Best Dog Beds for Summer

Some dogs simply run hot. Even though they have fur, it’s still not enough to provide relief during the summer months. That’s why it’s essential to get your dog a bed for hot weather (or year-round) that will help keep them comfortable and cool.

So, in this blog post, we’ll share our picks for some of the best dog beds for summer weather. We’ll also provide a few shopping tips and answer the most frequently asked questions about dog beds for hot weather.

Keep your furry friend happy and relaxed this season with one of these great options!

1. Coolaroo – Elevation Provides Air Flow

The name says it all as Coolaroo is an ideal cooling bed with its 8” of elevation and pinholes in the canvas sleeping area. Coolaroo dog beds resemble military cots but are lightweight with powder-coated aluminum frames covered by high-density polyethylene canvas.

While the elevation provides airflow to keep dogs cool, Coolaroo beds are also ideal for pups with joint problems because of the height. They also work for indoor or outdoor use and are UV, flea, mite, and mold-resistant.

Bottom Line – We consider the Coolaroo model one of the best dog beds for summer, with its mesh canvas allowing air to flow from below. As a tip for the hottest days, place a container of ice below the bed, and your furry friend will be off to dreamland in no time.

2. K & H Pet Products – Water Cooled Pad

K & H’s water-cooled pad is a great choice when you need to cool your pup down as much as possible. It’s an indoor-outdoor option with a nylon-vinyl outer cover that cleans with a hose or wet rag.

However, what’s happening inside matters the most during hot summer days or when your air conditioner isn’t working. By filling the bed with water and controlling the air pressure, you can make the bed so much more comfortable for your pet. 

While this is a pad instead of a structured dog bed for hot weather, you can use it as a topper on any mattress-style or elevated model.

Bottom Line – The K & H Cool Bed Dog Pad is the all-around best option when your pup needs immediate relief or is spending a lot of time in the sun. However, it’s not a wise choice for fur babies who like to bite or scratch, as it won’t stand up to too much abuse.

3. FurHaven – Linen Luxury Sofa-Style Dog Bed

Linen and summer go together like parkas and winter. So you can tell right off the bat that FurHaven’s linen luxury sofa-style is a dog bed designed to keep dogs cool.

But it’s not just the linen bolsters that feel like a cool breeze next to your pup because your purchase choices will amp up the comfort level even more. FurHaven offers four mattress options, including convolute orthopedic foam, memory top foam, and full support solid orthopedic foam. But the cooling gel top foam is the best when the temperature rises, as it offers your pup a one-to-two degree reduction.

Bottom Line – There are many dog beds for summer made of linen. And, if you like the feel of the fabric next to your skin, you know your fur baby will appreciate it, too. With two color options, four sizes, and a choice of four mattresses, you can customize this model to perfection.

4. Kirkland Signature – Pillow Top with Cooling Gel

If the name Kirkland Signature is familiar, you probably carry a Costco card as it’s Costco’s exclusive brand extending to various products throughout the warehouses. Kirkland’s name is on different dog beds with some limited-production options. The pillow-top orthopedic dog bed appears to be a mainstay, though.

Instead of plush fabric and bolsters surrounding the sleeping area, this is a simple mattress-style dog bed with a comfy pillow-top. The mattress is the key feature, though. Kirkland considers this model a luxury pet bed with its cooling gel memory foam mattress. It’s on the higher end of the product line, but it’s an ideal indoor bed for pups who need a bit of airflow and benefit from support below.

Bottom Line – Unlike the Coolaroo model, the Kirkland Signature pillow-top bed isn’t for outdoor use, and it only comes in one size. But it’s an ideal year-round bed with a simple design and cooling gel in the orthopedic foam.

Can you recommend one of the best dog beds for summer?

The best bed designed to keep dogs cool depends on the intended use. Do you want it for indoor sleeping at night? Or, maybe you have an outdoor dog who needs some relief from the hot sun? Coolaroo has an elevated dog bed that works in any situation. It looks like a cot and provides 8” of elevation and a canvas sleeping area with tiny holes allowing air to flow. Another model that works regardless of location is a water-cooled dog pad. And, if you’re shopping for an indoor dog bed for hot weather, you might want to consider one with a cooling gel mattress.

How do I know if my pup needs a pet bed for summer?

Dogs don’t sweat like humans to keep cool. So, feeling their fur or skin isn’t going to tell you much. Instead, most of their cooling comes from their respiratory system. So, if your best furry friends are panting more than usual, it’s a good indication that the heat is getting to them.

What breeds benefit the most from beds designated to keep dogs cool?

You’re correct in assuming that some breeds don’t handle heat as well as others. Of course, just like humans, it depends on the dog. But, for the most part, you’ll find that most “flat face” dogs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, etc., have a more challenging time staying cool. Other breeds to watch include St. Bernard, Siberian Husky, Pomeranian, and Bernese Mountain dogs.

In addition to buying a dog bed for summer, are there tips to keep pups cool?

We’ve got some great tips to keep your dog feeling refreshed when the temperature rises. Our favorite is to buy an elevated dog bed and put a big container of ice underneath. These pet cots have tiny holes in the fabric to allow for airflow, and the ice chills the air. In addition to water-cooled mats, another excellent product for outdoor use is a dog bed canopy. In combination with an elevated bed and the ice trick, your dog will have an outdoor haven even in the hottest months.

There are a few other products you might be interested in as well, though. Cooling collars or jackets are great for warm weather walks. And, don’t forget to bring water. You can get a collapsible water bowl that attaches to your leash, so you and your pup are summer-ready!

Tips for Buying the Best Dog Beds for Summer

Start with Indoor or Outdoor Use – Before you click “purchase,” think about where you intend to use the bed. If it’s strictly an indoor mattress and you live in air-conditioned comfort, then a simple cotton, linen, or canvas dog bed will keep your dog cool. But, if you intend to use it outside or a combination of both, then go the extra mile with a cot-style setup. Plus, a cooling pad and canopy can keep your fur baby from overheating.

Combine Cooling Products – You’re not going to find an air-conditioned dog bed for summer – at least not that we know about, anyway. But if you opt for a simple model without bolsters or sidewalls, a gel mattress combined with a cooling pad on top will do the trick. Consider a bed canopy or a dog cage cover to reflect the sun for outdoor use.

Placement Matters – Beds to keep dogs cool can be adequate but require a spot that’s out of the sun. That goes for indoor use, too. During the summer months, move your pup’s bed to a cozy corner or another place away from windows. A location near a vent is ideal. Provide a bed under a canopy or shaded area if your dog spends time outside. And, don’t forget to leave plenty of water!