If you ask 10 people what their favorite outdoor dog bed is, you’re going to get 10 different answers. What’s “great” to one person might not be for you so it’s important to choose the right dog bed for your scenario and your dog. The best outdoor dog beds are:
- Built from long lasting, durable materials to stretch your dollar
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Lightweight (easy to move inside and outside)
- Received at least 4 stars in verified customer reviews so they’re market approved
Below are what we believe are the best outdoor dog beds…and each one has the key purchase characteristics mentioned above:
Our top Picks in 2022
- Coolaroo Elevated Cot Style Pet Bed
- K&H Pet Cot
- Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Shade Pet Bed
- Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Shade Pet Bed
- Cool Cot Indoor/Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed
- Aspen Pet Elevated Pet Bed
Quick Comparison Table of the Best Outdoor Dog Beds 2022
| Dog bed | Price | Color | Washable? | Waterproof? | Star Rating |
| Coolaroo Elevated Cot Style Pet Bed | $26.99 | Gray, Green, Terracotta | Yes | Yes | 4.5 click for review |
| K&H Pet Cot | $29.99 – $41.99 | Chocolate | Yes | Yes | 4.5 click for review |
| Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Shade Pet Bed | $40.34 | Blue | Yes | Yes | 4.5 |
| Cool Cot Indoor/Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed | $35.99 – $135.99 | Brown | Yes | Yes | 4 |
| Aspen Pet Elevated Pet Bed | $41.55 | Blue | Yes | Yes | 4 |
Choosing the best outdoor dog beds
The Kuranda Aluminum Outdoor Dog Bed
Outdoor Dog Beds (or sometimes called elevated dog beds) can be an important item in your house if you have a dog that sleeps or spends a lot of time outside. There are different kinds of outdoor beds in the market and they’re typically designed with durability and comfort in mind. Since they stay outside most of the time, the best outdoor dog beds have to be rugged and water resistant in order to survive the elements (sun, rain, cold, hot).
As mentioned above, outside dog beds should be easy to clean with a garden hose, fast drying and will not absorb water (preventing mold, mildew and funky smells). To the latter point, most outdoor dog beds are raised off the ground to reduce direct contact with water, dirt and abrasive surfaces.
Many dogs sleep outside so aside from being durable, they need to be comfortable too. A quality outdoor dog bed can help maximize good sleep and minimize any arthritis and joint issues. And its never too early to start…these beds provide good support to growing
Our boy Zeus…loungin’ in his Coolaroo!
puppies to reduce the wear and tear of active joints, bones and muscles. Some outdoor dog beds create heat, perfect for dogs who sleep outside and are potentially susceptible to cool climates. Many bed finishes are UV protected to stay cool (or cooler) and prevent the color from fading when exposed to the sun’s rays.
“Green” is big these days and some outdoor dog beds are produced from organic fabrics and manufactured without retardants or other compounds; others use recycled supplies or materials that would otherwise result in a landfill.
Whether its an outdoor, heated or orthopedic dog bed, owners of dogs with allergies prefer the “green” or organic options (even though they’re still somewhat limited. Many dogs have sensitive skin so if you purchase an inexpensive bed made from cheap materials, they could cause the irritation of skin (leading to lots of scratching).
Hi there! I am Anthony, the founder of the Best Dog Bed Reviews site. I have been a certified dog breeder for 15 years and currently own 12 dog breeds on my farm in Atlanta, Georgia. I am also a co-founder of the Dog Breed Info group, which is one of the biggest online communities for dog enthusiasts. I have been writing about dogs and other pets for more than 10 years and have been recognized as one of the leading experts in dog sleep and dog beds. You can find some of my articles on other websites such as The Farm Store and Petplus HQ.