Best Cooling Mat for Dogs

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You aren’t the only one who gets affected when the heat wave strikes; your animals suffer as well. As they are your responsibility, it is up to you to make sure that they are kept properly and that the heat does not impact their bodies. It is easier for cats as they lounge around anywhere they like and can find a cool spot to lie down, but dogs, especially the big ones, are the ones who suffer the most.

As they are bigger, they emit more heat and can suffer just like any person does from a heat stroke. Many people also tend to keep their dogs outside. Indoor dogs do not suffer as much from the heat as the ones living outside as they are directly exposed to the climate. Inside, you might even have the air conditioning on which can help them greatly.

So, what do you do for the dogs living outside or those inside with not sufficient cooling? The best option for you is to provide them with the best cooling mat that you can find. These mats and pads are built to provide your dog coolness whenever it graces it. If you live in a city where the climate is usually hot, you may want to think about investing in a cooling mat for dogs.

Taking into account all the most important factors, we have selected Top 5 Dog Cooling Mats

ImageBrandSpecificationsPrice/Review
The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat - Pressure-Activated Gel Cooling Mat For Dogs, Medium Large Size - This Pet Cooling Mat Keeps Dogs and Cats Comfortable All Summer - Ideal for Home and Travel

The Green Pet Shop

  • Non-Toxic Gel
  • Pressure Activated
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Full Review
K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Cooling Dog Bed Large Gray 32' x 44'

K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III

  • Water bed
  • Durable nylon/vinyl exterior
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Full Review
Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat 27” x 43” Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds, Non-Toxic, Durable Solid Self Cooling Gel Material. No Refrigeration or Electricity Needed, Medium

Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat

  • Non-Toxic Gel
  • Flexible
  • Weight-Activated
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Full Review
Dogbed4less Extra Large True Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed for Large Pet, Waterproof Liner and Durable Brown Cover, XL 40X35X4 Inch

Dogbed4less

  • Gel Infused Memory Foam
  • Hypo-Allergenic
  • Two external covers
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Full Review
K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Cot Bed Chocolate/Black Mesh Medium 25 X 32 X 7 Inches

K&H Pet Products

  • Elevated
  • Water resistant
  • Available in 4 sizes
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Full Review
Laura Ashley Therapeutic Cooling Gel Mat Pet Pad in Large 20'x36' (Assorted Colors) (Cranberry)

Laura Ashley

  • Non-Toxic Gel
  • Easy to clean
  • Doesn't need refrigeration
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Full Review

Types of Cooling Mats and Their Features

Even something as simple as buying a cooling mat for your dog can turn into a daunting task as there are so many options available on the market. To make it easier for you, we have listed the types of cooling mats and their features. This will make it easier for you to choose the one that best fits your dog’s needs.

Gel

One of the most commonly found cooling mats for dogs is the one that has a gel filling. It is also one of the most preferred ones as they are able to retain coolness for a longer time and do not need too much tending. Gel cooling mats need to be placed in the fridge for a few minutes a couple of times in a day and they will be ready for use again. The coolness of the gel mats will be retained for at least 5 to 6 hours in a day. Plus, they are very soft and comfortable for the dogs to use.

However, you have to be careful with the material you choose because if your dog has the habit of teething, it can easily damage the mat. However, the gel inside the mat is non-toxic, so it won’t cause any harm, but in case the dog manages to eat most of it, you may want to take it to the vet.

Waterbeds

There are some beds that come with a water filling. These are more durable than other types of mats. The manufacturers agree that they need to be careful when making these mats since a little teething may cause them to leak and eventually the mat will be useless. The mat will need to be refrigerated often as it does not retain the coolness level as long as the gel ones. You cannot freeze these mats as your dog will be unable to use them if they are hard as a rock.

The mats are very soft and comfortable for dogs, allowing them to cuddle up as they want. However, you will need to check the size and make sure you buy a mat according to the size of your dog.

Memory Foam

For older dogs, it is recommended that they are given memory foam mats as they are able to take the shape of the body. This makes them more comfortable and supportive of their weakening joints and other bones. They are also highly comfortable and durable, making sure that your dog gets the best kind of rest.

One thing to note about these pads is that they contain micro gel beads which provide the cooling that a dog needs, so it will be able to retain the coolness for a longer time. You won’t even need to stuff it in the fridge or anything; it will regain the coolness once the dog gets off and gives it a little space to breathe.

Elevated

If you have a dog living outside, you might want to consider getting it a cooling dog bed that is elevated. It is much like an elevated dog bed except the mattress in the cooling sort makes sure your dog’s body does not heat up during summer. As this dog bed is elevated, it will remain dry even if there is water on the floor. This is especially effective if it rains.

The bed is highly durable and made to last for a longer time. Your dog will love the comfort and coolness it provides, especially if it is the sort who does not like sleeping on the floor.

What Are the Heat-Related Health Problems?

There are two major ways heat can affect your dog’s health. It can cause either a heat stroke or hyperthermia (also called heat exhaustion). Hyperthermia is a condition that will occur before a heat stroke. More detailed information on the two is as follows:

  • Hyperthermia – If your dog suffers from this condition, the first thing to be affected will be its digestive system. This will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and/or nausea (which can easily lead to dehydration). It is important that you treat it as promptly as possible. Other signs will be red skin and faster breathing.
  • Heatstroke – If it is not treated on time, a heat stroke can prove to be deadly. When this happens, more systems in the dog’s bodies are impacted, including the neuro system, which can cause it to walk differently and be confused. The heart rate will increase and can also cause excessive drooling. Worst of all, it can lead to unconsciousness. At this point, the body temperature will also rise.

How to Deal with Your Dog Overheating?

It is necessary that you take all preventive measures when the hot season comes. This way you will be able to make sure that your dog does not suffer from any heat-related illnesses and is able to survive the weather in perfect health. Some ways that you can deal with overheating include:

  1. Giving your dog a water bath or running cold water on its legs
  2. Letting it play in the nearest pool, lake, or other water bodies
  3. Taking a bottle of water with you on your walks and offering it to your pet every little while
  4. Shaving your dog in case it has long fur
  5. Buying the best dog cooling pad
  6. Not letting your dog lie on hot surfaces
  7. Making sure it has fresh cool water at home at all times
  8. Not leaving it in a parked car

Does My Dog Need a Cooling Pad?

You may be wondering why you should bother getting a cooling pad for your dog when there are so many ways to cool it off, most of which are cheap alternatives. The only argument that we will present here is that there will be days when you are not home most of the time, especially if you need to go to work. Thus, your pet may have no one to take care of it or give it the right type of cooling needed.

When you have a cooling pet pad at home, you do not need to worry about your dog and can stay out for a long time. Its body will remain cool at all times, and it will enjoy the rest that it gets. Plus, on especially hot days, the floor or various furniture might be too hot for it to sit, so a cooling pad will provide it with a good place to get some well-deserved rest.

Tips on How to Use a Cooling Pad Effectively

Below you will find a few tips that you can use to ensure you get the complete use out of your cooling pad.

  • Put the gel mat in the freezer for a little while to make it extra cool, but do not let it freeze completely.
  • Shave your dog so that it can get maximum benefit out of the mat.
  • Buy one that best suits your dog’s needs.
  • Put it in a dry place and out of the sun’s way to make sure the cooling lasts longer.

Reviews of the Best Cooling Beds for Dogs

The Green Pet

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat - Pressure-Activated Gel Cooling Mat For Dogs, Medium Large Size - This Pet Cooling Mat Keeps Dogs and Cats Comfortable All Summer - Ideal for Home and Travel

 Check the price on Amazon

Unlike the other cooling mats that you may find, this cooling mat is actually pressure activated which means that once the dog lays down on it, it will automatically start working and the coolness will easily last for at least 3 to 4 hours. You do not need to put it in the fridge or the freezer for it to recharge; as soon as the dog gets off, the mat will start recharging itself and will be at its maximum level after only 15 or 20 minutes.

You can find this mat in different sizes as well. Just make sure that you choose the one according to your dog’s size so that its weight does not render it useless. Also, it is big enough to allow a dog to lie easily and in any position it likes.

Pros
  • The bed is highly convenient as it can be used on the floor, on the bed, or even in the carrier
  • It is foldable which makes it easy to store
  • The construction is very sturdy
  • The product is also machine washable and easy to care
  • It does not need any refrigeration
  • It can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
  • Even if the bed is non-toxic, it is best that you take the dog to the vet
  • It is a bit expensive

K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III

K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Cooling Dog Bed Large Gray 32' x 44'

 Check the price on Amazon

You will find so many positive reviews for this product that it will easily convince you to get it for your pet. This product is made in such a way that it takes out the heat from your dog’s body and releases it into the air around it. The inside of the mat is made of a water-saturated material which is ensured to absorb the excess body heat of the pet. The bed will remain cooler than the dog’s body and the room temperature at all times.

The best part about this product is that it provides extra comfort and support to dogs that are old and suffering from bone and joint problems and even skin disorders. The material used to make the exterior of the bed is nylon/vinyl which makes it extra durable, ensuring that it lasts for a long time.

Pros
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Can be used for a dog of any size and weight
  • You can use it all year without having to fill it more than once
Cons
  • Adding the water to the bed can be a bit of a hassle
  • Won’t work as efficiently as one would like if placed in sunlight

ARF Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat 27” x 43” Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds, Non-Toxic, Durable Solid Self Cooling Gel Material. No Refrigeration or Electricity Needed, Medium

 Check the price on Amazon

An effective yet a cheap option when it comes to pet cooling mats, this product fulfills all the needs that you may have. It is known to provide your pets with cooling relief for up to 3 straight hours and you do not need to put it in the fridge or anything as it is self-recharging. It will be able to recharge itself in a short time. The mat is a versatile product which is known to prevent dehydration and overheating in dogs. The inside of the mat is non-toxic and also latex free.

Pros
  • The mat is flexible and can easily be folded and placed anywhere
  • It is easy to clean
  • It is made of liquid gel which is highly durable
Cons
  • It is not as waterproof as you would like for it to be
  • You have to be careful about the weight put on as it may start to leak

Dogbed4less

Dogbed4less Extra Large True Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed for Large Pet, Waterproof Liner and Durable Brown Cover, XL 40X35X4 Inch

 Check the price on Amazon

This memory foam dog bed is one of the best sellers, which is why it is best you get it as quickly as possible if you feel it will be good for your dog. The mat has loads of positive reviews because of its durability and the material it is made of.

The bed comes with a waterproof liner and two different (external) covers so that you can change it whenever you want. The material is also non-slip, so there is no fear of it moving out of its place. The suede cover of the bed is easy to wash and it can be done in the washing machine. The best feature of this product is that it provides orthopedic support for dogs.

Pros
  • The foam has cooling gel infused inside
  • It provides excellent support and comfort to dogs
  • It is made up of the highest quality and materials
Cons
  • It is quite expensive
  • It is also heavy and will take up a lot of room

K&H Elevated Pet Bed

K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Cot Bed Chocolate/Black Mesh Medium 25 X 32 X 7 Inches

 Check the price on Amazon

The thing about this pet bed is that it has two advantages. Firstly, it is elevated which means that it will not absorb the heat of the ground. Secondly, it comes with a cooling mat infused in the bed which makes sure that your dog remains cool at all times.

The material that it is made up of is waterproof and also is 600 denier fabric which makes it highly durable and robust. The center of is made up of mesh which takes out the heat from the dog and provides it with cool air. The bed has been tested for its strength and will be able to bear the weight of a large dog easily.

Pros
  • The assembly of the bed is very easy
  • It has non-skid rubber feet
  • It comes with a one-year warranty
  • It has a mesh center
Cons
  • You may find that the cooling is not as effective as you like

Laura Ashley

Laura Ashley Therapeutic Cooling Gel Mat Pet Pad in Large 20'x36' (Assorted Colors) (Cranberry)

 Check the price on Amazon

One of the best cooling pads for dogs that you can find is the one by Laura Ashley. This cooling bed is made up of non-toxic gel, which means that dogs will not suffer from any problem even if they manage to ruin the product by biting it too hard. The shell of the product can be wiped clean, which makes it very easy to clean; just a wet cloth and clean the surface.

Unlike most gel mats, this one does not need refrigeration. It naturally retains its coolness for a long time. However, you can keep it in the fridge or freezer if you want to cool it further. The mat is built in a way that it will always stay at least 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the temperature of the room it is placed in.

Pros
  • Does not need to be refrigerated
  • Highly comfortable and durable
  • Can be used in different places
Cons
  • Priced a bit on the higher side
  • Is not chew resistant