6 outdoor pet beds that will keep your dog cool and comfortable this summer
Christine Caplan
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- Outdoor dog beds come in a variety of styles, including basic cots, elevated beds with bolsters and covers, and simple mats.
- We tested six of the most popular outdoor pet beds with two hounds to see how they performed over the course of a month.
Keeping dogs cool and comfortable during the summer is a priority for all pet owners. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and while I'm near the coast and a lake, I don't always have time to take my two hounds for a cool dip during the summer months. Both of my dogs like water, so a good dog pool can help. But as many people know, some dogs are not fans of water.
That's why outdoor dog beds can be a lifesaver in the summer months. Elevated beds, also called cots, allow for airflow and some even provide extra shade for dogs. A shady spot out of the sun can save a dog from heatstroke. Other outdoor beds provide simple comfort and can be laid directly on the ground under a tree or on a deck.
With that in mind, all six of these beds are great options for camping, hiking, or even just hanging outside with family during a long, hot weekend. I tested them with my 32-pound standard dachshund and my 37-pound beagle. All of the beds held up and didn't sag or wear.
Here are six outdoor dog beds that we recommend after testing:A bolster bed for dogs that like to curl up
This elevated cot is also a bolster bed — and that got my attention. Both of my dogs love to lay their head on the bolster, much like they do on the pillows and arms of our sofa.
The bolster is removable so you can convert the bed to a regular cot, and the elastic straps that keep it in place are easy to secure. We tested out the nonskid feet on our deck. When the dogs jumped onto the cot, it did not slide a bit. It can easily be transferred for use inside, too.
The bolster is made from durable waterproof 600 denier nylon, and the cot has a breathable nylon mesh bed. If you need to clean the fabric, it can be wiped down with a damp cloth, hosed down, or removed and machine washed (line dry only). Assembling the tube-lock frame takes a bit of elbow grease, but once the pieces are secured, the bed is super sturdy.
Available sizes: small (17 inches by 22 inches), medium (25 inches by 32 inches), large (42 inches by 30 inches)
Color options: brown
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
A tent bed that protects pets from sun and rain
This cot's unique design consists of a removable cover that converts the bed into a den to protect your dog from sun or rain. The bed features a breathable nylon mesh center, and the tent cover has two zippered windows, which are great for air circulation or for dogs that don't like to feel too closed in.
Like the K&H Bolster Bed, the cover is secured with elastic straps. The cot held up well in wet weather and would be nice to bring along for an extended camping trip during hot temperatures. You will need to train your dog to get inside when the tent cover is in place — the opening is on the small side and our dachshund needed coaxing. Tossing some treats inside will likely do the trick.
The tent is made of 600 denier nylon that is water-resistant and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Ours has been sitting outside on our deck in the rain and shows no signs of mold or mildew. You'll have to snap the frame into place before adding the tent portion.
Available sizes: small (17 inches by 22 inches), medium (25 inches by 32 inches), large (42 inches by 30 inches)
Color options: navy blue
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
An elevated dog bed that won't break the bank
I keep this steel-framed bed outside on the lawn so my dogs can relax on it during nicer days. The polyester bed is coated with PVC to provide water resistance and seems comfortable for the dogs. It also hasn't sagged at all, which is impressive since both dogs took turns lying on this bed over the course of a few weeks when we spent time in the garden.
Like the K&H beds, the skid-resistant feet are extremely helpful. When I placed it on our deck, both of my dogs were hesitant to jump up onto it, but they soon found it was steady. Another bonus is that Chewy sells affordable replacement covers for $10 or less depending on size.
This Frisco bed comes with tools for assembly and takes longer to build than the cots that are designed with tube-lock assembly. Overall, it took me about 15 minutes to put it together, and I needed a helper.
Available sizes: small (21.8 inches by 35.7 inches) up to 40 pounds, medium (25.8 inches by 43.4 inches) up to 65 pounds, large (31.8 inches by 51.6 inches) up to 85 pounds
Color options: brown, terracotta, green, grey
Warranty: none
An outdoor bed as comfortable as the couch
The curved back is the best feature of this cot. Both of my dogs enjoy having a full back to rest up against. It's not a bolster though — it only serves as an area they can lean on.
Although the bed's unique design could lend itself to pooling water, the highly breathable nylon fabric prevents this. The material dries fairly quickly, too. When I left the cot out in the rain, I didn't need to wait an entire day for it to dry out in the sunshine. There weren't any issues with rust or mold, either.
Assembly was easy with the snap-together powder-coated steel frame. The design is sturdy and stable. However, I wouldn't recommend this bed for dogs with mobility issues. Because of the curved front, dogs have to step up into it.
Available sizes: medium (25 inches by 31.5 inches) up to 60 pounds, large (26 inches by 37.5 inches) up to 90 pounds
Color options: blue
Warranty: none
A soft mat to relax on the grass
The Chuckit! Bed is great for travel and the only one we tested that is not elevated. I recommend it for camping or hanging out in the yard. Both my dogs enjoy this soft quilted bed, and I like that it easily dries out when thrown over a lawn chair in the sun.
Dogs with mobility issues will especially benefit from the Chuckit! Place it flat on the ground and your senior dog won't need to worry about stepping up onto an elevated cot. My senior beagle loves this bed so much he now looks for it on the deck before he settles in for sunbathing.
It's also a wonderful addition to my dogs' crates when we are traveling by car. It doesn't take up any room and can be rolled up to easily fit in a backpack or the included pouch.
The top is made from a polyester-suede fabric and the bottom is a soft but durable ripstop nylon. It does get dirty, but it's machine washable. We've tossed it in the wash at least four times over a month, and it held up well.
Available sizes: one size (30 inches by 39 inches)
Color options: blue/grey
Warranty: none
A bed that's mold, mildew, and pest resistant
While similar in design to the Frisco bed, the unique high-density polyethylene fabric that makes up this cot is resistant to mold, mildew, and pests. Reviewing at least one bed that protects my dogs from ants and other creepy crawlers was a priority.
With its elevated design, this bed promotes airflow to keep your dog cool while the suspended platform design reduces pressure points for dogs with arthritis. The rust-resistant steel-coated frame is perfect for rainy and humid climates.
This is another bed you can use indoors, and we actually started our review in our kitchen. The bed proved lightweight and easy to move around. You won't have to worry about making sure it's clean before you bring it back inside — just vacuum or rinse it with a hose. I put our bed out in the sun to air dry.
The package includes tools for assembly and hardware that isn't intimidating. It took no more than 15 minutes to put it together but required a helper.
Available sizes: small (22 inches by 35 inches) up to 50 pounds, medium (25.5 inches by 42 inches) up to 75 pounds, large (31.5 inches by 51 inches) up to 100 pounds
Color options: Brunswick green, terracotta, grey, nutmeg, navy blue, turquoise
Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
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