The 5 Best Raised Dog Beds Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 14th January 2024
Is your dog overheating and feeling uncomfortable in traditional beds?
Do you want the best dog bed that is also durable and easy to clean?
Well, you’ve made the right decision to investigate a different type of bed for your dog to rest their head. Raised dog beds also referred to as outdoor dog beds, are fantastic additions to your dog or puppy’s life if they need a cooler, cleaner place to sleep.
For you to know which brands in the Australian market provide reliable raised dog beds that will suit your dog's preferences, our expert team worked with other professionals to test various brands. This guide will reveal the results of the months-long research and will help you decide on the best raised dog bed for your dog's needs!
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed & Shelter
- Durable
- Weather-resistant canopy
- Easy to clean
- Airy yet sturdy material
- 1 year warranty
Runner Up -
Kazoo Daydream Trampoline Bed
- Durable mesh material
- Strong steel frame
- Good value for money
- Wide range of sizes
Third Choice -
The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed
- Variety of colours
- Low-priced
- Wide range of sizes
- Portable
Australia's Best Raised Dog Beds Reviewed
So now that we have defined the key features that you should be looking for, what are the top raised dog beds available in Australia? Here are our top picks.
#1: Best Overall: K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed & Shelter
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"All of the raised dog beds we tested and included on this list performed well. What separated the K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed from the rest was the added inclusions for example the water resistant canopy and 1 year warranty. A strong choice in the top spot."
The K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed is a great all-rounder. The first thing you’ll notice is the stylish removable, water-resistant canopy, which protects from light rain and extreme sun. The airy interior keeps the bed nice and cool in extreme temperatures, making it almost as good as a cooling dog mat. When taking the bed indoors, simply whip the canopy off using the corner hooks, and you have a regular trampoline bed. Or not - if your pooch loves the cave lifestyle, then keep the canopy on for that extra privacy.
The K&H bed comes in three sizes, ranging from the smallest at 55 cm to the largest at just over 1 metre long. The largest bed boasts a support weight of 55 kg so even large dogs can get on with this model. The tough, high quality, breathable material, and solid metal frame will keep your dog supported as they rest.
Unlike the second option Kazoo Daydream Trampoline Dog Bed, this brand offers a warranty. This is an advantage for dog owners who have never tried this brand, as it gives us an assurance that we can take it to them if something goes wrong with the product.
Onto the maintenance side and the K&H bed is also a winner here. No special tools are needed to assemble it. A little soapy water and a scrub will have it spic and span in no time at all. To top it off, K&H offer a 1 year manufacturing warranty to give you peace of mind.
The main drawback of this bed is that it is not completely waterproof, only weather-resistant, so it’s not a complete solution as an outdoor dog bed. It would be great if they had an extra-large version too to be fully inclusive. We are just splitting hairs though. The K&H outdoor dog bed is a fabulous product that will suit most dog’s needs.
However, even if it's not completely waterproof, we love how it gives protection for our dogs against rain and provide shade on a hot day.
This is also good if you and your dog love spending time outdoors, and it is very easy to clean, so you can confidently use it anytime and anywhere.
This K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed & Shelter is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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#2: Best Value for Money: Kazoo Daydream Trampoline Bed
If you don’t need a canopy and just want a reliable bed that won’t break the bank, the Kazoo Daydream Trampoline Dog Bed is the one for you!
Not only is the zebra design and coordinating black frame super stylish, but it also has a lot of substance to back up that style. Kazoo’s signature double-weave mesh platform stops fleas from infesting it, whilst also providing the support your dog needs. Like with all good quality raised dog beds, the Kazoo is also simple to clean.
The Kazoo Daydream Trampoline Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
This bed comes in four sizes, ranging from small at 70 cm long to XL at 125 cm long, all with stainless steel frames. The XL size can hold the weight of a Newfoundland or Bull Mastiff, so this is a very robust bed indeed.
Compared to the first option K&H, this brand provides more sizes and it can accommodate not only smaller types of dogs, but the bigger breeds, too!
The cons would be that the fabric is not entirely waterproof, though the frame is weather-resistant. There also isn’t a warranty attached, but for a top-rated, chic, all-rounder, you can’t go wrong with the Kazoo.
Still, we love this brand's quality of materials as it is one of the best dog beds in the market, with the most durable materials at a very reasonable price.
This Kazoo Daydream Trampoline Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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#3: Most Budget-Friendly: The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed
The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed is one of the best dog trampoline beds for those on a budget. This cheap and affordable dog bed boasts a lightweight but sturdy steel metal frame so it is built to last. The elevated sleeping surface is made of high-density polyethylene that is easy to clean, cool, and comfortable for your lovable canine. With an 18 cm suspension, this bed is also excellent at supporting your dog’s joints, whilst promoting good airflow.
Coolaroo has made this bed with every dog in mind which is why it is so popular. It comes in three sizes from 75 cm to 125 cm so most breeds should get on with this bed. A range of six cool colours means you can match it to your furniture too.
Unlike the first and second options, this brand offers more variety by having more colours that dog owners can choose from! These colours available are Brunswick green, terracotta, gunmetal, grey, nutmeg, and aquatic blue.
The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
The best part, however, is the price point. The Coolaroo elevated dog bed is the most economical we’ve found for the top reviews and quality. Yes, this bed is a little more basic and doesn’t have the water-resistant capabilities of the K&H or Niubuya beds, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better choice at this price range.
We love how this brand is the most affordable one on the market yet also one of the most durable dog beds with a lot of options in terms of colour and size.
Also, its portable design allows us to easily carry it outdoors and indoors, with a platform that supports our dogs' joints.
This The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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#4: Best Raised Bed for Large Dogs: Niubya 48" XLarge Elevated Dog Cot with Canopy
If you have a German Shepherd or Saint Bernard, the Niubuya XL Elevated Dog Cot is the best choice on the market! It may cost a pretty penny but it is packed with features that make it well worth the price tag.
First, you have the canopy. Unlike the K&H, which is only weatherproof, this is completely waterproof, sheltering your big pooch from rain and harsh UV rays alike. The canopy is suspended quite high, making the bed taller for large dogs to sit in. Its 22 cm sleeping suspension was made for heavy dogs with heavy joints.
The Niubya is a robust, secure steel frame dog bed, with rubber feet and two supporting metal beams below the sleeping surface. The scratch-proof substantial fabric can hold a dog of up to 61 kg. Durability: top-notch!
In terms of portability, this is another effortless assembly. The frame, whilst built to last, is surprisingly lightweight too.
To top it off, The Niubuya comes with a whopping 2 year warranty to cover any damage it may incur over time. A winning choice all around.
We love how this brand has all of the features that you can ever think of for a raised dog bed. A waterproof canopy, warranty, durable material, and sizes. We can surely say that the price is worth it and we recommend this if you can afford it.
This Niubya 48" XLarge Elevated Dog Cot with Canopy is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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#5: Best Trampoline Dog Bed for Small Dogs: Snooza Flea Free Dog Bed
For small dogs, the Snooza Flea Free Dog Bed is a great option. It is available in three sizes measuring from 90 cm in length, this is a great trampoline dog bed for puppies too, without compromising on the great features of the larger models on this list.
Its secure, stainless, Australian steel frame is resistant to rain, snow, and heat.
Compared to all of the previous options, which have no coating on the steel frames, the powder-coating feature on the steel serves as a protective coat that allows it to stay rust-free as time goes by. This is great, especially if you are planning to use this dog bed outdoors since rain, snow, and all kinds of moisture and oxygen cause rust on the bed's frame.
The Snooza has an open-weave, breathable fabric bedding suspended around 20 cm off the ground. This optimises airflow and comfort. Cleaning this sleep surface is a piece of cake. Mild detergent, a hose down and air dry will have it sparkling in no time at all.
Transporting this dog bed is even easier as it completely flat packs when disassembled. The four-bolt assembly system they use gives it a thumbs up for portability from us.
Overall the Snooza is our top, reasonably-priced pick for puppies and toy dogs.
We like how this dog bed is specifically designed for smaller puppies. This is also helpful for fur parents who have limited space and looking for a space-saving kind of dog bed.
This Snooza Flea Free Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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How I Choose A Raised Dog Bed
You are likely new to the world of elevated dog beds as they aren’t the typical ones you’ll see in pet stores. The main structure of each of these beds is always the same - a sturdy mesh or trampoline-like fabric stretched over a metal frame (which is why they are also known as trampoline dog beds).
Within that structure, however, comes a lot of variety. Here are some factors to consider.
Durability
The best indestructible dog beds that can withstand the test of time is very important. With a long-lasting bed, you’ll get your money’s worth and avoid the dreaded change to your dog’s bedding.
We all know what it is like introducing your dog to a new bed. *shudders*
For dogs with limited mobility or arthritic joints (1), we would normally recommend one of the better orthopedic dog bed options, however these would be too warm and cushioned for your pup if you’re living in in the warmer parts of northern Australia where temperatures are often quite high year round. The unique suspended design plus great support delivered by a raised dog bed make it the perfect solution.
You are looking for beds with a fortified mesh sleeping platform and, ideally, steel frames, for a strong foundation that supports your dog’s weight. A warranty on the product is a great bonus to look out for in case of wear and tear.
Size
This may seem like an obvious point but it is a bit more nuanced. Raised dog beds are suited to dogs of all shapes and sizes, including large and extra-large breeds. You may be tempted to buy the bed that just about fits to save you some money, but don’t! You need to make sure your dog has enough space to get comfortable on the frame and feel secure. Often the size of bed you need correlates to your dog’s sleeping position more so than their physical size (2). A Jack Russell Terrier that sleeps spread-eagle needs more space than a Weimaraner who dozes in a perfect coil. Don’t question - it’s science!
PRO TIP: Your dog’s weight is another key factor in choosing the correct size. The correct size for your pup is the one that provides the most support. If the elevated platform is too small or weak, the fabric may start to bow in the middle and therefore lose its main function.
Low Maintenance
How easy is the bed to clean? Are they easy to assemble and disassemble?
These are all valid questions when searching for the perfect raised dog bed as you want the maintenance to be as stress-free as possible. Luckily, most models in this category are extremely simple to clean and maintain as standard.
Portability
This trampoline bed option is perfect if your family loves the outdoors and loves to take your pup with them to explore. It will keep your dog off of the ground where ticks, fleas and moist uneven ground can irritate them (3). This functionality makes them ideal outside dog beds too, so look for models advertised as easy to assemble and disassemble. Even steel-framed dog beds are usually light enough to pick up and move around if necessary.
Weather-resistance
If you intend to use your new bed for both indoor and outdoor use, weatherproof materials are paramount. A waterproof canopy attached to the bed is the most versatile way to keep your dog cool and dry and it then doubles up as a great cave that your pooch may love!
My Final Verdict
Choosing the right raised dog bed for your dog, or puppy is ultimately a personal decision. The size, sleeping style and mobility of your dog all play a role. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor bed will factor in, too.
Our top choice would be the K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed & Shelter as it is durable, weather-resistant, and has the added canopy for extra versatility. If you don’t need a canopy and are after the most economical option, the Coolaroo will serve you well.
Interesting in reading about other types of dog bed options? Check out our below guides:
FAQ
Elevated dog beds and orthopedic dog beds couldn’t be more different and yet they have similar benefits. An orthopedic dog bed usually has mattress-type padding such as memory foam to give your dog the softest, comfiest, coziest night sleep. Durability and a supportive structure are valued in orthopedic beds to ease your dog’s joints as they rest. The dense materials they are made out of cause ortho beds to be quite heavy. Not great for portability.
Elevated dog beds are also made with supporting your dog in mind but go about it markedly differently. Their joint supporting properties come from the sturdy stretched fabric design and high suspension. The suspension relieves your dog’s joints and muscles by taking their weight off of the ground. The woven fabric is hygienic and quick to clean. These beds are also much more portable due to their weightlessness.
Both types have their merits. It’s all a question of preference.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions but these are the most common methods of cleaning a dog bed. Remove the sleep hammock from the frame to clean it. For a spot clean, scrub with a mild detergent and hose down with running water. For a deeper clean, wash with a ¼ part bleach, ¼ part detergent, and ½ water mix. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry fully.
Yes! Larger dogs are more susceptible to mobility issues that can be soothed by a supportive, suspended mesh dog bed like the ones we’ve recommended. The key is to make sure you have a large enough model and a steel metal frame so that your dog can’t break it on their first try. A higher suspension e.g. 18 cm and above, is worth keeping an eye out for.
Absolutely! Cathy Madson of Preventative Vet writes that a raised dog bed is “super durable, waterproof, and the porous nature of the bed allows water or urine to pass through to the crate floor, preventing your piddly puppy or leaky senior dog from laying in their own accidents.” (4).
References
- “Osteoarthritis in Dogs — Signs and Treatment”. May 3, 2023. American Kennel Club. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/
- “Choosing the right bed for your dog”. RSPCA UK. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/environment/dogbeds
- deBara, D. February 11, 2019. “Dog Beds for Pets Who Travel with Their People”. PetMD. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/pet-lover/dog-beds-pets-who-travel-their-people
- Nicholas. J. September 14, 2017. Updated July 9, 2020. “How to Help Your New Puppy Sleep Through the Night”. Preventative Vet. Retrieved February 8, 2023. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-help-puppy-sleep-through-the-night
- Madson. C. February 1, 2019. “Setting Up Your Dog's Crate for Comfort and Safety”. Preventative Vet. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/what-to-put-in-your-dogs-crate
