Best Elevated Dog Beds

Elevated dog beds have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. 

While they provide a comfy place for your pup to relax, raised models offer other important benefits. 

Cot-style pet beds can help keep your furry friend cool in the summer heat or warm when there’s a chill on your floors in the winter. Additionally, elevated dog beds can help to reduce joint pain and arthritis. Taking pressure off joints in older dogs goes a long way toward a good night’s sleep.

All raised dog beds aren’t alike, though, so you can do some comparison shopping right here before clicking “add to cart.”

Pros and Cons of Elevated Dog Beds

1. Kuranda – More Than a Raised Dog Bed 

Kuranda is a family-owned brand with 30 years of experience in the dog bed industry. It focuses on doing one thing better than others – producing elevated dog beds. 

Shopping on the Kuranda site is a treat with many customization options. Instead of one and done, you can build a unique model for your precious fur baby. Step one is selecting from standard or aluminum framing and picking a color. And, yes, you could call it a day right there, but why when there’s so much more? You can take things to the next level with suite beds, crate beds, bunk beds, and blankets or pads that attach to the legs; the list goes on. 

Most of Kuranda’s cot-style dog beds have adjustable height options and come in your choice of material. Assembly is required, but it’s pretty straightforward.

Bottom Line – Kuranda dog beds cost a bit more than other brands we’re covering. But if you’re shopping for a one-time purchase that’ll last for years, it’s worth it. You can always switch out the cover, buy replacement legs, or add accessories along the way. But one quality model is all you need.

2. Coolaroo On-the-Go – Travel Model

We’ve reviewed Coolaroo’s simple cot-style dog bed and included it in several of our “best of” lists, as it’s an excellent, affordable choice. However, Coolaroo recently released a new model – Coolaroo On-the-Go, and it’s a gamechanger for pups and their parents who travel or camp. 

It’s similar to a fold-up chair you’d see at tailgate parties. There’s nothing complicated as you push the corners together. Then, it’s compact and easy to carry, courtesy of the shoulder strap. Just unfold, and your fur baby is good to go once again in about ten seconds flat.

Like the original Coolaroo, On-the-Go is flea and mite resistant and uses HDPE canvas with tiny holes for airflow. It comes in different colors based on the size.

Bottom Line – Coolaroo is best known for its outdoor shades and uses the same UV-protected fabric for its line of pet products. You’re not going to find custom accessories like pads, blankets, or bolsters. Nonetheless, the standard raised dog bed or the relatively new On-the-Go option gets the job done.

3. K & H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot – Extra Support

K & H Pet Products’ Bolster Pet Cot is a step up for elevated dog beds. Instead of a simple cot-style bed with canvas stretched over the frame, your pup gets pillows!

Sturdy but soft bolsters surround three sides of the raised platform. So, your fur baby can still fall into bed on one side but then has neck and leg supports to use for even more joint pain relief. However, if you notice your pup doesn’t use the cushioning, you can always remove them and give him a little more room to stretch.

Bottom Line – Like most raised dog beds, there’s some assembly required but nothing that needs tools. So, we not only like this particular Bolster Pet Cot for the three sides of supportive pillows, but it’s great for on-the-go use as well. It’s under 10 pounds and assembles and disassembles quickly.

4. KOPEKS Orthopedic Elevated Dog Bed – Mattress-Style

KOPEKS takes a different approach to elevated dog beds. Instead of a lightweight, portable option, you get a “mini-me” version of your bed. This particular model features a 4” high frame with a 4.5” supportive foam mattress. 

So, your pup gets the height advantage combined with a super comfortable, orthopedic-type cushion. And, if you’re worried about the occasional accident, it comes with a water-resistant cover that should keep things nice and tidy – inside and out.

Bottom Line – The Orthopedic Elevated Dog Bed by KOPEKS is excellent for at-home use. It weighs about 25 pounds, so it’s not ideal for road warrior pets and pet parents. But it’s stylish and has the lift that older dogs especially will appreciate, combined with a nice, soft mattress for pressure point relief.

What are the benefits of an elevated dog bed?

An elevated dog bed has two primary benefits – orthopedic and temperature. Older, larger breed dogs are particularly susceptible to hip dysplasia and joint pain, and a raised dog bed makes it easier for them to lay down and get up. Additionally, the lift off the floor is also effective at relieving pain. But your pup doesn’t need to have health issues to benefit from a cot-style bed, as it’s also great for warming and cooling. In the summer, the tiny holes in the canvas allow air to flow. And in colder months, your pup is raised above the cold floor below.

Why is a raised pet bed beneficial for arthritic dogs?

A raised pet bed, also called an elevated or cot-style dog bed, is highly recommended for pups with arthritis or other joint and muscle aches. With 7” or 8” of lift, it’s easier for them to use, as it can be pretty painful for some fur babies to maneuver themselves on and off the ground. The stretched canvas cradles their body so those painful joints aren’t rubbing against a hard surface. Some brands take the orthopedic benefits further with mattresses, bolsters, and detachable pads.

Is an elevated dog bed strong enough to hold my 150-lb. pup?

Yes, but it depends on the specific bed you choose. Some raised dog beds focusing on portability have a lower weight allowance. But brands like Kuranda and Coolaroo produce models that accommodate the biggest of the big fur babies – up to 250 pounds!

Do raised dog beds come in different styles?

If you’ve been shopping for elevated dog beds, you might have noticed that most look like miniature military or camping cots. They have a metal or PVC pipe frame with canvas stretched across. However, some brands have embraced creativity with bunk beds that hold two pups. You’ll also find headboards, mattresses, bolsters, heating and cooling beds, and all kinds of design twists and accessories. Today’s raised dog beds are anything but boring!

Tips for Buying the Best Elevated Dog Beds

Weight matters as much as size – Shopping for an elevated dog bed is different than buying a cuddler or mat. While you still need to consider size requirements (length and width), your pup’s weight is just as important. If you’ve got a larger dog, you’ll want to steer clear of flimsy frames that can bend and break. However, reputable brands include the weight allowance in the description and should stand by it.

Consider additional orthopedic support – Yes, elevated dog beds are excellent for pups with joint and muscle pain. But some brands are even better for orthopedic support. You can buy a raised model with a mattress or an attachable pad. There are also bolster-style cot beds providing all kinds of comfortable sleeping positions.

If accessories matter… – …turn to a brand with customization options. We like Kuranda, as it’s one of the best for elevated dog bed accessories. Kuranda has an entire line of add-ons, including pads, pillows, and blankets.

Assembly isn’t always required – If you like the idea of an elevated dog bed but are assembly-averse, no worries. Portable raised dog beds open and close in seconds – no tools needed.