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11 Best Cooling Mats For Dogs

By: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| October 13, 2023

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more
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The best cooling mats for dogs are unique products that most pet parents don’t think to purchase. However, these unique pads are essential for hot summer days because they give your pup a comfortable spot to cool off. Playing in the sun can be exciting, but it can quickly become dangerous if your dog doesn’t have access to a cool place.

Yet, not all cooling mats work the same, so there’s a variety of options. How will you know which one is best for your dog? To help, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best dog cooling mats so you can find one that’s perfect for your furry friend.

Dog panting outside

Best Cooling Mats for Dogs

FunnyFuzzy Ice Cream Shape Cooling Pet Mat
  • Uses ice silk cotton fabric to cool your dog
  • PP cotton pillow design provides neck support
  • Surface is waterproof and scratch-resistant
  • Cover is removable for easy cleaning
  • Comes in three sizes and five designs

The FunnyFuzzy Pet Cooling Mat stands out because of its unique ice cream design. This cooling mat uses ice silk cotton fabric to lower your dog’s body temperature, feeling cool to the touch without being too icy. Then, on one side, there’s a PP cotton pillow to provide neck support. The removable cover is waterproof and scratch-resistant, making it easy to wash and maintain. This product comes in three sizes and five styles, so you can choose which one suits your dog best.

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
  • Uses pressure-activated cooling gel
  • Recharges after 15-20 minutes of non-use
  • Lightweight and foldable
  • Easy to wipe down to clean
  • Comes in several sizes

This cooling mat is pressure-activated, so you don’t need to use water, electricity, or refrigeration to keep it cool. Once your dog lies on the mat, the cooling gel will activate and be cold to the touch. When your pup is done using it, the mat will recharge and feel cool again within 15 to 20 minutes without you having to do anything. It’s lightweight and folds easily, making it great for summer trips like camping. It can also help sooth discomfort, such as elbow calluses. When it’s time to clean it, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. There are a variety of sizes available for dogs of all breeds.

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat
  • Uses pressure-activated cooling gel
  • Coolness lasts for up to three hours
  • Recharges after 15 minutes of non-use
  • Lab-tested and made with 100% nontoxic materials
  • Comes in several sizes

Arf Pets sells a variety of cooling mat products that cater to dogs of all sizes. This mat has a solid gel interior that cools your dog down when they lay on it. You don’t need to use any water or electricity to power it. Dogs can enjoy the coolness for up to three hours, and it only takes 15 minutes of non-use for the cooling gel to recharge. The cooling pad has been lab-tested to ensure safety for pets, and it’s made with 100% nontoxic materials. It can be used in a variety of places, such as in crates, in cars, on pet beds, or in the yard.

K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III
  • Add water for ultimate cooling power
  • Benefits dogs with hip and joint problems
  • Great for indoors and outdoors
  • Made with non-toxic materials
  • Several sizes available

To use this unique cooling mat, all you have to do is add water. The cool core of the product diverts the liquid to create ultimate cooling power. It’s a great mat not only for cooling dogs down but also for relaxing their hips and joints. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, but it requires careful transport. You’ll need to fold it up first rather than carrying it from the corner. This non-toxic dog bed comes in three different sizes.

Furhaven Cooling Gel Foam Dog Bed
  • Dog bed with gel-infused cooling memory foam
  • Good for joints and hips
  • Water-resistant, removable cover
  • Variety of color options
  • Comes in several sizes

If your dog would prefer a thicker sleeping surface over a foam mat, then this product may be a good fit for them. It’s a bed that has gel-infused memory foam that gives it a cooling effect when your dog lies down. There’s no need for you to do anything to make it cool. The foam is also beneficial for your dog’s joints. The cover is water-resistant and removable, making it easy to clean. This bed comes in five sizes, and there’s a wide range of color options available.

Related: 12 Best Dog Beds

Chillz Dog Cooling Mat
  • Pressure-activated cooling gel
  • 100% non-toxic
  • Stays cool for three hours
  • Recharges after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use
  • Folds up for easy storage
  • Several sizes available

This company has cooling mats that are sized perfectly for medium and large dogs. These are pressure-activated products, so dogs just have to lie down on the mat to feel the cooling gel. There’s no need to freeze the mat or use any electricity. The gel is non-toxic and can stay cool for up to three hours. Once your dog gets off the mat, it only takes 15 to 20 minutes for the pad to feel cool again. It can work well both indoors and outdoors, and when you’re not using it, it folds up for easy storage.

Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pad
  • Self-cooling gel
  • Puncture-resistant nylon
  • Stays cool for up to three hours
  • Takes 15 to 20 minutes to recharge
  • Conveniently folds up
  • Comes in several colors

This medium-sized cooling pad comes in four different colors, all of which are made with puncture-resistant nylon. The mat is packed with self-cooling gel, which can keep dogs 5 to 10 degrees cooler just by lying on it. Either side of the mat will feel cool, and it works well indoors or outdoors. When you’re not using the mat, it folds up, making it easy to travel with. It has up to three hours of coolness, and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes of non-use to recharge.

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad
  • Needs to be put in the freezer
  • Contains a waterbed cushion, ice sheet, and insulation
  • Stays cool for four to five hours at room temperature
  • Vet-approved
  • Removable and machine-washable cover
  • Multiple pads can clip together

These small cooling pads are highly durable, and if you buy more than one, they can link together to make a bigger mat. They’re an excellent choice for cooling off on hot summer days. The inside of the mat is made with a waterbed cushion, a FlexiFreeze ice sheet, and a dense layer of insulation. You can place the ice part of the pad in the freezer, and once it’s taken out, it can stay cool for four to five hours at room temperature. This product is vet-approved because it has no harmful chemicals or gels. The cover is removable and machine-washable.

MICROCOSMOS Summer Cooling Mat
  • Made with Cool Fiber and breathable fabric
  • Folds up for easy transport
  • Machine-washable
  • Waterproof bottom
  • Comes in several colors
  • Comes in several sizes

These adorable cooling mats come in six color patterns, and there are also five sizes to choose from. They’re made with Cool Fiber and breathable fabric, which can lower the temperature of dogs resting on it. There’s no need to put it in the freezer or use electricity to keep it cool. It folds up for easy transport, making it great for both indoors and outdoors. It’s also machine-washable with a waterproof bottom, so it’s easy to clean.

Pet Fit For Life Cooling and Heating Pad
  • Used for heating or cooling
  • Gel pad can cool down in the fridge
  • Heats up in the microwave
  • Removable fleece cover
  • Fleece cover is machine-washable

This small pad can be used for both cooling and heating. You can put the gel packet in the microwave for 30 seconds to heat it or keep it in the fridge to cool it down. Then, it has a fleece cover to make it soft and cozy for your pup. The cover is easily removable and can be cleaned in the washing machine. To clean the gel pad, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. This pad is ideal for small dogs due to its compact size, but bigger dogs may like to rest their heads on it.

Pawple Dog Cooling Mat
  • Durable nylon and vinyl exterior
  • Orthopedic foam interior
  • Fills with water to cool dogs down
  • Good for dogs with joint issues
  • Comes in several sizes

Finally, this product is an orthopedic therapy bed that can help your dog cool down. All you have to do is add water to the inside of the bed and your pup will feel more relaxed. The exterior is made with durable nylon and vinyl while the interior has orthopedic foam. The fabric is resistant to rips and stains. It’s great for dogs with aches, pains, and joint issues. It can be a relaxing space for dogs both indoors and outdoors, and it comes in three different sizes.

Related: 8 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds (+1 to Avoid)

Buyer’s Guide for Best Cooling Mat for Dogs

If you’re still on the fence about which cooling mat you should get, here are some features to think about.

Type

Cooling mats typically use pressure-activated gel, cooling fabrics, refrigeration, or water to stay cool. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, the first two categories require the least maintenance. However, if your dog is prone to a specific concern, such as heatstroke or elbow calluses, you may need a different type to help with that.

Temperature

Of course, making sure the mat is cool enough to protect your dog from overheating is the most important factor. If you only want it to be slightly cold, choosing a bed that’s cool on its own may suffice. Yet, if you want something colder than normal, you may want one with an ice pack inside. Normally, only thick-coated dogs need extra-cold options.

Size

Most of these pads don’t need to cover your dog’s whole body like a bed might, but they can help disperse the coolness better. So, choose a size that’s ideal for your dog. If you’re planning to bring the mat on the go, choose one that’s lightweight and foldable.

Durability

All pet products should be durable since dogs may chew and scratch. If the fabric and stitching are strong, your dog won’t be able to destroy the pad and harm its cooling abilities.

Washability

While washability might not be the main aspect dog parents think of, you will need to wash the pad at some point. If your dog is messy often, finding a mat that’s easy to clean can be beneficial.

Related: The 9 Best Beds for Senior Dogs

Small dog on mat

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cooling Mats Really Work for Dogs?

Yes, most dog cooling mats work well for canines. Some provide cooling as soon as your dog lies down while others will require additional actions from you.

What’s Inside a Dog Cooling Mat?

It depends on the product, but it usually has cooling gel. Other products include cooling memory foam, ice packs, or areas to add water instead of using gel.

How Do Dog Cooling Mats Work?

Check the product’s description to find out for sure. Most of them are pressure-activated, so when your dog lies down, the pad will feel cool. However, other products may require you to put them in the fridge or add water.

Are Dog Cooling Mats Safe?

Yes, most dog cooling mats are safe. However, look at the product’s details to be sure. The product description will often state if it’s non-toxic and pet-safe, but you can always check the reviews to see what other customers thought of the safety to be sure.

How Do You Clean a Dog Cooling Mat?

It depends on the mat, so read the product’s description to find out for sure. Most will need to be wiped down to ensure that the mat is still effective after being washed. If the mat has a removable cover, then you may be able to put it in the washing machine.

How Long Do Dog Cooling Mats Work?

Most dog cooling mats will stay cool for several hours at a time. Check the product description to find out the exact time. If it’s a pressure-activated mat, all you have to do is stop using it for 15 to 20 minutes for it to become cool again. However, other types of products may need to be refilled with water or put in the fridge.

Puppy sleeping on mat with toy

Final Thoughts

If your dog loves playing outside in the summer, you may want to invest in one of the best cooling mats for dogs. These mats are a convenient way to cool your pup down so they can keep playing without suffering from heatstroke. Having one of these mats accessible to dogs whenever they might get hot is a great way to keep them both happy and healthy.

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