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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!