When the weather gets hot, our dogs can suffer. Unlike us, our dogs can’t sweat to cool down. The only way to get rid of heat from their bodies is to pant.
Some dogs will seek out cold tiles or even dig in the garden to make a cool den in the earth on hot summer days. However, there is a way of providing them with the same benefit without damaging your flowerbeds.
Cooling mats are a good option if your dog is uncomfortable in hot weather. We’ve rounded up the best on offer, and if you want a quick pick, our best dog cooling mat is the The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat for all-around simplicity, versatility, and convenience but for more options read on.
How do cooling pads work?
Dog cooling pads fall into two broad categories, pressure-activated gel-filled and water-filled. Both options use heat transference in that heat will always move from a higher to a lower temperature. So as a hot dog lies on a cooling mat, heat transference takes place and reduces a dog’s body temperature.
It’s this process that makes our dogs roam from place to place as they try to cool off. Once a cool spot, like floor tiles, has drawn heat from your dog’s body, it then becomes warm. This prompts your dog to move on to another area, and the process starts again.
Cooling mats work to keep your pet cool in the same way but are more efficient. Once the mat has absorbed your dog’s body heat, your dog is likely to go and search for another cool spot. As soon as they do, the mat ‘recharges’ itself as the collected heat dissipates into the air.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following dog cooling pads
- The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
- AmazonBasics Elevated Cooling Pet Bed
- CoolerDog Cooling Bed
- CoolDog Reusable Ice Mat
- K&H Cooling comfort bed
Do cooling mats for dogs really work?
Since dogs have been using floors for centuries to cool off, do we really need to provide them with a dog cooling mat?
In fact, many dogs benefit from extra help to keep cool when the weather turns warm. Not only do some dogs struggle to pant efficiently enough to control their body temperature, but elderly dogs, obese dogs, and giant breed dogs also appreciate a helping hand on hot summer days.
Certain breed types like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers are particularly vulnerable in the heat, and providing a cooling pad can prevent dangerous heat-related conditions like heatstroke.
What to look for in a cooling mat
Cooling mats aren’t designed to drop your dog’s temperature dramatically. In fact, if your dog were suffering from a heat-related condition, it would be dangerous to do so. Cooling pads are just a comfortable place for your dog to rest that will reduce their body temperature by a few degrees.
The benefit of using a cooling mat is that they stay cooler for longer, enabling your dog to have a more restful sleep. Not only that, but many cooling pads are portable, meaning that your dog can enjoy the cooling benefits when you travel.
Most cooling mats do their job well. But there are a few things to consider when choosing one suitable for your dog.
- Durability
As gel or water are typical fillers for cooling mats, durability is a must-have feature. Dogs that like to dig or jump on their beds before laying down are more likely to damage a cooling pad. While the cooling gel is non-toxic, there is still a risk that your dog may react to it. So, if there’s a chance your dog will chew or damage the bed, look for water-filled cooling pads to be on the safe side.
- Portability
If traveling with your dog is high on your priorities, having a cool mat that you can roll up and take with you will make car travel much more comfortable for your dog on a hot summer day. A Gel-based cooling bed excels in portability as it doesn’t need refrigeration to keep them cold.
- Location
Does your dog prefer to be inside or outside when they are hot? Some dogs prefer a shady spot outside to make the most of any breeze available. Others will seek out a cool and dark place in the house. Some cooling pads are more suitable for outside use, and an elevated cot-style dog bed will make the most of any airflow so your dog can chill out in comfort.
With those few things in mind, here are our top choices of dog cooling pads.
The best dog cooling mat – our top 5
- THE ORIGINAL SELF COOLING GEL PAD FOR DOGS – The Green Pet Shop pressure-activated cooling pet mat provides chilled relief for your dogs and cats. It's the perfect solution if your pet struggles to...
- IT'S AUTOMATIC – This self-cooling pad for dogs works without water, electricity or refrigeration. The patented gel formula automatically recharges after 15-20 minutes of non-use. This dog cool pad...
- PERFECT FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS – Lay the cooling pads for pets where your furry friend likes to relax. Once they lay on the pad, it goes to work immediately. Cool to the touch, the chilled sensation...
This self-cooling mat from the Green pet shop features pressure-activated gel. As soon as your dog lays down, the cooling gel begins to draw heat away from your dog and lasts up to three hours.
What’s more, it only takes fifteen to twenty minutes of non-use for the gel pad to recharge, which means that your dog doesn’t have to wait long for a cool spot again.
This cooling pad is portable, making it ideal if you’re on the move. It doesn’t need refrigeration, and it comes in five sizes which means it caters to the smallest and the largest of dogs. It’s easy to keep clean. Wipe it with a damp cloth and remember that with all cooling beds to keep them out of direct sunlight.
Pros
- This cooling mat is effective at reducing your dog’s body temperature
- The portability is a huge bonus as it means your dog can travel on the cooling pad and stay comfortable
- A wide range of sizes available making it suitable for most dogs
Cons
- Older dogs may find it hard to navigate the material as it’s slippery
- The cooling gel does harden over time, and there isn’t an effective way to bring it back to life
- These cooling pads are not robust, so if your dog likes to dig or chew their bed, it won’t last long
- Breathable mesh fabric helps keep pets cool by allowing air to flow
- Elevates pets more than 7 inches off the ground
- Easy to clean (using tap water only); simple assembly (screws and hex tool included)
This elevated dog bed is neither gel nor water-filled, but it does a reasonable dog at cooling your dog. The raised platform allows air to circulate underneath it freely, which keeps your pet from getting too warm.
The mesh material is breathable increasing airflow, and the sturdy iron frame is suitable for even the largest dogs.
Elevated beds are the best cooling option if you want a bed inside and outside or for a dog that chews as they tend to be durable and puncture-resistant. Not only that, but they are straightforward to clean, which is perfect for giving your dog a sanitary place to snooze.
Pros
- Five size options mean that there’s bound to be one to suit most dogs
- The raised platform is great at keeping your dog cool as it allows the free flow of air
- Supportive and durable raised beds are perfect for dogs that struggle to get in and out of low beds
Cons
- The mesh does tend to sag over time, making it less supportive
- If you’re using the bed on hardwood floors, protect them. The bed is lightweight and skids if a dog jumps onto it too enthusiastically
- It would help if you had a bit of muscle to put it together
- HELP YOUR PET STAY COOL Great for pets that are heat sensitive, prone to overheating, work in the heat, after intense training sessions or running, playing in the park, at the beach, camping or...
- COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE The Hydro Cooling Mat combines a waterbed cushion, a FlexiFreeze Ice Sheet (88 ice cubes) and a thick layer of insulation to create a long-lasting cooling solution
- NATURAL COOLING Non-Toxic, Veterinarian approved and contains no harmful chemicals or gels, only pure water!
This triple-layer cooling mat from CoolerDog has an ingenious ice-layer tucked away beneath the comfy water-based topper to keep your dog cool. This pet pad is made from durable rip-stop fabric with snaps on three sides to enable you to connect mats to accommodate larger dogs. Their ‘Flexi-freeze’ technology dissipates and absorbs your dog’s body heat keeping them fresh and cool.
Usable both inside and outside, the bed is lightweight and portable, which means you can easily take it wherever you go. As a bonus, the bed is machine washable too.
Pros
- It works well, and the triple-layer pad is a bonus as it means you can supercharge the bed and make it extra cool.
- Up to ten times cooler than gel pads
- Lightweight enough to take with you wherever you go
Cons
- The cool bed does ‘sweat,’ so a cloth over the top will help stop your dog from getting wet.
- The bed is puncture-resistant but not puncture-proof, so avoid if your dog likes to dig before laying down.
- The sealed ice cube compartments break easily
- Keep your dog cool safe and happy!
- Durable canvas, non-slip bottom and Hot/Cold Mat insert
- Purified water inside USA made Hot/Cold Mat - safe and non-toxic
This cooling pad from CoolDog uses water to keep your dog cool. You freeze the water insert mat and put it back in the cover to provide your dog relief from the heat.
The upper canvas is durable, and it has a non-slip bottom to keep your dog from skidding. What’s good about this product is that it also doubles up as a heating pad as you can pop it in the microwave.
Although this dog cooling pad is only available in one size, it’s modular. So if you have a large dog, you can order multiple mats and attach them via the velcro tabs provided. Not only that, but you can also buy additional water inserts so you can always have one in the freezer ready to go.
Pros
- Completely safe water inserts. If you’re worried about your dog chewing, there’s no cooling gel to worry about
- Versatile as you can microwave the pad and use it to keep your pet warm when the weather turns cold
- The modular design means you can increase and decrease the size as you want
Cons
- A single cooling mat is small, 24” x 12“. If you have a large dog, it can become costly to add more pads.
- Great for home use but not much good for travel as you need to refreeze the mat once it melts
- As the ice melts, condensation builds up on the mat, meaning; you may end up with a wet dog.
- ORTHOPEDIC: Comforting cooling pad for dogs provides the ultimate support for arthritis, hip dysplasia, excessive panting, and more; chilled relief for you dog or cat
- WATER COOLING: Self-cooling mat for dogs uses no electricity and contains no toxic gels and is refillable; it never dries out like other cooling mats for dogs and cats
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR COOLING DOG BED: Recommended for indoor and outdoor use; just add water to provide consistent cooling comfort for your pet during hot summer months
The cooling dog bed from K&H offers your dog a comfortable place to snooze. Unlike some other dog beds, this one is filled with water and is well-padded, offering a soft and supportive sleeping area.
What’s more, it’s versatile as the fabric is suitable for indoor and outdoor use as it’s both water-resistant and UV-rated, which means it won’t fade. The Cool Core absorbs the heat from your dog’s body, converting it to room temperature.
It’s available in three sizes. The bed is generous, making it suitable for all but giant dogs. It’s simple to keep clean. Just wipe the surface with a damp cloth, and the manufacturer recommends adding grapefruit seed extract to the water when filling and place a few drops in before storing to help prevent mold and mildew.
Pros
- This pet pad is suitable for both inside and outside use
- Easy to fill
- Generous sizing
Cons
- It’s a bit of a faff to get the water in and out
- The color bleeds, so you’ll want to put some protection down first
- This dog cooling mat has some reliability issues, with water leaking out after a few months of wear and tear
Best dog cooling pads conclusion
If you want a simple, versatile dog cooling pad, we like the The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat not only is it portable, the three-hour cooling time is decent and even better, it features pressure activated gel, so there’s nothing for you to do.
Investing in a cooling mat for your dog is well worth it if your dog suffers from heat. Not only will it help keep them more comfortable, but it goes a long way to help prevent heat-related conditions like heatstroke.
Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API