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10 Best Cooling Dog Beds For Hot Summer Days

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
| June 7, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Dogs love to be comfortable, and the best cooling dog beds can make that possible on hot days. There are lots of dog beds with cooling properties that don’t require any refrigeration or electricity to function. So, they’re convenient for travel, such as during road trips or camping weekends.

If you want to help your dog stay comfortable and safe while enjoying the outdoors, you may benefit from one of the best cooling dog beds. So, we’ve reviewed ten great products to help you choose one for your four-legged family member.

Puppy on orthopedic bed

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Dog Cooling Bed

Not every cooling bed has the same features, so here are a few aspects to consider.

Cooling Properties

The cooling features of these beds are what sets them apart from other dog beds. Most of the beds are pressure-activated, so they’re cool once your dog lies down. Others are elevated beds, so they’re cool because your dog will feel airflow on all sides of them. If you don’t mind a little extra maintenance, there are also products that need to be filled with water to function.

Size

The bed you choose should be sized properly for your dog. They should be able to comfortably stretch out on the bed so they can feel cooling properties from nose to tail.

Durability

Any dog bed you choose should be built to last. The bed should stay cool every time your dog uses it, and the exterior should be able to withstand chewing and scratching. If you’re unsure how durable a bed is, look at the reviews before purchasing it.

Washability

All dog beds get dirty, so being able to wash them is important for your dog’s health and hygiene. Beds with removable and machine-washable covers are generally the easiest to clean. However, some beds may need to be rinsed off with a hose or a damp cloth to prevent the cooling properties from getting damaged.

Price

If you’re on a budget, paying attention to price is important. You’ll want to look for a bed that fits in your price range that’s also a good value for the money.

Happy dog on cooling mat

Best Dog Cooling Beds

1. Furhaven Cooling Gel Dog Bed
  • Made with cooling gel foam
  • Gel top soothes your dog's joints
  • Raised edges like a pillow
  • Cover is removable and machine-washable
  • Comes in five sizes
  • Comes in a variety of colors

Also available at Petco

With this bed, your dog can experience ultimate comfort as they cool off. It’s made with cooling gel foam that can help relax your dog and wick away heat when they lay on it. The gel top also adjusts to your dog’s shape, which can help soothe their joints. The bed’s exterior is made with soft faux fur and raised edges that act as a pillow. If the bed gets dirty, you can take the cover off and wash it in the washing machine to keep it clean without harming the foam interior. The bed comes in five sizes and over 15 colors for ultimate customization.

2. Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
  • Elevated bed design
  • Promotes airflow underneath your dog
  • Relieves joint pressure points
  • Made with eco-friendly fabrics
  • Removable cover
  • Comes in four sizes
  • Comes in a variety of colors

Also available at Petco

This bed may not be cold to the touch, but it can still keep your pup cool on a hot summer day. The elevated design of this product works well both indoors and outdoors because it allows proper airflow on all sides of your dog as they nap. The fabric flexibility also relieves joint pressure points. You can remove the fabric cover if you need to rinse it off, and it’s made from 100% recyclable fabric. Plus, the bed has a lightweight frame, making it easy to bring on the go. It comes in four sizes and eight colors, so you can pick a design that matches your decorations.

3. Sealy Lux Cooling Pet Dog Bed
  • Made of orthopedic foam
  • Has a layer of cooling energy gel
  • The base absorbs odors to keep it smelling fresh
  • Raised edges for added comfort
  • Removable and machine-washable cover
  • Comes in four sizes
  • Comes in five colors

This cozy dog bed is made with orthopedic foam that has a layer of cooling energy gel. So, when your dog lays down, they feel cool and relaxed. The raised edges give your pup a nice spot to rest their head. This bed also includes a Pro-Charcoal base that can absorb odors to keep the bed smelling fresh. Even with that unique feature, the bed is bound to get dirty at times, so you can remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine when that happens. This bed comes in four sizes and five colors, so it can appeal to dogs of all sizes.

4. The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
  • Pressure-activated cooling mat
  • Recharges after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use
  • No water, refrigeration, or electricity needed
  • Portable for traveling with
  • Comes in three sizes

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat doesn’t provide a lot of cushion for your dog, but it’s sure to keep your pup cool on a hot summer day. It’s a pressure-activated dog cooling pad, so all your dog has to do is lie down on it to feel cool. There’s no electricity or refrigeration needed. When your dog gets up, it automatically recharges after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use. It comes in three sizes, all of which are light enough to bring with you on outdoor adventures. It’s a great way to prevent overheating on a long walk or during a camping trip. If you need to clean it, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth.

5. K&H Pet Products Dog Cool Bed III
  • Fill with water to create a cooling effect
  • Doesn't use electricity or toxic gels
  • Helps with joint, hip, and skin problems
  • Foldable for easy transport
  • Comes in three sizes

Also available at Petco

To use this unique dog cooling bed, all you have to do is fill it with water. Then, the bed will wick the heat away while your dog rests on it. It can be used indoors and outdoors, and you don’t have to worry about any toxic gels inside harming your dog. The bed can also help with arthritis, skin conditions, and hip problems. When you pour the water out, the bed is foldable for easy transport. The bed has a dark blue exterior and it comes in three sizes to cater to a variety of dog breeds.

6. Furhaven Cooling Gel Foam Dog Bed
  • Water-resistant
  • A layer of medical-grade support foam
  • A layer of cooling gel foam
  • Good for your dog's joints
  • Removable cover
  • Five sizes available
  • Variety of color options

Inside this bed, you’ll find a layer of medical-grade support foam with cooling gel foam and a water-resistant sleep surface on top. The cooling gel wicks away heat while making the surface slightly colder to help your dog cool off. The foam is also good for their joints. Plus, the exterior is water-resistant to make this bed usable outdoors. If the cover gets dirty, you can remove it for cleaning without harming the foam interior. There are five sizes available with a wide variety of color options for the cover.

7. Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
  • Elevated bed design
  • Creates airflow underneath your dog
  • Reduces pressure on joints
  • Includes mesh fabric and a sturdy iron frame
  • Comes in five sizes
  • Comes in two colors

The Amazon Basics Cooling Dog Bed is another elevated bed that creates proper airflow on all sides of your dog. It also reduces pressure on your dog’s joints while they rest because your dog is raised 7 inches off the ground. The assembly process is quick, and the bed includes mesh fabric and a sturdy iron frame. When it’s time to clean the bed, you can rinse it off using tap water. You can purchase the bed in five different sizes, and it comes with either gray or green fabric.

8. K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated With Canopy
  • Water-resistant canopy provides shade
  • Elevated design promotes air circulation
  • Non-slip rubber feet
  • Doesn't need tools for assembly
  • Holds up to 200 pounds
  • Repels moisture, mildew, and bacteria
  • Comes in four sizes
  • Comes in five colors

Also available at Petco

This elevated dog bed comes with a canopy to provide a shaded spot for your dog. It’s raised 7 inches off the ground to create air circulation around your dog and to keep them off the damp ground. The bed also has rubber feet to keep it in place on smooth surfaces. It doesn’t require any tools for assembly, so it’s easy to put it together and take it apart as much as needed, which can be handy for travel. The canopy is made of water-resistant fabric to keep your pup dry and comfortable even if it’s raining. The heavy denier fabric can hold up to 200 pounds, and it repels moisture, mildew, and bacteria. This bed comes in four sizes and five color patterns.

9. Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat
  • Pressure-activated cooling mat
  • Stays cool for up to three hours
  • Recharges after 15 minutes of non-use
  • Made from 100% non-toxic materials
  • No water, refrigeration, or electricity needed
  • Effective for all dogs, even breeds over 80 pounds

Also available at Petco

This large cooling mat makes the perfect padding in a crate or outdoors on a hot day. When your dog lays on it, the pressure will activate up to three hours of cooling power. Then, it recharges after only 15 minutes of non-use. It’s made of 100% non-toxic materials, and it doesn’t require any water or electricity to function. It’s a little too thin to provide as much comfort as a traditional dog bed, but it’s easy to transport, so you can keep your dog cool during car rides, camping trips, and other adventures. If you need to clean it, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth.

10. Bedsure Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed
  • Gel memory foam interior
  • Draws heat away from your dog
  • Waterproof liner
  • Non-sip bottom
  • Removable and machine-washable cover
  • Comes in three sizes
  • Three colors available

The Bedsure Orthopedic Bed has gel memory foam with a cooling capacity that absorbs heat and draws it away from your dog. When your dog lies down, the thick foam wraps around their body to give them the most comfortable sleep possible. The dense foam doesn’t lose its shape over time. The bed has a waterproof liner to prevent liquid from reaching the bed’s interior. It also has a non-slip bottom so the bed will stay in place on smooth surfaces. The cover is removable and machine-washable to ensure the bed is easy to clean. The bed comes in three sizes and three colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Dog Cooling Beds Work?

Most dog cooling beds use either cooling gel or an elevated design. The cooling gel is typically pressure-activated so your dog will feel cool as soon as they lie down. The elevated beds are cool because they provide airflow on all sides of your dog. Some products may use other methods, such as adding water to the bed.

Do Dog Cooling Beds Require Electricity or Refrigeration?

No, none of the cooling beds mentioned in this article require electricity or refrigeration. Most of them are cool on their own without needing anything added to them, making them safe and convenient.

How Long Do Dog Cooling Beds Stay Cool?

It depends on the product. If the bed uses cooling gel, the gel usually stays cool for several hours of use and then requires a brief recharging period before it will feel cool again. For elevated beds, the bed will always feel cool because the airflow of the bed is what makes it colder.

How Do You Clean a Dog Cooling Bed?

Check the bed’s product description to find the best way to clean it. Some products have removable and machine-washable covers. Others may need to be wiped down with a damp cloth to prevent the cooling properties from getting damaged.

Can You Use a Dog Cooling Bed Outdoors?

Yes, many dog cooling beds are safe to use outdoors, but it depends on the specific product. If the product is waterproof, then it can likely be used outdoors without issues. Elevated beds are the best to use outside because the bottom of the bed won’t touch the ground.

Are Dog Cooling Beds Safe?

Yes, most dog cooling beds are safe. To ensure that they are, make sure all the materials are non-toxic. Keep an eye out for loose pieces that could become choking hazards and remove them from the bed as soon as possible.

Dog on cooling elevated bed

Final Thoughts

Dogs deserve to be comfortable during all seasons, even when it’s hot outside. Thus, the best cooling dog beds can help with that. They can provide a cozy spot for your dog to rest while also preventing them from overheating. They’re perfect for dogs who love to have some fun in the sun or go on outdoor adventures with their families. If you offer your dog one of these beds, they’ll be very grateful during the summer months.

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