Do Dog Cooling Mats Work To Keep a Dog Cool?

• This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

For dog parents, summer is filled with fun and good times—but there’s also the heat to contend with. Not only can it be a mood-busting discomfort for dogs and their parents, but high temperatures can present a serious danger to pets. One interesting cool-down method that’s growing in popularity is dog cooling mats. But we have to ask: do they really work?

To find out if cooling pads are effective, we turn to Dr. Janet Cutler, Board Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and owner of Landmark Behavior. We also got the lowdown from some canine Rover testers who put a few cooling mats to the test.

Let’s take a closer look at what these mats claim to do—and if they’re a worthwhile addition to your pup’s summer gear.

How Dog Cooling Mats Work: Gel, Orthopedic, and Ice

To understand the “how” of dog cooling mats, it’s helpful to first understand how our dogs cool down. Unlike humans, dogs don’t really sweat (except for a small amount through their paw pads). Instead, they lose heat through panting—or by chilling out on a cooler surface.

Dr. Cutler explains: “In dogs, 70% of their ability to cool down depends on their ability to lose body heat when against another surface or the air around them.” Which is precisely what these mats offer: a cool surface to help dissipate heat.

You’ll find dog cooling mats in a few different models, like gel, orthopedic, and water- or ice- based. Different styles offer different benefits—and different degrees of chill.

Gel-based mats tend to be the most convenient. You won’t need electricity, water, ice, or refrigeration to cool these pads down, making them handy to bring along on summer road trips. They offer an easily perceptible chill comparable to cool linoleum, and they typically work well both indoors and outdoors. Gel mats are well-suited for kennels or the back of the SUV, and they usually fold down efficiently for easy transport.

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat is a good example of a gel-filled mat; it’s activated by the pressure of your dog’s weight. The cooling effect lasts for up to four hours, and then the mat will need a 20-minute break to recharge. Rover testers found the mat simultaneously sturdy and portable.

For dogs who need extra padding, there are orthopedic options like the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Cooling Bed, which use high-density gel memory foam to draw heat away from your dog. Orthopedic cooling beds are a good choice for senior dogs and pups who suffer from joint pain, but their chill is more akin to the cool of a freshly flipped pillow than the cold of a gel or ice mat. They’re a great pick for a summer dog bed but not relief for summer scorchers. (For something colder, try a hybrid orthopedic option like the Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad.)

For ultimate cooling power, ice is the way to go. Options like the impressive CoolerDog Mat use flexible ice sheets—getting up to ten times colder than most gel mats. These mats are ideal for dogs who need a super chill resting place after a muggy walk. It’s also a good pick for larger dogs or multi-pet households, as the snaps along the sides mean you can attach additional mats for a custom size.

Ice cooling mats are great to have around the house, but because you’ll need to freeze the ice sheets, they’re less suitable for car travel. Plus, as two of our kitty testers discovered, ice mats tend to perspire a bit, which you may not appreciate in your vehicle. 

For more on dog cooling mats, check out “The Best Cooling Mats To Get Your Hot Dog Chilling.”

The Experts Answer: Do Dog Cooling Mats Work?

So what’s the bottom line? Do dog cooling mats work to keep our dogs comfortable? The short answer: yes. Dr. Cutler weighs in. 

“We don’t have any science yet looking at the effect of a cooling mat on body temperature in dogs. Anecdotally, people have said that they feel much cooler against a cooling mat, and many household cats and dogs do seem to like to lying on them as it gets warmer.”

The best way to make sure your pup gets the most mileage out of their cooling bed is to find the right fit. Dr. Cutler advises dog parents to consider how and where they’ll be using the mat.

For travel purposes, you’ll want a lightweight, self-activating gel mat that’s easy to clean. Heavy chewers, on the other hand, might do better with a water-filled mat to avoid accidental ingestion of gel (which is almost always nontoxic but can still cause tummy aches if swallowed in large quantities).

Cooling mats are safe to use in crates—as long as your dog isn’t a relentless chewer, warns Dr. Cutler. “Many dog cooling mats on the market advertise they can go in crates; however, you should use caution and make sure that your dog isn’t likely to chew on the mat and ingest any materials.” 

A cooling mat may also be able to alleviate joint pain in some dogs. Cryotherapy (the application of ice) is often recommended for pain and inflammation after surgery or an injury. “This helps with pain as it reduces blood flow, swelling, and even some nerve impulses,” Dr. Cutler explain.

Cooling mats may have a similar effect—albeit with limitations, says Dr. Cutler. “Since a cooling pad isn’t nearly as cold as ice applied directly to the area of pain, it’s not likely to have as much of an impact, but is potentially worth trying to see if it seems to help your dog.”

It’s also important, however, to recognize their limitations. While cooling mats are great for making dogs more comfortable, they’re no match for extreme temps—especially for dogs who are particularly vulnerable to heat, as Dr. Cutler cautions: “Cooling mats should not be used in place of other heatstroke prevention methods. Even if one is available to your dog, they should not be left in a warm car or without shade and water when temperatures are high.”

Final Verdict On Dog Cooling Mats

For a simple and practical way to help your dog chill this summer, cooling mats are worth checking out. Dogs who are especially sensitive to heat might appreciate the comfort of a cooling mat. According to Dr. Cutler, these include: 

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
• Young puppies
• Senior dogs
• Overweight dogs
• Long-haired dogs (fur will often insulate dogs; however, some double-coated breeds benefit from their coat in the heat)
• Dogs with various medical conditions that make it more difficult to regulate body temperature

Dog parents should bear in mind that while cooling pads offer comfort, they’re not intended to protect pets against heatstroke. And some dogs just won’t take to a cooling mat (especially if they already have a favorite napping spot).

Not to worry, though. There are plenty of alternative ways to cool off a hot dog. Here are a few pointers to get you started:

• Offer plenty of cool water
• Provide shade or an indoor area with ventilation or air conditioning 
• Ice cubes or frozen treats are nice to chew on
• A cold towel can help
• Try a cooling vest or bandana 
• Consider using a dog-specific swimming pool 

How We Chose