Buying guide
Raised dog beds: when they work and when they do not
Why dogs like elevated beds in warm weather, what to check on the frame, and how to use a cot in the garden, on a patio or at a campsite.
A raised dog bed lifts your dog 15 to 25cm off the ground on a frame, with a tight mesh stretched across the top. The gap lets air move underneath, and the mesh does not soak up water or hold hair.
When they work
Raised beds suit warm rooms and conservatories, patios and gardens, campsites, caravans and the shade of a tree. They are easy to hose off, and because they are off the ground, they keep a dog out of damp grass and cold floors.
When they do not
Mesh is firm. Dogs that love to sink into something soft may prefer a cushion bed or a blanket on top. In winter, a raised bed is airy by design, so it needs extra bedding or a move indoors.
What to check on the frame
Steel frames take more weight than plastic tubing. Where the listing gives a weight limit, we show it, for example 29kg on one medium bed and 50kg on the larger bolster version in our raised range. Check the feet are rubber or non-slip, and the joints are fully seated after you put the bed together.
Canopies
A canopy gives shade and a measure of UV protection. The 122cm canopy bed in the range is 108cm high with the canopy up, so measure the space before you put it under a shelter.
Outside use
Put the bed on firm, level ground. Even weatherproof beds last longer if they are brought in during heavy rain or frost, and stored dry over winter.
Cleaning the mesh
Wipe it, or hose it with plain water or a mild soap, and let it dry. There is no cover to wash.