When the temperature is just too hot, only the best cooling mats for dogs will do. This handy product typically involves the use of gel, however, they can also be made using fabric or water.
It's effectively the cooling equivalent of a good dog bed; the mat or pad offers your dog somewhere comfortable to rest alongside added cooling functionality.
A gel cooling dog mat, pad, or bed usually works by becoming activated by pressure once your pooch sits or lies on it. Once activated, the mat or pad absorbs heat from your pet, then recharges and chills once your pet leaves.
Alternatives include beds made from a special cooling fabric, but you could also try an elevated dog bed if you'd prefer to keep your pooch off the ground.
The cooling mat's function is both to cool and comfort your dog. Whether you live somewhere hot and humid, or where the summer months bring hot days, sometimes an outdoor pool just isn't sufficient for our poochy pal to feel the chill.
Throw into the mix the risk of them overheating, not to mention shedding mess if they're cooling off indoors, a cooling mat offers a convenient refuge for our canine chums to stretch out, keep clean, and feel a spot of support beneath their paws.
Senior dogs who enjoy all the benefits of a quality orthopedic bed could find that a bed with cooling functionality provides them both with support for their muscle and joint problems and a chilled spot in which to sleep. While canines with extra thick fur or energetic pups who love playing in the sun will thank you for providing a cooldown spot.
If you'd like to know more about the criteria we've used to judge our decisions, be sure to navigate to our how-to section on choosing the best cooling mat for dogs, complete with in-depth detail so you can be sure you're making the right choice for your pooch.
PetsRadar's pick of the best cooling mats for dogs
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Pet owners looking for a comfortable cooling mat for dogs should look no further than The Green Pet Shop. Their pressure-activated gel cooling mat is a great choice, but we've opted instead for the brand's patented pressure-activated pet cooling pad.
It's available in multiple sizes: a decent 1.8 x 15.7 inches for small dogs weighing between 0-8lbs and one at 20 x 30 inches for larger dogs weighing between 21 and 45lbs. One drawback is the lack of extra-large size for big breeds – XL is available in other product lines from the brand, so if that applies to your pooch, be prepared to consider other mats in the range.
However, one area in which it performs remarkably is comfort. The mat is soft and well-constructed. Some pooches may not like the smooth surface at first, so be prepared to pop a fabric cover on just in case. Most canines will like it so much they'll curl up right away to enjoy the cool surface.
To clean, simply wipe it down; it's waterproof enough to deal with significant doggy accidents and works well inside and outside the home. Just beware if your pooch is prone to chewing, however. Although the cooling mat features non-toxic gel, canines with allergies, in particular, should be supervised.
Whether you are looking to travel with your cooling mat or simply transport it to the end of your yard, AMOFY Pet Mat rolls down well for putting in the car or for storage purposes. It comes with a handy drawstring bag to pop it in once your dog has finished lying on it, while its lightweight design means you can sling it across your shoulder in style.
We love that this product comes in various colors: a bright orange or blue you won't be able to miss in the darkest of woodland. Its breathable polyester fabric makes it an ideal companion for camping, which is handy if you're planning to take your pooch on a nature trail excursion.
Anti-slip fabric is used on the back to prevent the pet mat from slipping or sliding, while you can simply wipe it down to keep clean or pop it in the machine to deal with any significant accidents.
If you're not fussed about portability and prefer a stylish indoors bed, this might not be for you. The mat is on the thin side, which allows it to be easily rolled, but pooches looking for a thick and comfortable place to rest their paws might prefer more cushioned comfort.
If you're not looking to spend too much money, the BESAZW Cooling Mat Pad comes at a truly affordable price point. There are a few different sizes on offer here, which is handy for pooches that love to stretch out, but this mat lacks any kind of gel cooling technology.
It's essentially a cooler fabric bed that doesn't retain heat. Made from breathable mesh and self-cooling fabric, it could be worth a try for pet owners who are concerned about their dog potentially ingesting any gel from the mat.
Its lightweight design is a plus on the portability front, but some pet owners may expect more thickness to ensure the best comfort possible for their pet. Its thin fabric can easily slide on your floor, but considering the budget price, pet owners may be pleasantly surprised by how quickly their pet takes to it.
Ideal for aging dogs, the Dogbed4less Extra Large Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed combines all the benefits of pressure point relief and alignment support with a cooler sleeping surface for a more restful sleep.
The bed is gel-infused, making it colder to the touch than the traditional standard memory foam. It doesn't need to be a sunny day for your mutt to want to use this, it's an ideal dog bed for all seasons.
It comes with multiple covers which are easy to remove and wash, including a stylish exterior that's heavy and durable enough to withstand hair and mud whilst providing ample comfort.
Made from a solid 4in of high-density memory foam, you will find the Dogbed4less Extra Large Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed an excellent choice, particularly if you find dog beds prone to flattening.
Whether you're concerned with ground heat or dirty paws, opting for a good cooling elevated dog bed is a smart choice. The K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed is made from nylon, which typically holds up well to any wear and tear and is breathable in hot temperatures.
If you're someone who feels dread at the thought of building anything from scratch, rest assured the bed is easy to assemble. Just put the poles through each opening on the material and join the legs.
The product is available in a range of sizes and even comes in a few designs, though perhaps the colors are a little on the dull and muted side.
Considering its mesh center, the bed is pretty sturdy, but the stitching can start to come apart at the seams. If you have a large dog, you may start to see signs of wear and tear emerge after a while.
The bed is also not ideal for aggressive chewers. The nylon material can be easily chewed apart, but most dogs will be able to lounge on this without fear of the material giving way. It is generally strong and sturdy without a slippery surface that could make timid dogs feel uneasy on their feet.
How to choose the best cooling mat for dogs
Easy to clean
Once placed on the ground, dog mats tend to pick up a lot of hair, dirt and dust, while any bed-like design is always prone to toilet accidents.
Any great cooling mat for dogs should be easy to clean, whether that's using a damp cloth or a washing machine.
Size
Dog mats typically come in a variety of sizes. You'll want to pick one that's large enough for your pooch or get one that's large enough so that multiple pets can use it at the same time. Be sure to check any dimensions before you buy, especially if you're looking to use your mat inside a kennel or crate.
Ease of use
If you're fortunate to live somewhere particularly sunny, you may want to bring out the cooling bed frequently. Can the mat be set up and dismantled again with ease? If ease of use is most important to you, look for mats that don't require electricity, water, or refrigeration.
Portability
Are you a keen traveler? Then the ability to roll or fold your mat down becomes an important consideration when choosing the best cooling mat for dogs. Water-filled cooling mats or beds can become heavy and difficult to move. Opt for a lightweight option instead that can withstand the elements.
Durability
If your dog is particularly destructive, you may want to choose a sturdy bed that can withstand scratching, chewing, and biting. Shelving out good money means you expect the product to be long-lasting and to be used time and time again.
Comfort
If your dog will be spending a lot of time on their mat, you should make sure it is comfortable enough for them. Some mats have more padding and softer outer material than others.
Non-toxic materials
Make sure the mat you choose is suitable for your dog and made from non-toxic materials. Nylon holds up well to wear and tear and is breathable. Avoid mats made with latex, plastic, rubber, or foam as they tend to sweat and trap moisture.
