Hammocks are a great way to relax and enjoy the warm summer months. But why should humans be the only ones sleeping in style? Hammock-style dog beds and dog cots offer your dog many benefits. Not only do they help to keep your dog cool in the summer, but they are also ideal for senior dogs as they are easier on the joints.
The hammock design has been used in a variety of ways in the pet industry. In addition to the wildly popular dog cots, you can also see the hammock being put to use in dog grooming and even in your car to keep your car seats clean. We have put together a list of the best dog hammock in each category, highlighting the reasons why they will make your dog’s tail wag with joy.
Table of Contents
The Backyard Boss Top Dog Hammock for Summer 2021
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Elevated Dog Bed |
| Check The Price! |
 | Outrav Portable Elevated Dog Bed |
| Check The Price! |
 | CUSFULL Dog/Cat Hammock Bed |
| Check The Price! |
 | URPOWER Waterproof Hammock Car Seat Cover |
| Check The Price! |
 | TYISON Dog/Cat Grooming Hammock |
| Check The Price! |
Why You Can Trust Us
While we pride ourselves on our love for the outdoors and our backyards here at Backyard boss, we also like to focus on making these areas enjoyable for all members of the family (including our furry family members). This includes taking the time to learn about the different products that can help us to make their time outdoors as comfortable as possible. We have comfortable hammocks and lounge areas in our yards, so why would we not provide the same to our pups?
As a dog lover and owner most of my life, I have had the opportunity to try out a wide variety of dog-specific products. Some fall short, needing to be replaced rather quickly, while others stand out for their quality. Using this experience combined with my research and the collective knowledge of our team, we have selected five products that we believe could make a positive difference for you and your dog.
Best for the Backyard or Deck
-
This portable elevated dog bed is a great choice for dogs of all sizes, whether they are sunbathing or looking for a little shade with the removable canopy.
Pros: |
Cons: |
Why We Like It: The Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Elevated Dog Bed allows your dog to enjoy the benefits of a hammock-style bed with all the extra bells and whistles of a luxury dog bed. The steel frame holds the high-quality 1680D oxford fabric bed with enough tension for your dog to get comfortable easily. Breathable mesh built into the bed allows for maximum airflow, helping your dog to stay cool on even the hottest of days. On the sunniest days, the removable sun canopy can be added.
While this dog bed doesn’t fold down as small as some of the ultra-portable options, it is lightweight and easy to move. This makes it a great option for dogs that spend time both indoors and outside in the backyard. The largest size of the bed measures 7 x 30 x 43 inches, or 36 inches tall with the shade canopy, and has a maximum recommended weight capacity of 80 pounds, allowing it to support most medium and large size dogs.
Who Should Buy It: Dog owners that are looking for a hammock-style dog bed that will work around the house both indoors and outdoors may find that the Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Elevated Dog Bed is the best solution.
Best for Camping
-
Designed with travel in mind, this collapsible dog bed is strong and durable, providing support a comfortable place for your dog to lounge wherever you go.
Pros: |
Cons: |
Why We Like It: This collapsible dog bed allows your dog to sleep with the comfort of a hammock and the support of a steel frame. In this way, it serves as a hammock and hammock stand for your dog when you’re on the go. The convenient fold-up design allows you to pack the bed away when it’s not in use. When your dog is ready for a nap, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go. It also comes with a convenient carry bag for travel, making it perfect for camping, a day at the park, or a trip to the beach.
The bed itself is made from strong 600D PVC oxford fabric and heavy-duty polyester, allowing it to support the weight of any dog up to 100 pounds. It is available in two different sizes, Medium (28 x 28 x 8 inches) and Large (36 x 36 x 12 inches). While they don’t offer a size specifically for small dogs, the medium bed would work while giving them plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable.
Who Should Buy It: If you are looking for a comfortable place for your dog to lounge while you’re on the go, the Outrav Portable Elevated Dog Bed is a great option.
Best Value Dog Hammock
-
CUSFULL goes back to the basics with this simple and easy to use hammock bed for small dogs, cats, and other smaller pets.
Pros: |
Cons: |
Why We Like It: Focusing on a simple and basic design, the CUSFULL Dog/Cat Hammock Bed allows you to give your small dog a comfortable place to sleep quickly and easily. Similar to a human hammock, the hammock bed is suspended from straps attached to the corners of the bed itself. On one side of the hammock, waterproof nylon offers a cool and comfortable sleeping surface during the warmer months while the other side is lined with soft flannel to keep your pup comfortable when the temperatures drop. If your dog does get its bed dirty, it is machine washable.
Each of the four hanging straps is adjustable to accommodate spaces of different sizes. The hook at the end of the strap clips onto surfaces like wire cages easily. Further down the strap is a simply D loop that allows you to wrap the hammock strap around a branch or post, clipping it to the loop to hold it securely in place. This small bed is only suitable for smaller dogs with a maximum weight capacity of 28 pounds.
Who Should Buy It: The CUSFULL Dog/Cat Hammock Bed is a great low-cost option for any small dog owner that is looking for a simple yet comfortable bed at home or on the go.
Best for the Car Rides
-
Protect your vehicle while traveling with your dog by using this waterproof, slip-proof car hammock including dog seatbelts for security and safety.
Pros: |
Cons: |
Why We Like It: Protect your car from dirt, mud, and scratch marks with the URPOWER Waterproof Hammock Car Seat Cover. This waterproof car hammock can be attached to the headrests of both the front and back seats, providing your dog with a comfortable, nonslip surface during their next car ride. The sides of the hammock fold up and zip into place, helping to keep your dog contained while also protecting the car door from damage. Alternatively, it can be used as a cargo liner.
This hammock is made from four layers of waterproof fabric including Oxford 600D fabric, polyester, and a nonslip rubber backing. Throughout the time that your dog is in the car, it will contain any dirt, liquid, “accidents” that occur on the way, and even shed dog fur. Quick-release buckles allow you to remove it easily when you return home so that it can be cleaned with a damp cloth or vacuum.
In addition to providing your dog with a nonslip surface to prevent them from falling each time that you apply the brake, it also includes two dog seat belts that hook to your dog’s harness and buckle into the seatbelts in your vehicle. Much like a standard human seatbelt, this will work to keep your dog safe and secure in the event of an accident.
Who Should Buy It: If you are looking for a solution to safely travel with your dog while keeping your vehicle clean, the URPOWER Waterproof Hammock Car Seat Cover is a great option.
Best for Grooming
-
Prevent unwanted mishaps and injuries during grooming and nail trims by securing your dog in this dog grooming hammock.
Pros: |
Cons: |
Why We Like It: The TYISON Dog/Cat Grooming Hammock is made from soft, skin-friendly double-layer flannel fabric. Designed to secure your dog safely and comfortably, even over long time periods, this hammock will help to reduce the risk of injury when taking care of your dog’s basic grooming needs including trimming nails, cleaning teeth and ears, applying eye drops, and giving medication.
It is easy to use. Simply place your dog’s legs in each of the four holes in the hammock and then bring the two sides of the hammock together. Using the provided S hooks, suspend your dog from a secure area by the reinforced grommets.
This grooming hammock is breathable and quick-drying, allowing it to also be used as a bath towel when needed. When you are finished, wash the hammock by hand before hanging it up to dry. It comes in three different sizes based on your dog’s body length, however, even the largest size is only capable of supporting the weight of a small dog.
Who Should Buy It: Dog owners that are interested in doing handling their dog’s grooming needs at home but require assistance in holding their dog still throughout the process will find this grooming hammock helpful.
What Is the Safest Way to Travel With a Dog?
With a growing number of families welcoming a dog into their home, the interest in dog-friendly travel has also been on the rise. More hotels and vacation rentals are opening their doors to canine visitors than ever before, encouraging dog owners everywhere to explore the benefits of traveling with a dog.
When you’re on the road, larger dogs should always be buckled in securely using a comfortable padded dog harness that is properly fit to prevent your dog from slipping free. In the event of an accident, attaching your dog’s seatbelt to a collar can cause serious neck damage. Many harnesses today have been put through crash testing to ensure their safety.
For smaller dogs, like smaller children, extra steps need to be taken to keep your pup safe. The two options that are most often recommended are securing your dog in a pet carrier or using a dog car seat.
If you choose to travel with a dog carrier, make sure that you research the ratings for crash testing, only using those that are recommended for use in a vehicle. The carrier should then be secured in the vehicle using a standard seatbelt to prevent it from being thrown in an accident. It is important to remember that not all carriers are created equally!
A dog car seat or dog booster seat helps to secure your small or medium-sized dog in place, keeping them safe in the event of an accident. The seat is held in place using a seatbelt while your dog is then attached to a dog seatbelt or tether. As we discussed with the larger dogs, this should be attached to a comfortable and properly fit harness. Many booster seats will also raise your dog up enough to allow them to see out the window.
In addition to safely securing your dog during travel, there are a few additional items that you should always have on hand. Be sure to pack dog dishes for both food and water, extra dog food in the event your trip is extended for any reason, plenty of fresh, potable water, identification with up-to-date information, and a dog-specific first aid kit.
Are Dog Hammocks Safe?
As with all products, the category of dog hammocks includes both safe and not-so-safe options. The key to keeping your dog happy and healthy is understanding what sets the safest dog hammocks apart from the rest.
If you are purchasing a dog hammock bed, you want to ensure that you take the maximum recommended weight into consideration. A bed that is overloaded is more likely to cave in or break from the pressure, potentially exposing sharp or dangerous parts. Inspect your dog’s hammock bed regularly for signs of wear and tear, sharp edges, small parts that they may swallow, or any other potential risks.
Many of the same considerations apply to the use of grooming hammocks. As these involve suspending your dog in the air, you should be extra cautious of any signs of wear that could lead to the hammock failing.
The use of a dog car hammock has led to many questions and debates since they were first used. Early designs focused solely on protecting the car seat from damage, overlooking the importance of securing your dog during travel. This has since been addressed and new dog car hammocks include openings for the seatbelt in your vehicle, allowing you to take the necessary steps to keep your dog safe. Many newer car hammocks even include the necessary seatbelt attachments to encourage dog owners to buckle their dogs in.
Modern dog hammocks are completely safe if used properly and inspected regularly. If you do notice signs of damage or basic wear and tear, be sure to repair your dog hammock or replace it before the next use.
How to Get Your Dog Into a Hammock?
While there are many dog-specific hammocks on the market, your dog can also relax and enjoy a traditional hammock either with you or on its own. The biggest question that many dog owners have about hammocking with their dogs is: How do you get your dog into a hammock?
The truth is that there are a few factors to consider that can make or break your pup’s hammock experience. First and foremost, make sure that you have a large enough hammock to accommodate both you and your dog. If you have a larger dog, this may mean using a double hammock.
You also want to consider the different hammock types, and which will work best for your dog. A rope hammock, for example, may make your dog feel less secure because their feet can fall through the hammock and they can see the ground below. A solid cotton hammock is a great starting point.
Hang your hammock securely, but low enough that your dog can access it on its own. Consider adding a platform for smaller dogs to help them get up and down independently. This helps your dog to feel safe to explore the hammock without feeling trapped as they know that they can get out on their own at any time if they aren’t comfortable.
Don’t force your dog into the hammock. Be patient, allow him/her to sniff around and explore it on their own while you are in it. They are going to be paying attention to you, so allow yourself to feel comfortable and relaxed, demonstrating that the hammock is a positive thing. If your dog does come to explore, feel free to pet and love on them, further enforcing this positive connection.
When your dog decides that it’s time to try getting it, be prepared to lend a hand. Many dogs need help the first few times until they master the movement of the hammock. In time, your dog will figure out the best approach to hop in without upsetting the hammock (and dumping you on the ground).
How We Picked
The process of choosing the best dog hammock for your dog and your lifestyle starts with deciding what benefits you want your dog hammock to offer. A small dog owner looking for a comfortable and stylish hammock-style bed for their living room is going to prefer a different option than a large dog owner that needs a bed to bring along hiking and camping. With this in mind, we made a list of the most common types of dog hammock to guide our search.
From there, we took a look at a number of important factors including the quality of the dog hammock, the features and benefits of each option, portability (where necessary), ease of cleaning, and the reviews of those who have purchased these dog hammocks previously. We then took all of this data and combined it with our own personal experiences to determine which five dog hammocks stood out above the rest.
The Must-Have Dog Hammock for 2021 Is…
The top dog hammock is going to differ slightly from person to person based on your needs, however, there are some features that will benefit all dog owners. This includes the ease of cleaning (dogs can get quite dirty and so can their hammocks), comfort levels, and, most importantly, the ways that our dog hammock can help to keep our best friends safe.
With these in mind, we believe that the Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Elevated Dog Bed rises above the rest. Not only does this dog hammock bed offer a comfortable place for your dog to sleep both indoors and outdoors, but the breathable mesh fabric and removable shade canopy will keep your dog safe on even the sunniest days. That being said, we believe that every dog hammock on this list is deserving of a special mention.
