Outside pets that spend lots of time sleeping on the ground, on porches, patios and garages, might not seem like they need outdoor dog beds. They already get plenty of sleep, right? But if they stay outside most of the time, they need an outdoor bed even more than an animal that lives inside and only goes outside for short periods of time.

Outdoor dog beds keep your pet off the ground, which can be hard and rough on bones and joints. As the weather turns cooler the ground becomes even more cold and damp than the outside air. This can cause even more joint problems and aches and pains. It also makes it harder for the animal to stay warm. Most of their houses aren't insulated well enough to do to the job, so their own cozy spot to sleep in keeps them much more comfortable when winter rears its head.

Outdoor dog beds can make your four-legged friend feel more secure. It gives him a special place all his own that's more comfortable than a house or any spot of ground, no matter how soft. It's dry, even if the ground is damp, and covered in his scent more than any of his outside areas, to make him feel more at home.

Outdoor dog beds come in orthopedic styles. Quilting and extra support are perfect for pets who might need the extra help, like those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and other injuries. They stay warmer because they're off the ground, and the warmth helps their joints, and it also relieves pressure off their joints and supports their frame gently but firmly. Dogs who've had surgery can particularly benefit from the added comfort found in these models, especially if the surgery involved bones or joints.

Outdoor dog beds are snag-resistant, stain-resistant and weatherproof. Because the weather can change in an instant, you might not have time to carry it indoors, so the interiors are generally waterproof on firmer units. But many softer and more portable styles have water-resistant exteriors but can be thrown a washing machine for quick clean-up.

Outdoor dog beds offer extra comfort when the weather is very hot or very cold. Wherever your animal sleeps while outside, whether houses garages, porches, patios, or the ground, heated ones offer warmth or coolness, depending on your choice. Summertime pads designed to keep an animal cool are soaked in cold water for 30 minutes. Towel-dry the exterior to keep your pooch dry, while the interior stays soft and cold, thanks to get beads that expand when wet and absorb many times their weight. This provides hours of cool relaxation no matter how hot it gets.

Many outdoor dog beds aren't just easily moved inside and outside, they're good for traveling. Some roll up like a sleeping bag for easy packing and can be tossed in any washing machine. And you can even buy portable hammocks for pups. They don't offer the warmth or special supports some other beds do, but they're still better than the hard ground. And their small size and easy portability make them great for pooches on the go. They're more like animal-sized cots than mattresses, and hold your pup up on weather-resistant nylon that's easily removed and washed.

Outdoor dog beds can be luxurious additions to your home dcor, too. Microfiber suede feels soft and silky but resists stains and cleans easily. Imitation lambswool is a super-soft favorite of some that still resists dirt and water, and machine washes for easy care.

And no matter what your dog's size, you can find outdoor dog beds to fit. Measure your pooch while he's laying down to see how much room he actually takes up and be sure to choose a bed that's larger. This makes sure he doesn't feel cramped in his sleeping spot, and that he can stretch out and make himself as comfortable as possible.