Outdoor dog furniture is a nice addition to your backyard for your beloved pet. It provides an ideal spot for your dog to go when you and your family are outside. Plus, it gives your pup a place of his own that he can retreat to when he wants to get away or rest.
When choosing outdoor dog furniture, you want to be sure what you buy suits your dog and his needs. It should also fit in nicely within your outdoor area. We’ve put together some unique and fun choices in various furniture options that can be a great choice for any family.
Outdoor Dog Furniture Reviews
There are three general outdoor dog furniture style options:
- Elevated beds
- Dog houses
- Portable shelters
Each of these has its own specific use and benefits. You’ll want to consider which is the best fit for your dog’s needs. You may even consider buying all three options.
Elevated beds
Elevated dog beds are different than the bed you may have inside your home for your pet. They use a sturdy frame over which stretches a piece made of mesh and fabric. The area where your dog lays or sits is made of a mesh that gives under your pup’s weight while also allowing for proper airflow.
K&H Products Elevated Dog Bed
The K&H Elevated Dog Bed comes in your choice of chocolate or camo fabric. It’s available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, ranging from 22 by 17 inches to 52 by 32 inches, with a surface space ranging from 17 to 32 inches. The highest weight limit is 150 pounds.
The bed features a mesh cot and waterproof exterior fabric made of nylon. It also has double stitching for improved durability and collapses easily for storage and transport. It doesn’t require any tools to assemble.
The rubber feet will help prevent slipping while keeping your pet off the ground and away from moisture, dirt, and bugs. The frame is metal with PVC connectors, which provides strength and durability.
Pros:
- Slip-on cover for a tight fit
- Variable sizes for all dogs
- Waterproof and easy to clean fabric
Cons:
- Won’t fit extra-large dogs
- Limited color choices
Best Choice Products Elevated Cooling Dog Bed
The Best Choice Products Elevated Cooling Dog Bed comes in 3 sizes: 30 inches, 36 inches, and 48 inches. You can choose from gray or red for the colors.
This durable raised bed has a nylon and mesh cot with a steel frame. It has rubber caps on the feet for security. The bed features four legs and two center supports to ensure it can stand up to your dog’s movements and remain upright.
It is easy to assemble thanks to the no-tool assembly. This means it is also simple to take down and move as needed. The bed comes with a travel bag, so when not assembled, you can easily store it.
The cot will withstand all types of weather. It also helps resist odors while keeping your pet comfortable. It can support up to 66 pounds.
Perhaps the nicest element to this bed is the canopy. It provides perfect shade and protection for your pup without the need to nestle the bed under a tree or other shade source.
Pros:
- Includes canopy
- Comes with a travel storage bag
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Small size won’t fit larger dogs
- Limited color choices
Dog houses
A dog house is an ideal home away from home for your pet. It provides shelter and comfort in a place your dog can call his own. Whether your pet stays outside most of the time or only goes outside occasionally, a dog house is a perfect option to give him somewhere to go to get out of the weather and sun.
Precision Pet Products Outback Log Cabin Dog House
The Precision Pet Products Outback Log Cabin Dog House comes in small, medium, and large sizes. The small measures 24.6 by 22 inches and can house a dog up to 25 pounds. The medium option is 27.5 by 26.5 inches and fits a pup up to 40 pounds. Finally, the large house measures 32.5 by 32 inches for a dog up to 90 pounds.
The unique log cabin look is quite refined and makes a nice addition to any backyard space. It is a cedar-stained fir solid wood featuring an off-set door. The door design helps to offer further protection from the weather.
It has a raised floor for comfort and weather-resistant feet that you can adjust to the desired height and to accommodate uneven surfaces. The slanted roof helps water run off easily and away from the door.
The components are resistant to rust and won’t rot. Your pup should be able to enjoy this abode for many years to come. It also is simple to install with only a three-step process requiring a screwdriver and pliers.
Giantex Pet Dog House
The Giantex Pet Dog House features stairs and a balcony for the canine that likes to explore and wants more space. Made of fir, the house has a natural stain treatment to protect it from weather, rot, and pests.
It is a two-story house featuring an interior with a raised and removable roof. It has a raised floor as well to keep the interior dry.
At the side are the stairs that lead up to the balcony bed area. This area features a railing for safety. It is flat to provide an outdoor bed space.
While it may seem as if it is a complex house, it is simple to assemble. It includes an easy-to-use manual that walks you through each step.
Pros:
- Two-in-one furniture option
- Looks nice after assembly
- Great for smaller dogs
Cons:
- Not for large dogs
- Assembly can be difficult
Petmate Portable Pet Home
The Petmate Portable Pet Home comes in a dark taupe with coffee ground accents and various size options to fit many sizes of dogs. It is made for travel but also works nicely for use outside if you prefer not to put up a permanent dog house.
Its soft construction makes it easy to carry and set and at the same time, very comfortable for your pup. The fabric is water-resistant and will stand up to all types of weather conditions. It is also durable enough that your pet can’t chew it up. For more ease of use, it has storage pockets and folds down into an included carrying case.
To ensure it stays put when outside, especially in windy conditions, it comes with four stakes to secure it to the ground. You can also close the window covers on each side to create a fully protected crate.
Inside, there is a soft foam pad covered with a comfy fabric that is removable and washable. Your dog will feel right at home no matter where you set this up.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Includes foam pad bed
- Windows for complete open views
Cons:
- May not fit large dogs
- Aggressive chewers may destroy easily
Petsfit Portable Folding Wood Dog House
The Petsfit Portable Folding Wood Dog House is a great combination of permanent and temporary housing. You can set it up and leave it up because it is sturdy and durable, or you can fold it down easily to store it away when not in use.
It has a nice wood look to it, so it will work well as a backyard dog house. The house has a wood frame that you can stain or paint as you like, but it is ready to use as is. It also requires no assembly as it comes in one piece with an attached roof, body, and bottom.
The dog house will hold a pet up to 30 pounds. It has a raised bottom to keep out moisture, but the top hinges open to allow for easy cleaning if needed. You can also lock the top with screws if you want.
Pros:
- One-piece construction
- Easy to carry
- Paintable exterior provides options in design
Cons:
- Assembly not as easy as described by the manufacturer
- Doesn’t work for larger dogs
Reasons to Buy Outdoor Dog Furniture
You may wonder why your pet needs outdoor dog furniture. Well, the answer is similar to why you need it. Your pup is used to living in your home with all the cushy furnishings, so laying on the hard ground outside is a bummer.
Plus, outside means bugs and dirt. Using furniture, you can encourage your dog to avoid laying on the ground or grass, which can help keep bugs at a minimum and avoid your pet getting too dirty.
Tipp City Veterinary Hospital explains that an elevated bed brings additional perks, such as providing orthopedic support for older, arthritic dogs’ bodies and making it easier for the dog to get comfortable. Also, the mesh cot allows fur and dirt to fall through, so your pet isn’t sitting in loose hair, which is great when it comes back into the house.
In addition, the design of an elevated bed is ideal for chewers because there is nothing to grab onto or tear apart. The same is true for dog houses, which by design, discourage chewing and tearing.
These options in dog furniture also provide a better way for you to keep your pup cool in the summer months. Whether the piece is elevated or has a cover or roof, they allow for better airflow and easy access to shade.
Finally, and perhaps the biggest reason to consider outdoor dog furniture is that it is simple to clean. Every piece has a design made to wash and clean easily. You won’t have to struggle with keeping it looking nice because these pieces are also durable and difficult to damage. In fact, many people use them inside, too, because of these benefits.
Considerations When Buying Outdoor Dog Furniture
Just as with any purchase, buying dog furniture for outside requires a few careful considerations. According to NBC News, to ensure you make the right decision in what your dog needs, you’ll want to think about the following points:
- Dog’s size
- Dog’s abilities
- Material options
- Ease of use
Dog’s size
Your dog’s size will be the most important factor because you must match the furniture to the dog. Your 160-pound St. Bernard will not be able to use the same dog house or bed as your 8-pound chihuahua. You need to always pay attention to size restrictions.
You’ll want to note any measurements, especially for doors and cots. Most pieces will also have weight limits, so make sure to check into that as well. You want to match the piece to the dog, and if you will have multiple dogs share it, make sure to buy for the biggest dog. In some cases, you will need to account for the weight of each dog combined.
Dog’s abilities
You also need to accommodate your dog’s needs with your furniture choices. For example, if your dog is still a puppy, you won’t want an elevated bed that is too high for him to get on. If your dog is arthritic, you will need to make choices that will be easy for him to use, especially when he’s is not feeling the best. If your dog is destructive, then you need to be sure you get the most durable piece you can.
Material options
Usually, if you buy something that states it is for outdoor use, you should be okay without having to worry about the materials, but sometimes manufacturers label things as outdoors just to draw in buyers. Look for durable materials that can stand up to getting wet and to the harsh sun.
Serenity Health explains resin, wood, metal, and easy-to-wash fabrics are the best options for dog furniture that you will use outside.
Ease of use
Finally, you want to choose furniture that won’t drive you crazy when you set it up. Look for no-tool assembly options or pop-up style assembly. Avoid anything with too many pieces or that has complex instructions. Always read the reviews to see if others had issues with setup.
It should also be something that is easy for your dog to use. Don’t buy something complicated that your pup will avoid because he can’t figure it out. Often choosing something similar to what you use inside is a good choice as your pet will recognize what it is for and how to use it.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have a good idea of what to look for in outdoor dog furniture and some tips on figuring out what is best for your pet, you are ready to go shopping. Keep in mind the suggestions we made for each of the three style options, and don’t forget to make sure whatever you choose is the best choice for your dog.
Last update on 2023-06-02 at 13:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API