Outdoor dog beds can keep your pooch comfortable, dry, and safe when sleeping outdoors. Think about it: Your pup spends a lot of time outside, whether on walks or just relaxing in the yard. And even if you live in a warm climate, you may still want to give your pet some snooze time out on the deck or patio.
But with great outdoor comfort comes great responsibility — namely, keeping your dog's outdoor bedding clean and free from debris that could irritate paws or get into eyes and ears. That's where outdoor dog beds come in handy. Some options are machine-washable for quick cleanup; others repel dirt and spill to help them slide right off surfaces after an incident happens. Outdoor dog bedding also keeps pets cool during hot months and cozy during chilly ones — which is especially important for older dogs who can't regulate their body temperatures as well as they used to!
The type of material you choose depends on personal preference (and budget). Cotton is natural and biodegradable but has its downsides — namely, it holds moisture close to the skin so might not be ideal for warmer months when sweat builds up quickly. Synthetics have their benefits too: They tend to hold up better over time than cotton materials do, they're easy to clean because they don't absorb liquids like cotton does, and they're often less expensive than pure cotton materials because synthetics last longer before needing replacement.
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
We looked at a variety of factors when choosing the best outdoor dog beds, including material type, price, and customer reviews. Material type is an important consideration when choosing the best outdoor dog bed for your pup—you'll want to make sure that it's made from a material that's comfortable for them to lie on. Some common materials used in dog beds include memory foam, latex foam, polyester, cotton blend, and more.
Price is another factor to keep in mind—some elevated beds can get quite expensive! We only included ones that were reasonably priced so you could find one that fit your budget. Finally, we read through dozens of customer reviews to get an idea of what real customers were saying about their experiences with the different beds.
Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed, Indoor and Outdoor
Keeping Your Dog Cool and Comfortable All Year Long
Why We Love It
The Coolaroo elevated pet bed is an excellent choice for any dog that needs extra cooling down during the hot summer months. This elevated pet bed features a unique design that allows air to flow through its fabric, keeping your dog cool and comfortable all year long.
What You Should Know
The elevated height of this dog bed also helps to eliminate hot spots and pressure points on your pet's joints, which can be beneficial for older or arthritic dogs. The lightweight construction of this coolaroo elevated pet bed makes it portable enough to bring along with you on trips or hikes so your pup can enjoy the great outdoors too!
These elevated dog beds are made from 100% recyclable fabric, which means no harmful lead or phthalate chemicals are present in the product. It's eco-friendly too as the fabric is GREENGUARD certified, so you know it's safe when you're tossing it in the trash after use.
Bedsure Large Elevated Cooling Outdoor Dog Bed
This Dog Bed's Elevated Design Increases Airflow for All Season Comfort, Keeping Your Pet Cool Even on Hot Days.
Why We Love It
The Bedsure Large Elevated Cooling Dog Bed is a great choice for dogs who need extra cooling support. The elevated design provides airflow to keep your pet cool on hot days, and the durable metal frame provides excellent support and even pressure distribution to reduce joint and muscle pain.
What You Should Know
The raised mesh cot works great indoors or outside, and the lightweight design makes it easy to take this dog bed with you on adventures. This elevated bed is super easy to clean, so you can wash it with tap water, a hose, or a damp cloth if there's deep cleaning needed. It's also strong enough to withstand scratching and chewing, providing excellent support over time.
This hammock dog bed is designed for large dogs up to 75 pounds; however, we found that large breed dogs and smaller breeds could use this too if they're close in size to the listed weight limit.
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed
Raised dog bed helps pets stay cool in summer months by allowing air to circulate
Why We Love It
The K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot is a great elevated outdoor dog bed that's perfect for larger breeds like Labs and GSDs. This elevated outdoor bed features removable bolsters so you can customize it to your pet's shape and size, making it ideal if you have more than one furry friend.
What You Should Know
The waterproof denier fabric is strong and durable, holding up well even in the elements. The bolster is plush enough to provide extra comfort for your pet while still being removable for easy cleaning. The raised center of this outdoor dog bed helps keep your pet off the cold ground, keeping them cool in the summer months.
This cot also comes with a water-resistant mesh center which repels moisture so you don't have to worry about getting wet when using it outdoors. Its lightweight but sturdy metal frame holds over 200 pounds of weight, making this an excellent choice for any large breed owner looking for an elevated outdoor dog bed that won't break the bank.
CHEERHUNTING Outdoor Dog Bed
Made of Oxford Cloth, Water Resistant for Almost All Weather
Why We Love It
The Cheerhunting Large Washable Waterproof Dog Bed is a great choice for outdoor adventures. It's large enough to accommodate multiple dogs, yet lightweight and waterproof so it won't slow you down when you're hiking or camping.
What You Should Know
The Oxford cloth used in the construction of this mat is durable and scratch resistant, making it perfect for use on rough terrain. The water-resistant material ensures that your dog will stay dry even if he happens to get a little muddy while out on a walk.
This mat is also washable, making cleanup quick and easy whenever something spills onto the ground. We recommend this excellent dog bedding to anyone who loves spending time outdoors with their pet but doesn't want to worry about damaging their favorite pair of shoes or ruining their favorite shirt by tracking mud all over them!
Tail Stories Outdoor All-Weather Dog Bed
It Can Evenly Distribute Your Dog's Weight to Alleviate Pressure on Joints & Bony Areas.
Why We Love It
The Tail Stories Orthopedic Egg Crate Dog Bed is a great choice for large dogs who need extra support and cushioning. It's made from high-quality 600D Oxford fabric with PVC backing, which means it has excellent durability and waterproofing.
What You Should Know
The orthopedic foam provides a comfortable sleeping surface that relieves pressure on joints and bony areas. The egg crate design provides additional support for your dog's back and helps to keep them cool in the hot weather. This outdoor dog bed features a washable cover that is easy to remove and machine washable, so you can keep it looking good even after lots of use.
It comes in sizes suitable for small, medium, or large dogs, so you can find the right one for your pet without having to compromise on comfort or size. With its stylish look, this bed will fit right in no matter where you take it!
BDEUS 51x35In Large Size Outdoor Dog Bed
Lightweight foldable and packable outdoor dog mat with proper waterproof design.
Why We Love It
The BDEUS Odor Resistant Large Dog Bed is a great choice if you want to keep your dog cool and dry while lounging outdoors. This large dog bed features a waterproof Oxford fabric that can be used both indoors and out, making it an excellent choice for camping trips or other outdoor activities.
What You Should Know
The breathable three-layer construction process provides better airflow so your pet stays cool even when lying down for long periods of time. The high-density abrasion-resistant fabric makes this dog mat resistant to grip and wear, ensuring it lasts through multiple uses without falling apart or losing its shape. The BDEUS Odor Resistant Large Dog Bed also comes with a portable carry bag for easy storage and travel, making it perfect for camping trips or other outdoor adventures.
This dog mat occupies minimal space after packing so you can take it along on any trip without worrying about how much room it takes up in the car. It's also multifunctional as an indoor dog mat that can be used as a kennel pad at home too - no need to worry about where to put this thing!
BarkBox - Outdoor Dog Bed
Therapeutic memory foam gel helps relieve your pup’s body aches, joint pains, and hip dysplasia.
Why We Love It
The BarkBox Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed is a great choice for your furry friend who suffers from joint pain, hip dysplasia, or arthritis. This dog bed features therapeutic memory foam gel that relieves body aches and joint pains while providing support and comfort.
What You Should Know
The orthopedic foam material provides extra cushioning to relieve pressure on joints and muscles, while the waterproof cover allows for easy cleanup if accidents occur. The removable cover makes it easy to clean and maintain, so you don't have to worry about replacing the entire pet bed every time it gets wet.
This dog bed is designed with high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use all year round. It's also made with 600D Oxford Fabric which means this will last through lots of roughhousing from your pup!
Why We Love It
The Taizhou Shibantemaoyi Youxiangongsi 48" XLarge Cooling Raised Pet Cot is a great option for anyone looking for an elevated dog bed that can be used outdoors. This outdoor pet cot is made from a sturdy steel frame and has an Oxford fabric cover that can be removed if you prefer to use it indoors.
What You Should Know
The removable canopy provides additional shade during sunny days, while the waterproof function ensures your pet stays dry in rainy or warm weather too. The breathable mesh material keeps your dog cool even in summer, making this a great choice for hot climates. It's also available in multiple sizes so you can find the perfect match for your furry friend!
This elevated dog bed is easy to assemble and comes with a one-year warranty, making it a solid investment for any outdoor enthusiast!
CHEERHUNTING Outdoor Dog Bed Pet Bed 40” X32”
Made of Soft Cloth, Water Resistant for Almost All Weather
Why We Love It
The Cheerhunting Waterproof Dog Bed is a great choice for outdoor adventures. It's large enough to accommodate most breeds and comes in an attractive design that will complement your home décor. The material used to make this mat is durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for use both outdoors and in inclement weather conditions.
What You Should Know
The comfortable suede texture also provides a soft surface for your pet to lie on while providing support and cushioning. Constructed from Oxford cloth, this dog bed is waterproof so you don't have to worry about any accidents happening while your pet uses it as their own personal spotter blanket.
It's easy to maintain with the ability to be machine washed or hand-washed which makes it perfect for those who travel frequently or are on the go all the time - no need to pack a separate mat when going out camping with your pup!
Puppy Heating pad for whelping Box Outdoor Dog House
Heated dog pad with overheating protection function, Provide a warm and safe bed for pets
Why We Love It
The DEOMAN Pet Heated Blanket is a great option for anyone looking for a waterproof pet blanket that offers plenty of safety features. This mat is designed to protect your dog from burns and electrocution, and it's also designed to be easy to clean.
What You Should Know
The blanket itself is made of Oxford fabric and PVC fireproof material, which makes it durable and comfortable. It comes with an anti-electric shock feature that will help keep your pet safe from shocks when you're using it around the house or outdoors. The cord on this product is made of 100% full wrap-around bendable stainless steel dual chew-resistant hose, so you don't have to worry about getting shocked if the cord gets chewed up.
The temperature control on this mat can be set between 30°F and 104°F, so you can adjust it based on the weather outside or how warm you want your pup's bed to get. It takes about 10 minutes for the heated pad to heat up fully, making it ideal for outdoor use during cold months.
Best Outdoor Dog Bedding FAQs
There are many different types of materials used to make pet beds and there is a lot of conflicting information out there about what the best material is.
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which bedding is best for your pet when you have no idea where to start. We've created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about bedding, as well as some handy answers!
What Is The Best Bedding For An Outside Dog?
The best dog bed for the outside is one that is waterproof and can withstand the elements. It's also important for your dog to be able to get away from any wind chill, so make sure you buy a large enough size that will offer your pooch some protection from the elements.
You'll also want something that is easy to clean if needed. We recommend choosing a bedding material that won't absorb water and cause mold or mildew – this includes things like cotton and fleece. If you live in an area where snow accumulates, consider getting a doggie igloo with plenty of room inside to move around freely, as well as an attached insulated mat so they don't have to lay directly on ice or snow.
What Do You Put In The Bottom Of An Outdoor Dog House?
The floor of a dog house can be made of many different materials, including plastic, hardwood, metal, and more. Most dog houses have a solid floor covering the entire bottom of the house, but some models offer an earthen floor for dogs who prefer that type of footing.
It's important to keep your pet warm in their outdoor dog house by layering shavings or straw over other materials like hay or cotton if you live in colder climates. Cotton may seem like an ideal material because it absorbs moisture well, but it also holds heat near your pet's body which could cause them to overheat when they're sleeping.
You should never use cedar shavings because they contain oils that are toxic to dogs. We recommend using chowders or pine shavings instead.
What Should You Put In An Outside Dog House?
Not just any dog bed will do. It needs to be large enough for your pet (especially if it's a breed that tends to sleep stretched out the entire bed), and the floor needs to be raised off the ground so cold air can circulate underneath.
Some dog houses include heat lamps, but we don't recommend this unless you live in an area with very mild winters, or you want to hibernize your pet for the winter. If you do opt for a heating lamp, make sure it's adjustable so you can keep it from getting too hot.
Finally, remember that many dogs aren't fans of closed-in spaces, especially after they've been cooped up inside all day while their owners are at work. An open-air house is ideal since it lets them stretch their legs and sniff around as they please – without having to worry about freezing their tails off.
What Is The Best Material For Dog Bedding?
While it's important to consider the comfort of your dog, you also need to think about safety. For this reason, you'll want to make sure that whatever type of bedding you choose is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
Flocking is one of the most common types of filling used in pet beds and dog blankets because it mimics the feeling of being down without the cost or allergy concerns. It's also easy to clean, which makes flocking a popular choice for people with dogs who have accidents in their kennel or crate. However, if your dog likes to chew on her bedding or toys, be aware that flocking can be dangerous as it can cause blockages in some cases.
Polyester filling is another popular option for dog bedding because it has many similar properties to Down but at a lower price point. This type of filling will feel a little firmer than flocking and provide more support for your pooch. The polyester filling comes in a range of thicknesses so you can find something soft enough for puppies or supportive enough for senior dogs with joint pain. Some manufacturers even offer orthopedic options if your pet suffers from aches and pains due to arthritis or other conditions.
According to experts at PetMD, there are several reasons why dogs like plush bedding over other options like memory foam: The material feels soft compared with plastic; plush mimics natural nesting materials like leaves; and finally, pets associate plush toys with treats because they're often made by some of their favorite brands such as Petco and Disney Pixar – plus they're just plain fun!
What Does A Dog Need To Sleep Outside?
Most of the dog owners we spoke to emphasized the importance of having a dog bed for their pets, but in general, it's important that your dog is comfortable. This includes a soft blanket and maybe even a pillow depending on the breed you have.
It's also important that dogs don't get too cold while sleeping so be sure to check on them throughout the night to ensure they're not shivering. And if it rains, make sure they have some type of shelter from the elements.
How Do I Keep My Outside Dog Warm Outside?
Chances are your dog doesn't want to just sit in the snow all day. They want to run, play and socialize with other dogs; however, that can be dangerous if it's too cold. You don't want them getting heat exhaustion or suffering from hypothermia.
If you live in an area where there is snow, consider investing in a doghouse for those super cold days. If you have a budget that allows it, looking into insulation and heating solutions may be worth it as well. A good solution is to use their regular crate as a bed inside their house so they can feel more secure and get out of the elements when they need a break.
Are Dogs OK To Sleep Outside?
Dogs are fairly resilient and can handle cold weather well as long as they have shelter and plenty of water. If you're only going to be gone for a short time, it's probably OK for your dog to sleep outside in sub-freezing temperatures. Just make sure the area is fenced in securely so your pooch doesn't go roaming.
Dogs actually prefer colder temperatures compared to hot ones because their body heat rises closer to the surface when it's freezing out instead of scorching inside a doghouse or kennel. However, if you plan on leaving your dog outside all day while you're at work or running errands, they should have access to shade and plenty of water as well as frozen treats like ice cubes that will keep them cool when they pant.
Do Outside Dogs Need Blankets?
Most dogs do not need a blanket when they sleep outside, but it can be helpful in colder climates. If you live in an area where temperatures are consistently below freezing, consider buying a dog blanket or putting together your own pet bed by placing several blankets inside a dog crate or bin.
Your pet may also benefit from having some type of barrier between him and the ground if he is accustomed to sleeping on a bed with a mattress and box spring. Dogs who have access to their own doghouse should be fine without additional bedding unless it's especially cold outside.
Are Cedar Shavings OK For Dogs?
Cedar shavings are one of the most popular bedding materials for small animals, but it's important to note that cedar shavings can be toxic for dogs.
The aromatic oils in cedar and wood shavings can irritate a dog's respiratory system, and while it will take a lot of exposure to cause serious damage, it has been known to happen. It is also possible that your dog could have an allergic reaction to the shavings even if he doesn't suffer from respiratory issues.
For this reason, many veterinarians recommend against using cedar shavings as bedding for dogs unless you are absolutely certain your pet won't have any contact with them. If you choose to use cedar bedding anyway, make sure your dog has plenty of access to fresh air at all times so he can get any smothering under control quickly if necessary.
How Do You Waterproof An Outdoor Dog House?
There are two ways to keep the rain out of your dog's house: either choose a waterproof dog house from the start or seal any leaks you find after you get it. You can test for leaks by putting some water in a dish and pouring it into different places in the roofline – including at entrances if your dog likes to go in and out often. Note that dogs often don't like staying in their houses during storms, so you may need to bring them inside until the worst has passed.
If you have a waterproof dog house, clean it well with soap and water before treating it with products designed specifically for waterproofing plastic. This will remove dirt and residue so that the product sticks better. Then follow the instructions on whatever product you chose. Many require that you spray or paint on a thin layer of their product while wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area outside. After letting this dry according to directions, test again for leaks by checking several areas as described above.
How Do You Winterize An Outdoor Dog House?
When cold weather sets in, it's important to keep your dog safe and warm. One way to do this is by ensuring your dog is comfortable and that his or her outdoor dog house stays insulated and heated throughout the winter months.
If you have an elevated dog house that sits on legs, make sure you elevate the legs even further using blocks of wood. This will help ensure any snow buildup doesn't cause a blockage underneath the dog house itself. Additionally, be sure to check the inside of your pet's home regularly for any snow or ice build-up that could affect insulation and keep your pet warm.
Finally, before you put your dog in its outdoor doghouse for the season, it's a good idea to make sure it has been properly winterized beforehand – something most pet owners don't think about doing until after winter arrives. To properly winterize an outdoor doghouse, all you'll need is water and some dish soap. First off, fill up a bucket with equal parts water and dish soap then pour this mixture into your dog house (making sure not to get any inside). Wait around 15 minutes then use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime from within the structure before shutting the door until next year!
The best outdoor dog bedding is a great way to give your pet a comfy place to rest outside. The right choice for your pet depends on several factors such as size, breed, activity level, and personality. Before making your purchase, consider factors such as material type and construction quality, price point, and customer reviews when comparing different options available online. By taking the time to research thoroughly before buying, you can find an ideal adequate bedding that will keep both you and your furry friend happy!
