Best Dog Cooling Pads and Mats in 2023 (Top 7) – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Hot days are ahead! We all love summer and its pleasures… except for some our furry friends. Dogs can’t cool themselves like humans do, can’t go to the pool or shower when they’re overheated. This refers to all canines living in the hot climates but especially for ones with thick coats. You may notice your pup spreading on the tile or concrete floor on a hot day to cool off. That’s what it’s all about!
You have to provide your pet cooling supplies in summer to prevent overheating. In this article, we will give you some advice on how to keep your dog comfortable and review the most efficient helping accessories — dog cooling pads and mats for dogs.
These innovative products designed for pets let dogs cool themselves whenever they want in the way that is natural — by laying on them.
What Are the Best Dog Cooling Pads on the Market?
First, let’s take a glance at the shortlist of the best cooling mats and beds for dogs. During our examinations we tried 2 dozen products sold online, which was claimed to be “cooling”. Some haven’t gone through simple tests. Here are the top-7.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
Contents
- 1 What Are the Best Dog Cooling Pads on the Market?
- 2 Best Dog Cooling Mat Comparison Table
- 3 Reviews of the Best Dog Cooling Mats and Pads in 2023
- 3.1 1. Our Top Pick for the Best Dog Cooling Mat: Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat – Best Pet Cooling Pad
- 3.2 2. Best Dog Cooling Mat Runner Up: Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
- 3.3 3. Best Cooling Pad for Dogs Alternative: CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
- 3.4 4. K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Comfort Bed – Best Value Dog Cooling Pad
- 3.5 5. The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat – Best Budget Dog Cooling Mat in 2023
- 3.6 6. Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel – Best Dog Mat with Cooling Gel
- 3.7 7. K&H PET PRODUCTS Original Pet Cot – Indestructible Pet Cooling Mat
- 4 How to Choose the Best Dog Cooling Mat
- 5 Final Thoughts
Related posts on Dog Beds
Best Dog Cooling Mat Comparison Table
| Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Dog Cooling Mat Editor's Choice 2020 |
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| Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
- Gel-Infused Orthopedic Foam |
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| CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
- Works on Ice |
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K&H Pet Products Coolin‘ Comfort Bed
- All-Natural Cooling |
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The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
- Convenient Option |
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Sealy Lux Quad Layer with Cooling Gel
- Luxury Bolster Bed |
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K&H PET PRODUCTS Original Pet Cot
- Indestructible Bed |
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Reviews of the Best Dog Cooling Mats and Pads in 2023
Our list includes a wide range of mats and pads for dogs spanning from high-end options to budget alternatives.
Here’s our picks for the Best Dog Cooling Pads.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″] [vc_column_text f_h3_font_style=”” h_color=”#70c3b7″]1. Our Top Pick for the Best Dog Cooling Mat: Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat – Best Pet Cooling Pad
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Our top pick is the Dog Self Cooling Mat by Arf Pets. This one does exactly what it is intended for — provides up to 3 hours of constant cooling. The technology allows to do it due to gel padding without additional effort like keeping it in the fridge. All you need to do to replenish this mat is to put it away from direct sun or other heaters for about half of an hour. And it’s ready to cool your pup off again!
We like the versatility of this product — it is 27” x 43” which is enough for most pets. Also, this cooling mat can be used in kennel or crate, which not every option on the list does. You can comfort your pup anywhere: be it floor, bed, or crate. The mat is flexible and quite thin compared to regular dog beds, allowing to take it places.
The covering is latex-free and the whole thing is pet-safe, although we don’t recommend using the damaged product.
This particular mat contains a solid form of self-cooling gel inside, thus it provides a supporting effect as well. The downside of this one is its bright blue color some customers may not like. Overall, it’s a great product!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″] (5 / 5)- Self-cooling gel inside
- It can be used even by humans
- Provides cooling for 3 hours
- Fits for crates
- Easy for trips and outdoors
- Latex and toxin-free
- Not for chewers
2. Best Dog Cooling Mat Runner Up: Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
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The runner up on the list is this orthopedic bed by Dogbed4less with a cooling effect. This product provides excellent support for dog’s back and joints due to premium quality memory foam. That’s why this is the right choice for older dogs or those with issues.
This bed is available in five sizes and two color options. You can choose between khaki and brown Microsuede depending on your taste. Unlike the most cooling pads, this one has a soft touching. Each bed comes with an extra non-slip external cover in addition to the basic one. Both are machine washable and waterproof.
The cooling effect of this bed can be not so strong because it is provided by the gel-infused memory foam but it is enough to relieve aching joints or overheating. The gel inside will slowly soak the excess warmth from your pup’s body and give it away to the air. Do not put this bed to the direct sunlight if you want to prolong its cooling action.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″] (4.8 / 5)- Top-notch dog bed
- Orthopedic effect for ultimate support
- Various size and color options
- Pain-relief and cooling due gel-infused foam
- Washable cover
- Slight cooling effect compared to pads
3. Best Cooling Pad for Dogs Alternative: CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
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The Hydro Cooling Mat by CoolerDog presents another way to save the pup from overheating. It doesn’t have any chemicals or gels inside, only pure water. So, it’s considered the safest cooling pad for dogs. There is a FlexiFreeze Ice Sheet inside this pad that has to be frozen into ice. Then, it is put inside the cover along with waterbed cushion and insulation which add comfort to your dog. The mat without inner parts is machine washed, it’s always a great pro when you deal with pets.
This cooling pad can be enlarged by attaching to it additional sections, 23” x 18” each. Therefore, you will have to buy a pack of one, two, or four pads to meet the needs of small, medium, or large dogs.
It’s very durable to claws and elements, can be used outdoors. The usage of this product is limited only by access to freezing appliances. It’s useless if you can’t freeze its ice sheet.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″] (4.7 / 5)- Uses ice as a cooling method
- No gel or chemicals inside
- Requires refrigerator
- Combines into larger one from additional parts
- Refrigerator is required
4. K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Comfort Bed – Best Value Dog Cooling Pad
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The Coolin’ Comfort Bed by K&H Pet Products is another embodiment of a pet-safe cooling pad. This one utilizes cold water instead of ice which is handy when you’re away from the freezer. You need to fill the bed with water and close the hole. Done! Your pup can chill on this bed for a few hours as it slowly gets warm soaking the heat from a body.
Coolin’ Comfort bed is thicker than its predecessors; it provides support for joints, hips, and back, so it fits dogs with health issued and older ones. The inner construction of the bed reminiscent of honeycombs because of baffles. It helps the bed to keep its shape and support the pet properly. There is a layer of an orthopedic foam inside too.
The downside of this product is its inner construction, though. It’s kind of hard to empty the bed and dry it completely before storing it. Mold can appear inside, If the water remains there. Some customers claim that the fill hole is prone to leaks. We didn’t observe this problem but must add it to the review with a notice about 2-year warranty for this product.
Overall, this is the dog bed with great cooling and orthopedic effects, which is free from gel or chemicals; it doesn’t require electricity to cool off. Perfect choice for certain conditions!
(4.5 / 5)- Cold water as a cooling method
- No need to use electricity
- Safe for chewers – no gel inside
- 2-year warranty
- Orthopedic support
- Hard to empty and dry
5. The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat – Best Budget Dog Cooling Mat in 2023
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The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat is the only pressure-activated gel one on the list. It is light, thin, flexible, thus, very versatile. You can use the mat in any place your dog occurs: in the crate, on the pet bed, on the floor, or on the sofa, on the car trip.
The unique gel formula gets activated when the dog lies on the mat. There’s no need to fill it with water, freeze, or do something else. The mat absorbs the heat and throws it into the air. Its great benefit is the speed of recharge — just let it replenish during 15-20 minutes without being under pressure, and it’s ready for further use! The total cooling time is up to 3 hours.
Cooling Mat by Green Pet Shop is available in sizes from small to extra large. Be aware of the chewing danger and inspect the gel mat regularly. If your dog chews on it, take it off to prevent poisoning. The material is not toxic while it’s not consumed. This product would not be a good idea for heavy chewers.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″] (4.5 / 5)- Pressure-activated gel
- Up to 3 hours of cooling
- Flexible and versatile
- Recharge in 20 minutes
- Available in XL size
- May be not comfortable enough for older dogs
6. Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel – Best Dog Mat with Cooling Gel
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The overheating appears to be a widespread problem, that’s why cooling gel is incorporated in more dog beds, than previously. Sealy Lux Quad Dog Bed is the wonderful orthopedic pet bed overall but it also has the special energy gel in it. The cooling gel regulates the temperature of the sleeping surface by dissipating the heat away, so your pet stays balmy during hot summer days.
The bed itself is the soft bolster bed with a removable soft cover on it. You can choose from four colors and four sizes, the fabric is machine washable. The main pro of this option is premium support that it gives to dogs with bone, joint, or back issues. This bed looks and feels like the top-notch pet bed but has the cooling ability like the additional benefit. Choose this product if your older pup likes to spread out on the tile sometimes in summer.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″] (4.5 / 5)- Plushy surface and bolsters
- Comfortable support
- Energy gel helps reduce joint pain and body temperature
- Several designs to choose from
- Less versatile than a mat
7. K&H PET PRODUCTS Original Pet Cot – Indestructible Pet Cooling Mat
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The Elevated Dog Bed by K&H Pet Products is one more alternative to gel-infused pads and mats. Many dog parents don’t like cooling gel because the dog can chew on the cover and swallow the gel. It’s not healthy even if it’s not toxic.
The last on our list is the pet cot with a mesh center to let air come through it and cool down the dog. Literally, there are no special cooling technologies. The fabric on the frame holds up to 150lbs, it’s extremely durable. You may be sure your dog won’t eat it.
The cooling effect is observed due to air circulation around and below. Your dog lying on it is not warming the place, so it doesn’t get overheated. This product will come in handy for those who live in a mild or cold climate when there’s no need to cool the pets down very intensively. Fits for dogs that like to chew on everything, because it’s made of much safer materials. It is suitable for a summer bed for your dog, try it!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″] (4.5 / 5)- Very durable
- Non-toxic materials
- Natural cooling effect by extra ventilation
- For indoors and outdoors
- Not literally a cooling bed
How to Choose the Best Dog Cooling Mat
When you decide to purchase a cooling mat for your pup, you should consider several crucial things about it. These products are not the same of a kind, so check these points to make the best decision.
- Size
Carefully check the measurements of the pad or bed you want to buy. If you already have a dog bed of proper size, take it as a pattern. Mind your pup’s favorite sleeping positions considering that dogs tend to spread when they’re hot. If you plan to place the cooling mat into a crate, choose the one to fit its bottom size. Flexible options are more versatile than solid ones.
- Cooling mechanism
There are different active agents providing a cooling effect in dog mats. However, they’re not the same. Some require freezing in the refrigerator, others need to be filled with cold water to provide a decent cooling effect. The pads with gel inside usually are independent, so you won’t have to do anything additional. A self-replenishing gel is the most versatile option for travel, outdoors, boating, etc. As a rule, these cooling supplies are flexible and very lightweight.
- Gel or not gel
All the reviewed cooling mats can be roughly divided into two kinds — artificial cooling elements, usually a gel, and natural ones, like water or ice. Although manufacturers claim the materials are non-toxic, it’s not recommended for dogs to consume them. If your dog is prone to chew on things, overview the cooling mat regularly and take it away when it’s damaged. Avoid leaving the heavy chewer with the gel-infused cooling pad, because it can be harmful if the pup eats the pieces of it. The natural cooling agents in mats are safer for such dogs, but they still can destroy them and make a mess out of their contents.
- Bed or mat
What is your goal overall? Do you want to provide your pup with a cool place to sleep during the summer heat or just occasionally offer a chance to cool down? For a regular sleeping place, opt for a bed with a cooling gel. There are products with excellent orthopedic support among them. Your older dog will benefit from the bed too. If you get the thin cooling mat, you can place it anywhere you want: on the floor, on the sofa, on the dog bed, on the back seat in your car and so on. You even can use it for yourself. But the mat on the floor is not so soft and comfy, though.
- Orthopedic or not
The older dogs often suffer from joint issues. The pup can have hip dysplasia or aching back, not related to age. All such pets need quality support to avoid problems and pain.
- Price
Consider your budget for this purchase. As a rule, products for large dogs are more expensive due to their size. There are different price tags, though.
Final Thoughts
Cooling bedding for dogs in 2023 is the step ahead in pet supplies. If we humans have plenty of ways to keep cool in the hot weather, why should our dogs suffer from overheating? With beds or mats designed to cool down the pups, they can adjust their temperature by themselves.
Try the product you found convenient for your needs and leave your feedback for other customers. The canine lovers’ community must know the truth![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row] [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
