If your dog is new to using an elevated bed, he might need some time to figure things out. Inviting your pooch to lie down or sit on the bed and rewarding him with a treat when he gets it right can help speed up the process.
FAQ
Q. Are elevated pet beds suitable for arthritic dogs?
A. Yes, in fact elevated pet beds are often the go-to choice for older or injured dogs. Canines living with painful joint conditions tend to have a difficult time getting up from the floor and may find the raised surface of an elevated bed easier to navigate. The cot-like surface of an elevated bed also promotes even weight distribution and reduces pressure on joints. Lastly, sleeping on a raised surface eliminates the possibility of cold seeping in through the floor and exacerbating aches, pains, and stiffness.
Q. How should I clean my elevated pet bed?
A. Because most elevated beds have a mesh surface, accumulated fur and dirt particles aren’t generally much of an issue. However, no bed is impervious to mud, drool, vomit, and general odors. Luckily, elevated pet beds tend to be a breeze to clean. When it comes to light messes and slight odors, an antibacterial wipe or two should do the trick. In the event of heavy soiling, tackle caked-on dirt with an old toothbrush before rinsing the bed under running water and leaving it to air dry.
Q. Can the mesh fabric on an elevated pet bed be replaced?
A. Even though elevated pet beds tend to be more durable than other pet beds, sometimes snagging, tearing, and stretching is unavoidable. Some elevated pet beds account for the possibility of damage with replaceable covers, but not all beds offer this feature, so be sure to check before you commit.
