When selecting the best outdoor dog bed, the goal is comfort, but comfort comes in different sizes, forms and shapes. There are so many things to consider when choosing the most comfortable and suitable bed for your dog. First and foremost is the occupant of the bed. What is your dog like? How big is he or she? How does your dog like to sleep? Where is this dog bed going to be placed? How much are you willing to spend? Although this may seem like an easy purchase at first, you’ll get a lot more value out of your product if you consider all these factors. Thinking about your dog’s size, sleeping position, sleeping pattern, habits and age help ensure you pick the best one for your little flurry friend.
Outdoor dog beds are different in so many ways. The kind of bed your dog feels comfortable sleeping on can be quite different to what your neighbor’s dog will like, even though they might be the best of friends.
The first thing to consider is whether you’re looking to buy an outdoor dog bed, an indoor dog bed or a dog bed that doubles as both. In choosing an outdoor dog bed, you’ll want one that can withstand all types of weather conditions. Most outdoor dog beds have a frame or some sort of covering that protects your pooch from ultraviolet rays, which is especially great for dogs with thin fur and puppies. If, on the other hand, you’re getting an indoor dog bed that’ll probably never make it outside (except in about thirty years away when you’re hosting a garage sale), then you don’t need to worry about things like weather protection or how waterproof it is.
Secondly, you’ll want to consider the material that the bed is made from. You probably want something that looks nice, but you’ll also want something that doesn’t attract a lot of dirt, dust and hair, as this could exacerbate any allergies for your pets or people in your home. The material or fabric has to be sturdy enough to withstand chewing because some dogs love to nibble on whatever is close to them as they lay down and make the journey to sleep land. Making sure the outer material is chew-proof is essential, especially if you have a puppy (they need to chew a lot as their adult teeth grow in). Also, make sure the inner foam is comfortable, soft and suitable enough for your dog’s body type.
The third factor to consider is the size of the dog bed. It should be large enough to fit your dog while it’s sleeping, so you may want to examine how your pup sleeps. If your dog loves to curl up, then you may be able to go for a smaller bed. However, if your dog lays on their back and stretches out, then a larger bed may be necessary, even if your dog is quite small. You might even want to
measure your dog in his or her sleeping position to be sure you get the right size bed.
You’ll also want to think about if you need to transport the outdoor bed for camping or travel. Some beds are easy to dissemble and are lightweight enough to go anywhere, but others are larger and heavier. You may also want to look at the size of your car to ensure the bed will fit inside it along with all your luggage.
Also worthy of consideration is ease of cleaning and maintenance. Can it be washed using a
washing machine or will you be required to clean the bed by hand? For assembling and dissembling, think about the tools you may need. For some, you’ll probably be required to make use of a
screw driver or hammer, while others don’t need any tools to assemble.
Finally, take a look at some extra features, like temperature adjuster. This allows you turn the bed’s heat up or down for your dog’s comfort. Some dog beds are skid resistant, just in case your dog is one of those animals that’s always in a jury to get somewhere, especially when their owner calls. Anti-skid beds will help keep your pup from sliding around.
In your perusal of the different dog beds we recommend, you’ll find some that incorporate all these features or only some of them. Be sure to focus on the factors that are most important for your pooch’s comfort! The styles, features and design will ultimately determine the price, so let's take a close look.
Price
There are different types of outdoor dog beds, some more basic than others. Here are a few factors that affect the price of dog beds. One is construction of the dog bed. While some dog beds are basically a chunk of foam put together to form a large, comfortable cushion for your dog, others are designed with special material with features to support older dogs, dogs with health problems and dogs with disabilities. Some may have walls and depth so that your pooch sinks into it a little. Some have limbs and are elevated so your dog’s not on the floor. Some have canopies that shield your pup from the sun as they enjoy a warm afternoon breeze by the pool. All of these construction features affect the price.
Another factor that affects price is the material it’s made of. Some materials are thick, comfortable and durable. They can withstand most types of weather as well as the sharpest teeth. The more durable, high quality and luxurious the dog bed, the pricier you can expect it to be. That being said, dog beds are still really affordable, and you should be able to find something for as little as $47 or as much as $400. We recommend staying away from cheap dog beds mainly because they tend to fall apart within a few months and can’t withstand claws or light chewing.
Features
While dog beds differ in so many ways depending on shape, size, construction and features, you ultimately want to make sure it’s comfortable enough for your dog’s breed and sleep habits. Even the most beautifully designed, tasteful beds can be very uncomfortable.Other features you should consider include:
- Size
- Material
- Durability
- Washability
- Weather protected
- Type of bed
Let’s take a more in-depth look at how these features affect the quality of beds.
Construction and Design
For outdoor dog beds, you should look for something that has some form of weather protection. Check for ones designed to protect your dog from the sun, rain and extreme weather. Ideally, the bed will have a soft inner cushion, but a durable exterior. If your pup needs more protection, look for sunshields and rain shields.
Making sure your dog is the right size for the bed is a great idea so that they aren’t hanging off it when they’re trying to sleep. You also don’t want your dog trying to curl up really small so that they fit completely on the bed. Be aware that very, very small dogs can have trouble moving around on a super thick, super large bed. Elevated beds are also an option as they keep your dog off the cold, hard floor. They’re particularly great for cold-weather places, but you’ll want to make sure your dog can get on and off an elevated bed before spending lots of money on one.
For older dogs with joint issues, an orthopedic bed is a great option because it eases their achy joints and lets them get a good night’s sleep. These kinds of beds are built with medical and therapeutic materials. Other dogs may like nest beds, which are enclosed and have a single opening so your dog can move in and out of it.
Whatever dog bed you choose, make sure it’s durable so it lasts many years before needing to be replaced. Also, if your pooch will be spending a lot of time outside, opt for an outdoor bed that features temperature adjustment. This gives you more control over your dog’s comfort.
Performance and Ease of Use
Before deciding on a bed, study your dog’s behavior and sleeping/lounging pattern. When you’ve decided on a bed and it arrives, make sure you have the tools necessary to assemble the bed. Tools and hardware are generally included, but you might need a hammer or
screw driver.
Cleaning and washing should also be fairly simple. Some are washing-machine friendly and will fit into your machine without any problems (although we recommend reading washing instructions). Other beds require hand-washing, which may not be ideal for some. Some may not be washable at all, or only some parts of the bed will be washable (like the exterior cover on an outdoor bed). Be sure to consider these options while selecting your dog bed.
We’re happy you stayed with us all the way to the conclusion of our review! We’re certain that you have all the information necessary to make the right buying decision for your best pal!
