Elevated Dog Beds Buyer’s Guide
Dogs are simple. All they want is some food, buddies to play with, a few toys and a roof to hide under when it’s raining outside. Now, as a dog parent, you want to give your pet the best you can and that includes making sure its surroundings and lodgings are as comfortable as possible.
Next to letting your dog sleep on your bed, the best elevated dog bed is the nest most comfortable place for your furry baby to sleep for the night. The great thing about elevated beds is that they put some space between your dog and the floor, unlike traditional dog beds. It’s like they’re regular, human beds, but come in sizes suitable to dogs.
As with any purchase, you have to keep a few essential considerations in mind when shopping around for an elevated dog bed, such as:
Material
Some of the best elevated dog beds have a sturdy frame made from durable steel or aluminum frame. Some models are made from PVC, but it doesn’t have the same level of durability as metal. The latter is better for small to medium sized dogs, while steel frame dog beds work great for large, heavy dogs.
Be sure to check the maximum weight requirement for your dog bed to make sure that it can handle your dog’s weight.
Fabric
A good quality elevated dog bed should have mesh fabric surface which is breathable and resistant to scratches and chewing. Make sure the mesh is strong enough to support your dog adequately as it sleeps.
Quality
Your dog should always feel comfortable when climbing onto his elevated bed and a strong metal frame will provide it with ample support to keep it happy. To achieve this, you need to pick an elevated dog bed that’s made from durable materials like canvas mesh and a metal frame.
If you are looking for indestructible dog beds that can withstand aggressive chewers, here are a few options that you can consider.
Dimensions
The size and height of the elevated bed play a huge role in how comfortable your dog will be while sleeping on it. Ideally, you want a dog bed that’s large enough to feel like a bed and your dog’s limbs shouldn’t be hanging off the edge. It should also be a comfortable height that makes it easy for your dog to get on and off.
This is similar to other canine accessories such as large dog crates and outdoor dog houses.
Portability
If you and your dog lead an active lifestyle, then you should definitely consider elevated dog beds that are portable and suitable for outdoor use. They should also be suitable for use between the seasons and compatible with activities like camping, hiking, and boating.
That way, your furry friend can sleep on a comfortable surface no matter where you travel to.
Durability
Again, durability is a must because it contributes to the bed’s comfort level and support. You also want an elevated dog bed that’s made to last. Otherwise, you’ll be purchasing a new model every year.
Look out for durable construction like steel and aluminum in the frame and denier oxford fabric or canvas that’s thick enough to withstand aggressive chewing.
Ease Of Cleaning
The last thing you want is a high maintenance dog bed that requires constant cleaning. Luckily, there are plenty of elevated models out there that are easy to clean that only require that you put the cover in the washer and wipe the frame with a damp cloth. There are even waterproof and weatherproof models to choose from.
Other machine washable canine accessories include dog SUV cargo liners and dog couch covers.
Corner Holes
Corner holes on an elevated bed are dangerous, especially for active dogs that love playing around. As much as possible, try to avoid beds that come with corner holes.
What Dog Breeds Need an Elevated Dog Bed?
The answer to this question depends on the dog. If you are unsure of your dog breed, you make use of a dog DNA test kit to determine its breed.
For aggressive chewers that has destroyed a bed before, it will most likely do it again. Dog owners in this situation should opt for durable elevated dog beds that are made from chew-proof materials.
It’s worth noting here that there’s no such thing as an indestructible bed, and if a dog is determined enough to chew its way through a dog bed, it will eventually disintegrate it no matter how tough it is. But this doesn’t mean that you should just buy any of the elevated dog beds on the market. You should still opt for a chew resistant bed and consider investing in a training program to condition your dog better.
Young puppies are often very aggressive at chewing everything around them and they have very sharp teeth. That’s because the puppies are teething.
So, if you have a puppy then you should get him a chew-proof dog bed just to ward off bad chewing habits from the get-go. Encourage your canine buddy to use chew toys instead.
