When trying to find the best dog cooling mat for your furry companion, your head might be spinning with all the available options. Your endless search is about to end, as we decided to review and list the absolute best dog cooling mats that dog owners swear by. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need A Dog Cooling Mat?
- What To Look For When Buying A Dog Cooling Mat?
- Best Dog Cooling Mats Reviews
- Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool
- FAQ While Buying A Cooling Mat For Your Dog
Our Top 5 Best Cooling Mats For Dogs
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Pick #1:
The Green Pet Shop Self-Cooling Dog Pad. This pressure-activated cooling pad uses a patented non-toxic gel formula to keep your dog cool for up to four hours! It’s foldable and easy to clean, making it the perfect option to use in dog beds, crates, or on the go.
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Pick #2:
Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Mat. The sturdy nylon cushioning and puncture-resistant exterior make this the best dog cooling mat for avid chewers.
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Pick #3:
FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger. If you’re looking for an ergonomic dog cooling bed that will match your interior style, the FurHaven Luxe Lounger with a removable cover will be your best bet!
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Pick #4:
Chillz Cooling Mat. Recharges in just 20 minutes, can be easily folded, comes in three different sizes, and made with puncture resistant materials.
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Pick #5:
Coleman Pet Cooling Mat. Keeping your dog up to 10 degrees cooler, this is a great choice if you’re looking for a super portable cooling pad that you can place pretty much anywhere.
Why Do You Need A Dog Cooling Mat?
Some of you might wonder – why does a dog even need a cooling mat? Well, a cooling mat or a cooling pad is not just another fancy way to get more money out of dog owners. In fact, dogs do not sweat like we do. Therefore, their bodies rely on different mechanisms to cool down.
The easiest way to know if your dog is hot is to touch their head, body and paws, or see if they’re panting or trying to find the coolest surfaces at home to lay on. Of course, just like we feel sometimes too warm after being out in the sun or exercising, so do dogs.
It’s completely normal if your pup lays in the sun for a little while, and then finds a shadier spot to cool down. Some dogs can handle warm weather with ease, some struggle with heat. Either way, having a cooling mat at hand can be a great way to help your doggo cool down and enjoy a relaxing lie down.
Of course, your kitchen tiles might be cold enough to cool down your pup, but it’s certainly not a very ergonomic solution, especially for dogs who already suffer from joint problems, or senior dogs who might experience more difficulty getting up and laying down.
On the other hand, just like us, dogs can get feverish at times. Typically, the cause is related to bacterial infections, inflammation, or ingested toxins. However, you should never give human medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen to your dog, as they are extremely toxic for pets.
So what do you do when your dog has a mild fever and your vet has told you that they don’t need urgent medical care just yet? Get your pup on a cooling pad!
Additionally, watch out for symptoms like confusion, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive panting and drooling, shivering, increased heart rate, or vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, contact your vet immediately, as excess body heat can become very dangerous for your dog.
Keep in mind that dogs have a naturally higher body temperature than humans do – about 100°F to 102.5°F. So don’t freak out if you’ve just handled your frozen groceries and your pup feels a bit too warm to touch. However, we recommend you read our article about why your dog’s head might be hot.
In addition, cooling mats can be very helpful for dogs who suffer from swelling, skin conditions, or are recovering from surgery, as the cooling mat can be very soothing for those sensitive areas.
What To Look For When Buying A Dog Cooling Mat?
Understandably, it can be tricky when diving head first into the endless world of dog cooling mats. For that reason, we’ve listed the most important features you should look for when choosing the best cooling pad for dogs.
1. Size
Naturally, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when choosing the best dog cooling mat is the size. Of course, a tiny Toy Poodle will most likely enjoy relaxing on a cooling pad that could fit a giant Newfypoo.
In contrast, a large dog won’t be as comfortable on a small-sized cooling mat. Not to mention, if the pad’s surface is too small for your dog, it won’t be cooling them down effectively. Before you purchase a dog cooling mat, make sure to keep in mind your dog’s size.
2. Comfort
We briefly covered the comfort aspect when talking about the proper size of a dog cooling mat. In addition to the mat’s size determining the comfort of your dog, the materials and thickness also play a key role.
For example, a thinner dog cooling mat won’t probably be as comfortable for your doggo to lay on, if it’s placed on a hard surface like stone or wood floors. In that case, the cooling pad might be better suited inside a crate or a dog bed that you already have at home. On the other hand, a very thick cooling mat can essentially act as a bed, so your pup will be comfortable on it at all times.
3. Portability
Of course, your dog can get hot anywhere outside of the house. If you and your pup are often on the go, you should probably look for a more portable option. Think of something that you can easily pack, unpack, and clean on the go.
For instance, foldable dog cooling pads are usually the most convenient option for traveling. It’s easy to pack and won’t take up much space. In contrast, a thick, large cooling bed won’t be particularly easy to bring along when traveling, or if you’re out and about with your dog.
4. User Friendliness
As we’re always looking for convenience, it’s only natural if you’re looking for the most hassle-free options available. For instance, a while ago water-based cooling pads and mats were the most popular and widely available option on the market. However, it’s not as convenient to use when you regularly have to change or cool down the water, or deal with thin materials that can’t withstand dogs’ nails and teeth.
If you’re looking for the most user-friendly experience, the best dog cooling mats for you would require no water, electricity, refrigeration, or batteries to charge the cooling mat. That’s why today, the most popular products are gel-based cooling pads and mats. Not only are they easier and more convenient to use, they’re also easier to clean, store, and transport.
5. Maintenance
When purchasing a dog cooling mat, we’re obviously looking for something that’s durable, easy to clean, and that can actually last despite the frequent cleanings. Dogs drool and accidents happen, so it’s important that the surface material can stand wiping and washing.
Nevertheless, even if you’ve been blessed with a Doodle who rarely leaves a trail behind them, it’s crucial you keep the cooling mat clean to avoid any bad bacteria to build up and cause havoc.
6. Non-Toxic
Naturally, no dog owner wants to expose their little companion to toxic materials that might harm their health and wellbeing. Even though the outer layers are always made from non-toxic materials, the inside materials that actually do the job can be toxic when your dog comes in contact with it or ingests it.
Of course, this might not be a risk in most cases, as many products are made with non-toxic gels. But it’s something to keep in mind, especially if your puppy likes to chew on anything and everything.
Best Dog Cooling Mats Reviews
Now that we’ve covered all the basics you should know before choosing the best cooling pad for dogs, we’re going to uncover the 6 best products that are loved by countless dogs and their owners. Here are the best dog cooling mats’ reviews!
The Green Pet Shop Self-Cooling Dog Pad
This self-cooling dog pad is made with a non-toxic gel formula that can cool your Doodle for up to 4 hours. Their pressure activated gel-formula starts to absorb your pup’s body heat while at the same time reducing their body temperature as soon as they step on it.
What we love about this particular dog cooling pad is that it doesn’t require any refrigeration and automatically recharges itself while your Doodle is not using it. This makes it also a super convenient option when you’re on the go. Additionally, it’s hand-washable and can easily be cleaned with wipes.
Design wise, it’s a simple foldable mat that can be stored away or packed along in a suitcase. It comes in five different sizes starting from extra-small and ending with extra-large. Additionally, it can comfortably fit in most standard-size dog beds and crates.
People who’ve bought this cooling pad for their pooches are amazed at how quickly it starts to work its magic. As soon as they step on it, they can feel how the mat starts to cool them down as if it’s pulling the heat out of their bodies. Reviewers are also pleased at how convenient it is to clean and store, even to bring along on car rides and travels. It’s a guaranteed puppy-pleaser in the heat, for sure!
Although this dog cooling pad is made with non-toxic gel materials, The Green Pet Shop does caution you to not let your dog ingest any of the cooling pad, as it can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Key Features We Love About This Product
- Made with non-toxic gel-formula
- Easily washable and portable
- Can cool your pup for up to 4 hours
Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Dog Crate Mat
Arf Pets has created a self-cooling solid gel mat that can cool your pup continuously for up to 3 hours. It’s slightly thicker than the previous cooling mat by The Green Pet Shop, with a thickness of 0.5 inches. If your dog prefers more of a cushy feeling when relaxing on the pad, this might be a better option. In fact, buyers have noted how their dogs seem to prefer their new cooling pad over any other bed in the house!
What we love about this mat is that it automatically recharges in just 20 minutes after your pup stops using it. Similarly to the previous dog cooling mat, this one does not require any water, batteries, refrigeration, or electricity to use or charge the mat. Additionally, thanks to its lightweight and foldable design, it’s easily portable.
This dog cooling mat comes in three sizes, and you can place them in your dog’s bed, crate, car, or whatever location your pup prefers when cooling down. It’s made with sturdy nylon cushioning and has a puncture-resistant exterior, which makes it a durable option for pups who like to chew.
Key Features We Love About This Product
- Automatically recharges in 15 to 20 minutes after not using the mat
- Made with latex-free materials, non-toxic gel interior, and puncture-resistant exterior
- Has a foldable design
FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger Cooling Gel Dog Bed
The FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger is by far the cushiest, most comfortable dog cooling mat on the list. In fact, it’s a cooling dog bed that has curved angles and a soft outer fabric for that extra comfort. Not only is this a great choice for dogs who just like to feel more comfy, it’s perfect for your dog if they suffer from joint problems like arthritis, or senior dogs who need that extra support.
It comes in five different sizes and can even fit the largest dogs weighing up to 180 pounds. Depending on the size you opt for, the foam cooling bed has a thickness of 5 to 9 inches. For instance, one buyer mentioned in their review how their picky Bernese has never liked any dog bed he’s had because he prefers cooler temperatures and also suffers from hip and elbow dysplasia. But once they got this cooling dog bed, everything changed.
What we love about this dog cooling bed is its beautiful design and luxurious feel. It comes in many different colors – espresso, camel, spruce blue, and gray, making it a beautiful alternative if you’re looking for a more interior design friendly cooling pad.
It’s also made with a removable cover that you can easily hand or machine wash with cold water. The interior materials feature a medical-grade support foam that provides your dog the orthopedic support, and a cooling gel foam filled with micro gel beads that cool the bed about 1 to 2 degrees. Similarly to the previous dog cooling mats, this one is also pressure activated and will start cooling your pup as soon they step on it.
Key Features We Love About This Product:
- Ergonomic, super comfortable design
- Aesthetically more pleasing and offers different color options
- Removable cover and a water-resistant panel
Chillz Cooling Mat
This cooling dog mat by Hugs Pet Products is another popular option amongst dog owners thanks to its ease of use and convenient design. This product uses pressure-activated non-toxic gel that absorbs your pup’s excess body heat and keeps them feeling cool and comfy for up to 3 hours.
What we love about this product is how user friendly it is, as it automatically recharges in just 20 minutes. In addition, it can be easily folded whenever you need to store it away or bring it with you. It comes in three different sizes and can keep dogs of all shapes and sizes cool.
Another great feature is that it’s made with puncture resistant materials, and thanks to its lightweight design you can bring it with you anywhere you go. Additionally, dog owners love how easy it is to clean the mat when accidents happen, and how conveniently it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Key Features We Love About This Product
- Automatically recharges after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use
- Puncture resistant materials
- Made with non-toxic gel
Coleman Pet Cooling Mat
This cooling mat by Coleman is a staple in many households. Although this product is thinner than the others we’ve listed here, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a super portable cooling pad that you can place pretty much anywhere. You can easily place it in your dog’s bed, crate, in your car, on your bed, or wherever your pup likes to relax and recharge.
What we love about this product is that it stays about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding room temperature. This will provide your pup the cool sensation they need on a hot summer day – whether you’re at home or out on a car ride.
Similarly to the previously mentioned dog cooling mats, it does not require any refrigeration. It’s easy to wipe clean, and dog owners absolutely love that it’s made with heavy, durable outer materials. Buyers also mention how this dog cooling mat can keep their pups cool in extreme heat for at least two hours. Worth trying out!
Key Features We Love About This Product
- Uses non-toxic gel
- Stays 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the room temperature
- Made with durable materials
Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed
Lastly, this elevated dog bed is the perfect option if you’re looking for something a bit different. Coolaroo steel-framed elevated dog bed keeps your Doodle cool thanks to the raised design and breathable fabric. With an elevated dog bed, your pup can enjoy a better airflow underneath its belly so they are less likely to be bothered about hot spots. In addition, the design reduces stress and pressure on your dog’s joints, which is especially beneficial for Doodles who are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems.
Find the Best Deal:
Buyers mention in their reviews how much their dogs love this elevated dog bed. It does take a little bit of time to assemble, but it’s all worth it. Dog owners of elderly dogs with joint problems are especially pleased about how much this bed has helped their precious pals.
What we love about this dog bed is that it uses absolutely no electricity, batteries, chemicals or gel formulas to achieve the cooling effect. You don’t have to worry about your puppy ingesting any gels or substances that can trigger allergic reactions or worse. This makes it an especially great choice for dogs who like to chew.
The Coolaroo dog bed comes in three sizes and six different colors. It’s also suitable to use outdoors and can be easily cleaned. In fact, the cover material is resistant to fleas, mites, mold, and mildew. What’s even better, the covers are replaceable, so you don’t have to worry too much about accidents.
Key Features We Love About This Product
- No gel formulas, batteries, electricity, or refrigeration required
- Made with recyclable cover fabric that’s lead- and phthalate-free
- Provides support and comfort for joints
Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool
In addition to purchasing a high quality dog cooling mat that’s suitable for your dog’s needs, there are quite a few tips and tricks you can use to reduce the risk of your pup overheating or developing a heatstroke.
Access To Clean Drinking Water
Firstly, make sure that your dog has access to plenty of cold, fresh water at all times. If you’re out on a walk or hike, it’s especially important you pack your Doodle plenty to drink on the way. Heat and exercise both dehydrate your pup’s body, so make sure you fill a bottle before you leave the house.
Avoid The Midday Heat
Secondly, try to avoid playtime and walkies at midday when it’s the warmest outside. Prefer shaded areas and don’t force your pup to stay in the sun for too long. Also, during very hot days, pavement and sand can heat up to extremes. If it feels too hot for you to touch, it’s going to be too hot for your dog’s paws as well. Still not sure when to keep your pup indoors during hot summer days? Here’s an article that’ll help you sort it out.
Additionally, lightly colored pups and dogs with white ears and noses are at a higher risk of sunburn, which can cause pain and discomfort for your dog. Moreover, long-term sun exposure greatly increases the risk of skin cancer, which can ultimately lead to death. If your Doodle has sensitive skin and can get sunburns quickly, look for pet sunscreen that’s safe for dogs. You can use this on your dog’s hairless areas like the ears and nose before going outside.
Never Leave Your Dog In A Car Alone
Although this should be implied, it’s still necessary we highlight that dogs should never be left alone in cars or other poorly ventilated areas where they can’t leave. Even if you’ve parked your car in a shaded area and left the windows open, the air inside can quickly become too hot, stuffy, and extremely uncomfortable for your dog.
Although apartments and houses are undoubtedly much better ventilated than smaller spaces like cars, your home can still become too warm during scorching hot days. Make sure you keep your rooms properly ventilated. You can open the windows, or use AC or fans for that extra air circulation.
Regular Grooming
Regular brushing and clipping can do wonders when trying to keep your Doodle cool in the summer heat. Matted dog hair starts to trap in heat, so your pup will be even more uncomfortable during those sunny days. In addition, dogs who struggle in warm weather might enjoy a shorter coat to handle the heat better.
Turn On The Sprinklers
It’s no wonder that dogs go absolutely wild when they see water on a hot summer day. A refreshing splash of water can quickly lower your dog’s body temperature. Turn on the sprinklers or walk by a lake during your evening walk. Even a simple, inexpensive paddle pool can be a great way for your pup to cool down and enjoy playtime during a warm day outside.
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Keep in mind that water can cause and tighten mats in the coat much easier, so be sure to prevent and deal with any matting should they start to develop.
Keep An Eye Out For Unusual Symptoms
Last, but not least, make sure you keep a close eye on your Doodle’s behavior to notice any unusual symptoms early on. If you’re in doubt, contact your vet and they will be able to advise you on the next steps. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Also, enforce good behavior and try to steer your pup away from chewing on anything they might come across. Infections, toxic ingredients and compounds can induce a fever, which can be harder to manage than putting in the work to prevent your pup from eating anything that might seem interesting to them.
FAQ While Buying A Cooling Mat For Your Dog
Are Cooling Mats For Dogs Good?
Investing in a dog cooling mat can be one of the best and cheapest ways to keep your dog cool and comfortable in a warm climate or during hot summer days. The best dog cooling mats are made with non-toxic materials that pose no danger.
However, even if your dog ingests any of the non-toxic gel material, we recommend you immediately contact your vet about the next steps. Although usually not lethal, it can still cause your dog negative side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, which can turn dangerous if left untreated.
Moreover, some dog cooling pads are made with toxic materials and chemicals to achieve the cooling effect. To ensure your dog’s safety, especially if you’re dealing with a chewer, we recommend you opt for non-toxic materials to eliminate any risk when ingested.
How Long Do Dog Cooling Mats Last?
Typically, the cooling effect of dog cooling mats will usually last for about 2 to 4 hours, depending on what the manufacturer has stated. In terms of reusability, high-quality dog cooling pads can last your pup for years and years to come.
Just make sure to follow the cooling pad instructions to the T when it comes to cleaning, usage, and maintenance. For instance, using an unsuitable cleaning method can ruin the dog cooling pad completely.
Do Dog Cooling Mats Really Work?
Dog cooling mats really do work! A cooling mat is a safe and effective way to keep your dog feeling cool and comfortable, day and night. Although dogs will lose most of their excess heat from their ears, nose, mouse, and paws, the cooling pad deals with your dog’s body heat from underneath. As a result, your pup will cool down much quicker.
But as with anything, you get what you pay for. This does not mean that you need to opt for the most expensive, fanciest looking dog cooling mats available on the market. Rather, make sure you have done your research to know what you’re after, and choose the safest, most suitable option for you and your doggo.
What Is Inside A Dog Cooling Mat?
Dog cooling mats are most commonly made with pressure activated cooling gel that starts working as soon as your dog lies down on it. Some other products can be either water based, use other phase change materials (PCM), or come with ice pack cooling pads.
The most popular and convenient dog cooling mats use gel, as they’re low maintenance, easy to clean, fold, store and transport. Gel-based dog cooling pads don’t require any electricity, batteries, and can keep your pup cool for several hours.
In conclusion, investing in a dog cooling mat can be a great way to improve your dog’s quality of life, especially if you live in a warm climate or experience scorching hot summers. They’re widely available, easy to use, and a safe and effective way to keep your pup feeling cool and refreshed at all times. We hope you’ve learned some helpful information from our best dog cooling mats’ guide, and know what to look for when choosing the best option for your furry little companion.
Has your Doodle tried cooling mats or pads, and how has their experience been? Let us know in the comments below!
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January 2, 2022 at 9:27 am