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Your indoor dogs have infinite comfortable options, but what about your outdoor dogs? Whether they’re outdoors all or part of the time, it can be tough to find a comfortable spot outdoors. Even your neighborhood strays need a cozy place to rest! Our favorite is the Heininger 3096 PortablePET HoundHouse.
Here are some of the best outdoor dog beds that you can find right now!
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Elevated |
| Size | 33 x 28 x 29.5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Nylon |
The Heininger 3096 PortablePET HoundHouse dog house is a sturdy, durable house that is not easy to put together. The trade-off is that it’s extremely durable and even weatherproof. Though this is the larger version, there is a small, medium, and an extra-large version for breeds of other sizes. This dog house includes a mat that can be removed or inserted. In the winter, this can be replaced with a heating pad to keep your outdoor pup warm. While it isn’t a wooden or plastic house, it is a sturdy elevated bed that won’t get warm in the summertime when the mat is removed. Unlike a wooden or plastic house, this shelter is portable and lightweight so it can be moved as you need it.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 12.5 x 18.5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | ABS/Fleece |
The K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Pet Mat is a great supplement to your outdoor dog’s setup. This heating pad is available in 3 sizes and can be used inside shelters and dog houses to provide heat up to your dog’s body temperature. You can use this mat in your dog’s existing doghouse, on your porch in fair weather, or in a barn or other building in the colder months. This mat comes with a fleece cover that can help keep your dog comfortable while they warm up. The cover is removable and washable. Even in extreme weather, this mat can work inside your dog’s kennel or dog house to keep them warm and safe. It takes about 30 minutes to warm up, so it doesn’t work for instant heat.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 36 x 48 x 3” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Ripstop Nylon |
This Waterproof Outdoor Bed by Kurgo is a sturdy, waterproof construction that will stand even the rigors of outdoor use. It’s a lightweight bed made for camping and hiking, which means that it’s easy to take it with you wherever you need it. If you are using this bed in the cold winter months, make sure to put it in a shelter, garage, or barn – it’s soft, but it isn’t a particularly warm bed, so it’s more suited to warmer months. The ripstop nylon material is hard to penetrate, but particularly determined chewers can make it through if they are given enough time. It is not recommended to purchase this bed for dogs who chew aggressively. However, the bed itself is durable enough and waterproof to withstand the elements.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 30.5 x 26.5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Fleece |
The Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed by K&H Pet Products is a great investment for your outdoor dogs that like to feel comfortable. The bolsters will make the perfect pillows for your weary pets, but beware that they are not filled with stuffing. Instead, the bolsters are inflatable. This can be a deterrent for some dogs, particularly if they are chewers and can easily pop the bolsters open. Still, it uses dual internal thermostats to match your dog’s body temperature and keep them warm during those cold winter days. The bolster itself is made of 600-denier nylon, so it is durable but still may not be able to withstand chewing. It can be wiped clean, while the fleece pad underneath (that keeps the heating pad separate from your pet) is removable and washable.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 23 x 18” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Polyester |
MidWest Homes for Pets’ Maxx Ultra-Rugged Dog Bed is a comfortable, durable bed that can be used in your dog’s crate or outside on your back porch. It’s water resistant and helps repel odors, keeping it fresh for a long time to come. That’s a good thing, because while this bed is washable, it doesn’t wash well. The filling tends to shift around when wet. However, the filled bolster and comfortable padding will help make your dog’s time outside that much more comfortable. The bottom won’t slip around. It’s a tough bed that comes in 5 different size options and 4 different colors to best fit your dog’s size and personality. Just because it’s meant for use with a crate doesn’t mean you can’t use it without one.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 24 x 18 x 5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Ripstop Nylon |
If your dog is not an aggressive or determined chewer, this may be the bed for you. Though the heavy-duty ripstop nylon cover is mostly indestructible, it can still fall prey to a persistent chewer. If your dog isn’t determined to be destructive, you’ll find that this bed is waterproof, scratch resistant, and resistant to digging. There are five different color options available so that your smallest and largest dogs can all have comfortable beds. The cover stretching over the bed itself can be removed and thrown in the washing machine if your dog soils it. The mattress itself, which is foam, is not washable. It is, however, non-toxic if it does get shredded. Unfortunately, this is not a heated bed.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Shelter |
| Size | 19 x 24 x 16” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials |
Fleece Nylon |
Your small and medium-sized outdoor dogs (and cats) will love this Thermo-Tent from K&H Pet Products. It’s a relatively new product from their line, but it follows the trend of their other heated beds and shelters. The heating pad inside does not have an external temperature control, but heats to your pet’s body temperature. The thermal nylon material that makes up the tent itself helps hold that heat inside, with very little escaping out of the door. This can be a great tent for your outdoor dogs, but it requires a shelter or building to work effectively. That’s because it isn’t weatherproof. It also won’t work for larger dogs, as there are no larger sizes available at this time. Still, it can be a great companion for outdoor dogs and for the occasional camping trip.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Elevated |
| Size | 41 x 27 x 5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Ballistic Rip-Stop |
This bed is one of the toughest on the market for aggressive chewers, which can help if your outdoor dogs are a little short on manners. You can sue this bed elevated or you can tuck the legs under for crates, but the elevated style is idea for outdoor use during warmer months. The mesh bottom helps promote airflow around your dogs. And there is an option for all of your dogs, because there are 5 different size options for different breeds. There are 4 different color options (including a cool snow camo) to fit your dog’s personality. This bed is best used outdoors with a shelter, in a barn, or in a shed. The ballistic material won’t rip easily, and is one of the most durable beds around for dogs who chew.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 11.5 x 18” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials |
Fleece ABS |
At first glance, you may believe that this heating pad comes with an igloo cover to keep your dog extra warm during the winter months. This is misleading. This is only the half-moon style heating pad instead of the whole bed. If your dog already has an igloo bed, that’s great news! If not, you’ll have to purchase one to get the perfect fit. This pad comes in three sizes and is covered in a soft fleece that is removable for washing. The heating pad uses a powerful 40-watt heating element that can help detect changes in your pet’s body temperature and react accordingly. The cord is long and wrapped in steel to prevent chewing from leading to unnecessary injury. Make sure you read all the fine print before purchasing this pad.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 33 x 41 x 4.25” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Canvas |
Like all durable dog beds, this bed may not be able to withstand your dog’s aggressive chewing. However, it will be able to withstand the outdoors and even a light rain if you can’t catch it in time. Carhartt makes outdoor products regularly, and they stand up great to some weather and frequent use. This canvas dog bed is no exception, with a soft fiberfill interior, water-repellent coating, and more. The cushion inside can be removed so you can wash the cover if it gets dirty. The only drawback to this bed is that the zipper is a weak spot that determined dogs can use to chew through the bed. However, in this bed it’s concealed beneath a flap. Hopefully most dogs will leave it alone. This bed is best used in a building or shelter for outside dogs.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Elevated |
| Size | 25 x 32 x 28” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Nylon |
Whether you’re using it inside or outside, the K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House can be the perfect hideaway for your dog. Though there are no giant or larger sizes, there’s a huge size range that encompasses most dog breeds. This elevated, sheltered bed can be used indoors or outdoors, though it is waterproof and mostly weatherproof. It acts much like a camping tent would, so it’s great for your dogs that are outdoors all the time. The elevated and sheltered design keeps your dog comfortable no matter which season it is. For hard winters, simply insert a heating pad to keep them warm. It’s simple to put together, but it does have a 200 pound weight limit. It won’t work for larger dogs, but it’s perfect for all but the biggest breeds.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Elevated |
| Size | 35.4 x 32.3 x 25.6” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Canvas |
This Elevated Portable Pet House by AmazonBasics may provide great shelter from the sun or some rain on a light day. However, it is too lightweight to be much use in many other weather conditions. It’s lightweight and portable, and this might be a great thing when it comes down to moving the bed around and using it on fair days. However, any high winds may pick the bed up and move it around when your dog isn’t using it. There is a mesh panel at the top for great airflow on those warm days, and it’s easy to assemble and use. The 3 colors and 2 sizes can help customize this elevated shelter for your dog, but don’t expect it to be much use if you live in windy or snowy areas (unless you’re using it inside a building).
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 8.875 x 8.875 x 13.5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials |
Polyester suede |
Chuckit!’s Travel Dog Bed is great for occasional outdoor use, or as a portable bed to make your dog feel more comfortable on the go. This mat comes in a single size, which may not be big enough for some dogs. For small and even medium-sized breeds, this bed can be great for camping trips, cookouts in the backyard, and even for use in an outbuilding or garage. However, the material isn’t durable enough for full-time outdoor use. If you need multiple beds for multiple dogs, you can buy up to 5 at a time. This makes it great for kennels and homes with multiple smaller dogs that each want a bed. While it’s not ideal for dogs who chew, it can be a great bed regardless.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Elevated |
| Size | 43.5 x 8 x 25.5” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | HDPE |
Coolaroo’s Original Outdoor Dog Bed was one of the first elevated dog beds available on the market. It set the trend for so many other dog beds, why not go with the original? Though this elevated bed may not be the best option for larger or heavier dogs, it can be great for your medium, small, and even some large breeds. The mesh material helps promote airflow around your dog, keeping them cool when it’s hot out. The only drawback is that this might need to be used inside a barn, garage, or shed in order to protect your dog from the elements. There is a light canopy and replacement fabric available for purchase if you want to purchase them. It’s easy to put this bed together and simple to wash it!
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mat |
| Size | 40 x 30 x 4” |
| Waterproof |
|
| Materials | Polyester |
For everyday outside use, this Pet Craft Supply Super Snoozer is very capable of keeping your dog comfortable. It’s made of a durable polyester exterior with comfortable filling. The polyester helps keep chewing down. When it gets dirty, you can throw the whole bed in the wash. The only drawback is that there isn’t a small size! This bed is only available in medium and large sizes, which should cover most dogs easily. This bed is comfortable and durable, and while it isn’t great for all weather conditions (due to the lack of canopy) it can keep your dog comfortable while you hang out in your backyard. Your dog will love the comfortable cushion that this bed provides, as well as the water-resistant finish to keep them dry and happy.
| Product Name | Best for | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Heininger 3096 PortablePET HoundHouse | Best Overall | 9 |
| K9 Ballistics Original TUFF Bed | Best Mat Style | 6 |
| K9 Ballistics ChewProof Elevated Dog Bed | Best Cot Style | 8 |
Your outdoor dogs need somewhere comfortable to lay. Treat them the same as you treat your inside dogs with a comfortable pet bed! There are outdoor beds that are cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and everywhere in between!
We’ll take a look at the different types of outdoor dog beds, why safety matters, and what you should look for as you continue to shop.
There are a handful of different outdoor dog bed types. We’ll take a look at them briefly so you can decide which type of bed is best for your dog.
Heating and cooling dog beds can help your pet feel more comfortable during the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. While you likely aren’t going to find a bed that cools AND heats, some beds will do one or the other to keep your bed comfortable.
Heating beds usually contain an electric heating pad. Usually, these pads can be set to a temperature via temperature control, but some options use an internal thermostat to warm the dog bed to your pet’s temperature. Other dog beds are self-heating, mean they amplify and reflect your pet’s heat to them.
Cooling beds usually don’t include cooling pads. Rather, most cooling beds are elevated or include cooling gel to keep your furry friends from overheating during extreme temperatures. These elevated beds, as mentioned above, usually have mesh or another light material as a base so that air can circulate to your dog.
When it comes to heated dog beds, safety is key. If your dog’s bed has an electric element, make sure that it has internal temperature control, overheat protection, or some other features that can help your dog stay safe. Otherwise, electric beds may cause fires and harm your pet.
Make sure that your electric dog bed cord is wrapped in steel or other chew-proof material, especially if your dog usually chews cords. Chewing through this cord while the power is on could cause your dog unnecessary damage or injury.
There are two major differences among the beds on this list. Some are dog beds, while some are dog houses with beds inside. It’s important to understand the key differences and how you might use them differently.
Here are the additional considerations that you should think about as you shop for an outdoor dog bed.
Type
As we looked at above, there are a few different types of outdoor dog beds. Choose one that fits your lifestyle, your dog, and how much time they expect to spend outside. Check out our breakdown above for more information about the different types of dog beds that are available for your outside dogs.
Size
How big is the bed? Thankfully, most dog beds either default to larger sizes or provide different sizes for different breeds. You’ll have to choose the size option that best fits your dog’s size. You want them to be comfy all over, so choose a bed that is big enough and gives them plenty of room to spread out.
Weatherproof
A weatherproof dog bed can stay outside without shelter under all types of weather. This is especially important if your dog is outside permanently. If you want to give your pet a place to stay out of the wind and rain, snow, and cold, choose a weatherproof dog bed that won’t buckle or disintegrate in the weather.
Materials
What is the bed made of? Especially for outdoor-only dogs, you want to make sure that the bed is made from durable materials. Ripstop and denier-rated nylon are great materials for outdoor dog beds, as they won’t rip easily and provide waterproof or water resistance for sudden rain showers and most weather patterns. Choose a material that won’t succumb to the elements, your dog, or the outdoors easily.
Washable
Choosing a washable bed can make keeping your bed looking great easy. It’s especially important if your dog is prone to accidents, or if you have reason to believe that your dog will soil the bed. Entirely washable beds can easily be tossed into the washing machine or scrubbed by hand. Some beds even have removable covers that you can wash separately from the filling for smaller messes.
Heating/Cooling
Above, we took a look at some of the heating or cooling options for your outdoor dogs. Trying to keep your outdoor dogs comfortable is a major undertaking, but it can be worth it to keep your pets safe and happy. If your area is known for extreme weather (and your dogs stay outside most or all of the time), consider getting a dog bed with heating or cooling features to help them feel a bit better.
Durability
A durable bed is ideal for outside use. These beds won’t be harmed by extended outside use, but durability also extends to dogs who chew. Dogs who aggressively chew at their bedding will have a harder time chewing through a bed with more durable materials. However, most dog beds (even the most durable canvas or nylon beds) won’t be able to withstand the aggressive chewing of big dogs. Keep this in mind and shop for the weather as well as your dog’s chewing habits.
Comfort
Last, but certainly not least, consider comfort as you shop for your dog’s new outdoor dog bed. Even though outdoor dog beds must be durable, weatherproof, and all of these other things, they have to be comfortable for your dog to use them. Consider choosing a bed that is safe, secure, but also has a little extra padding for your outside animals as well.
