Beds

Best Outdoor Dog Beds: Canopy, Mat, Heated, Cooling & More

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WinnerCanopyMat
Dog on Pet Craft Dog BedDog in Floppy Dog Canopy BedDog on Amofy Dog Mat
Pet Craft SupplyFloppy DawgAMOFY
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All dogs need a cozy place to rest, and most pups don’t spend all their time inside. They should have a comfy place to chill out, whether they’re inside or out. An outdoor dog bed is an excellent place to curl up. However, finding the right one might be more complicated than you think. Our experts sort out some options to help you decide what might be right for you.

Why Do I Need An Outdoor Dog Bed?

Dog sitting on elevated dog bed in grass

If your pup spends time outside, it makes sense to give him an outdoor-appropriate bed for relaxing. But that isn’t the only reason. Here are a few more:

  • Keeps your pup cleaner than lying on the ground
  • Outdoor spaces can be rough and uncomfortable to lie on
  • Keeps bugs out of your dog’s fur
  • The summer sun makes the ground very hot
  • With breathable fabrics and some being up off the ground, they can help cool off your pup
  • Can be a source of heat in cooler months

Best Outdoor Canine Beds By Category

Our experts review the best and separate them into categories for your convenience.

Best Overall Outside Dog Bed: Pet Craft Supply Super Snoozer Review

Pet Craft Supply Super Snoozer

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This indoor/outdoor bed by Pet Craft Supply is an excellent pick. This durable option is UV-treated to prevent fading and is easy to clean. There is extra padding to make it super comfortable, and you can take this portable outdoor pet bed with you on the go. The company does not offer a warranty but does encourage you to contact them with any concerns, and unfortunately, it isn’t chew-resistant.

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useNot chew-resistant
Water-resistantNo warranty available
Made with durable, pet-safe material
Extra padding for comfort
Portable
Machine washable

Pricing & Specs

Best Outdoor Dog Bed With Canopy: Floppy Dawg Review

Floppy Dawg canopy dog bed

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This covered outdoor dog bed is an outdoor shade bed made by Floppy Dawg is our pick for the best outdoor canine bed with a canopy. You can use this bed indoors and outdoors, and the high-quality fabric and durable frame can hold pups up to 80lbs. You can take this portable bed anywhere, and the elevation and shade help keep your dog cool with air circulation. This is a bed with a sun canopy, not an outdoor bed with a roof. So you can use it for shade, but not as an umbrella. Also, it isn’t UV-resistant, so the canopy may wear out after lots of time in the sun.

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useNot UV-resistant
High-quality fabric80 lb max weight
Durable steel frameNot waterproof
Elevation and shade provide a cooling effect
Portable
30-day warranty

Pricing & Specs

  • Starting at: $44.95
  • Colors: Blue, red, and gray

Best Outdoor Mat For Dogs: AMOFY Review

AMOFY Dog Bed

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AMOFY is our choice for the best outdoor dog mat when it comes to dog mats for outside. You can use this outdoor dog pad inside or out. It’s water-resistant and non-slip. It’s made of weather resistant fabric, and you can machine wash this mat. Plus, you can easily take it anywhere by rolling it up and putting it in its carrying case. If your dog likes to chew stuff, this mat won’t make it, and it can be a bit noisy when your dog moves around on it. This is the best dog bed for summer to take anywhere on the go!

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useNot chew-resistant
Water-resistantNoisy when the dog moves around on the mat
Non-slip
High-quality durable material
Portable & machine washable
180-day manufacturer’s warranty

Pricing & Specs

Best Outdoor Heated Dog Bed: K&H Pet Products Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed Review

K&H Pet Products Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed

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If you need a way to keep your pup warm outdoors, this self-warming option that is made for outside, made by K&H, is what we chose for the best outdoor heated dog bed. This bed has a bolster for comfort, while the bottom is thinner so your pup can feel the heat. Its heating element activates with the weight of your pet and reaches 102°F for comfortable warmth. This outdoor electric bed goes into an eco-mode when not in use and meets USA/CA electrical safety standards. You can’t count on this bed to be water-resistant, and it has to be near a plug outlet and in a space with shelter for safety.

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useNot water-resistant
PortableNeeds to be used in a covered space
Removable cover is machine washableRequires power
Meets USA/CA electrical safety standard
1-year limited warranty

Pricing & Specs

  • Starting at: $70.19
  • Colors: Chocolate/tan

Best Outdoor Cooling Dog Bed: Coolaroo Review

Coolaroo dog bed

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This elevated option is our favorite choice for the best outdoor cooling dog bed. The off-the-ground design allows for airflow on all sides and increases comfort. The frame and material are durable, easy to clean, and lightweight. This bed is also flea, mite, and mildew-resistant. However, it isn’t chew-resistant, may be hard to put together, and has a 100 lb max weight.

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useNot chew-resistant
Water-resistant100 lb max weight
Breathable high-density polyethylene materialAssembly may be difficult
Durable steel frame
Portable & easy to clean
1-year fabric warranty against UV degradation

Pricing & Specs

 Our Experience With Coolaroo Dog Bed

“I use a raised bed like this for my older dog Daisy. She is larger, a Pitbull Labrador mix, and has some joint pain. This bed allows her to sit up off the floor and is very comfortable. It fully supports her weight, takes the pressure off her joints, and she does not get sweaty from lying on the ground, nor does she get dirt and debris in her coat. It is very sturdy and has lasted her several years. Overall, this keeps her cooler, cleaner, and more comfortable. We use it inside and outside, and she likes to hide her toys underneath to keep them safe.”

Danielle DeGroot, rescue dog parent

Best Waterproof Outdoor Dog Bed: BarkBox Outdoor All Weather Dog/Cat Bed Review

BarkBox Outdoor All Weather Dog/Cat Bed

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If you need a waterproof outdoor dog bed, this one by BarkBox is what we recommend. This is also an excellent outdoor memory foam bed for canines. The weather resistant fabric waterproof cover and zipper keep moisture out and help make it easy to clean by wiping down. You can use this outdoor waterproof pet bed inside or outside, and it’s durable and portable. A memory foam mattress inside the cover comes vacuum-packed and takes 72 hours to inflate to about 3 inches thick. Unfortunately, some complain that the mattress may not fully inflate, and it may be too thin for larger breeds.

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useFoam thickness is not ideal for large breeds
Waterproof cover and zipperMay not fully inflate
Heavy-duty and durableSome complaints about the liner not being waterproof
Portable
Easy to clean with removable cover
1-year warranty

Pricing & Specs

Best Raised Outdoor Dog Bed: Hyper Pet Raised Rest Deluxe Elevated Bed Review

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The Hyper Pet outdoor dog cot is our pick for the best raised outdoor dog bed. This portable bed can be used indoors and outdoors and is easy to clean. The elevated design keeps pups clean and cool, and the durable materials are tear, water, and rust-resistant. Assembly of this outdoor elevated pet bed may be difficult, and it does take time to dry after it gets wet.

ProsCons
Indoor/outdoor useMay be difficult to assemble
Water and tear-resistantDoesn’t dry quickly
High-quality material
Durable rust-resistant frame
Portable and easy to clean
90-day limited warranty

Price

Things To Consider When Buying An Outdoor Dog Bed

Things To Consider When Buying An Outdoor Dog Bed

There are three main things to consider when finding the best outdoor dog bed for your pup.

1. The Size Of Your Dog: The size of your dog plays a role in this decision because a French Bulldog and an Irish Wolfhound won’t need the same size bed. You’ll need an extra-large or large outdoor bed for a larger dog, and for a smaller pup, you’ll need a medium or small outdoor one.

2. The Temperature Of Your Outdoor Space: You might need outdoor bedding for winter vs summer. You also might need an outdoor dog bed with a canopy if your space is very sunny. If your area is hot, maybe an outdoor cooling bed will suit you best. The outdoor bedding material you choose can also help heat or cool your pup.

3. Accessories You Will Need: Some of the accessory options include outdoor dog pillows, outdoor replacement covers, bedding for an outside dog kennel, or outdoor dog house bedding. You can even get an outdoor canine wicker bed to match your existing outdoor furniture.

What About An Indoor Dog Bed?

Does your pup spend more time indoors than out, and you’re looking for an indoor bed? Many are versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. You can check out our articles on the best dog beds for every breed, the best-elevated dog beds, and the best orthopedic dog beds. Our experts review the top choices for all your canine comfort needs.

Julie Fritz

Julie is a writer and researcher for Canine Journal and the team’s dental expert. With over 15 years in the dental field and her love of human’s best friend, she has found a unique passion for learning all there is to know about dogs’ dental health and brings that knowledge to our readers. Her professional writing career began in 2012 and she also enjoys writing in-depth breed-specific articles and researching products and information to help pet parents care for their pups. Growing up, she enjoyed living in a house that always had a Brittany Spaniel and is very happy now when she gets to spoil the dogs in her life with love and snuggles.

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