Elevated dog beds can offer improved air circulation, cooler sleep, joint support, and more, making them ideal for older dogs, larger breeds, and dogs in warmer climates. This guide explores elevated dog bed benefits and will lay out the factors that can help you decide whether a raised bed be the right choice for your dog.
Is your dog constantly adjusting, having a hard time getting comfortable on a flat bed during a hot day? Do you have an older dog that struggles and groans while standing up? These could be signs that your dog isn’t getting proper rest or structural support from their bed. An elevated dog bed might help.
A lot of dog owners don’t realize just how important a dog’s bedding can be. Many dogs spend several hours a day on their dog bed, so choosing the right bed can be the difference between a spry, well-rested and supported pup and one that isn’t getting good rest and may need additional support later. No matter which bed type is best for your pup, check out our Dog Beds collection to find the right choice for a new bed that suits their needs.
What is an Elevated Dog Bed?
Elevated dog beds, also referred to as raised beds or framed beds, feature sturdy frames that suspend sleeping surfaces a few inches off the floor. Generally, an elevated dog bed will have either a breathable mesh or cushioned surface, each type with key differences.
Breathable Mesh Beds
These beds are built with a taut mesh sleeping surface, like a cot. The porous mesh is great for air circulation and a cooler sleep. Firmer than cushioned beds.
Cushioned Beds
The surfaces of these beds are constructed from a stuffed or memory foam cushion. These surfaces contour to your dog’s body for a soft, relaxed rest and improved joint support.
Traditional floor-level beds may appear to have similar sleeping surfaces, but those few inches of elevation can make a world of difference.
What Are Elevated Dog Bed Benefits?
There are several elevated dog bed benefits that can improve your dog’s health, sleep quality, and rest habits, including better support for dogs with joint issues, hygiene maintenance, and more:
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Air Circulation
The space underneath the elevated sleeping surface can serve to improve airflow, keeping the dog cool through the night. This is especially valuable for dogs that overheat easily or live in warm climates.
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Body Temperature Regulation
The breathable materials and mesh surface of some raised dog beds offer help in regulating a dog’s body temperature, as opposed to traditional floor-level beds that can be stuffy and trap heat. This can lead to a much more comfortable sleep as your dog is less prone to overheating.
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Joint Support and Pressure Relief
Raised beds work to facilitate even weight distribution and provide consistent support, which reduces strain on dogs’ joints and pressure points. If your dog’s breed is prone to joint pain, hip dysplasia, or arthritis, these are huge health benefits.
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Helps Senior and Larger Dogs Stay Mobile
A raised bed with a firmer surface can help make it easier for bigger or older dogs get up and down, though some senior dogs do prefer lower frames.
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Improved Hygiene
The raised design keeps your dog off the floor, which helps them resist dust mites and keeps them safely above dusty floors inside or damp/dirty surfaces outside.
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Easy Cleaning
Elevated dog beds tend to be easier to clean than standard floor beds, and mesh beds can be easily hosed down for a quick clean.
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Durability and Long-Term Value
A well-made elevated bed crafted from durable materials with a sturdy frame (weather-resistant materials and rust-resistant frames for an outdoor bed) can last a long time, making it a smart long-term investment.
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Keeps Dogs Off Hot/Cold Surfaces
Useful in both hot and cold climates, an elevated bed keeps your dog off cold or hard floors inside and hot pavement and damp grass outside. Here at Bully Beds, we’ve heard from many pet owners of large and bully breeds seeking a solution for their dogs running hot and struggling to settle on traditional dog beds. Elevated beds with improved airflow often make a significant and immediate difference, especially in the summer.
How Do Elevated Dog Beds Compare to Floor Beds?
Elevated beds prioritize airflow, a firmer surface, and a cooler sleep, while traditional and orthopedic floor beds prioritize plush comfort. But both bed types have unique features and benefits.
|
Feature |
Elevated Bed |
Traditional/Orthopedic Bed |
|
Air Circulation |
Space between ground and surface facilitates airflow |
Sleeping surface being on the ground limits airflow |
|
Cooling |
Better airflow provides cooler sleep |
Can be crafted with cooling foam |
|
Joint/Pressure Support |
Even weight distribution helps support joints and pressure points |
Orthopedic foam construction provides joint and pressure support |
|
Cushioning |
Mesh beds have minimal cushioning, cushioned beds have moderate amount |
More emphasis placed on soft cushioning and plush comfort |
|
Easy Cleaning |
Indoor/outdoor beds, especially mesh beds, can be quickly hosed down |
Many have removable, easy-to-clean covers |
|
Indoor/Outdoor Use |
Keeping surface raised above the ground makes them more flexible for outdoor use |
Most models designed for indoor use, though some are adaptable to outdoor use |
Neither elevated beds nor traditional orthopedic beds are inherently “better” or “worse.” The choice depends on your dog’s individual needs, and some dogs prefer a soft, heavily cushioned bed or memory foam. If more traditional beds fit your dog’s needs, consider our Original Bully Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed.
Which Dogs Benefit Most from an Elevated Bed?
How much an elevated dog bed benefits your pup depends on several factors, including age, size, and more. Here are the dogs that benefit most:
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Dogs in hot climates – Having air circulate underneath the sleeping surface can keep your dog cooler and more comfortable.
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Breeds prone to overheating – Enabling air to flow underneath the surface helps these dogs regulate their body temperature for a safer and more relaxing sleep.
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Active dogs/dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors – Firmer support can be good for these dogs to take stress off their active joints.
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Larger breeds and heavier dogs – The right raised bed can mean much less pain as these dogs grow and get older.
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Dogs with joint issues, hip dysplasia, or arthritis – A raised bed’s elevated design can help improve a dog’s comfort and mitigate the pain from these conditions.
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Learn more about the 7 Best Dogs Beds for Older Dogs and Finding the Best Dog Bed for Hip Dysplasia: A Guide
It’s worth noting that elevated beds aren’t recommended for very small dogs, senior dogs that struggle with firmer surfaces, or dogs who have a strong preference for plush cushioning.
How Do You Choose the Right Elevated Bed?
Before deciding on an elevated bed for your dog, it’s important to consider your dog’s needs and the environment where it would be used. Here are some factors to think about.
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Dog’s size and weight
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Frame material (is it rust- and weather-resistant for outdoor use?)
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Surface type (breathable mesh vs. cushioned)
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Bed height
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Will it be used primarily indoors and/or outdoors?
Durability is also an important consideration, as you want to make sure the bed can withstand not just your environment, but your dog, as well. If your pup is an aggressive chewer that gnaws at their bed, check out our Chew Proof Dog Bed (with a 200 Day Guarantee).
Are Elevated Dog Beds Effective Indoors and Outdoors?
One of the biggest advantages of elevated dog beds is that most of them are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Weather-resistant materials allow them to stand up to the elements while keeping your canine companion off damp grass or hot pavement. This also makes them easy to clean, as they can be sprayed down with a hose.
Indoors, the improved airflow and cooling properties keep your dog comfortable and improves their hygiene by lowering their exposure to dust mites. In chillier climates, it’s also beneficial to keep your dog off a cold floor.
Is an Elevated Bed Best for Your Dog?
Elevated dog beds are designed to provide better air circulation, a cooler sleep, joint support, and comfort your dog will enjoy, as well as durability and easy cleaning that you will appreciate. That said, the right bed comes down to your dog and their needs and preferences.
If your dog tends to run hot, spends a lot of time outside, or would benefit from consistent joint support, then an elevated bed might be your best option. For other dogs, a plush, orthopedic dog bed may still win out.
No matter what bed you opt for, the goal is always to give your dog the best, most restful sleep possible. Consider the many elevated dog bed benefits and determine whether a raised bed is the right call for your pup.
No matter where your dog’s preferences stand, we’re here to help you find your dog’s sleep sanctuary. Check out our wide selection of Dog Beds, including our Original Bully Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed, and see for yourself the difference a dog’s good night’s sleep can make.
