The Best Dog Cooling Mats, Beds, and Pads to Keep a Dog Cool

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When the dog days of summer hit, chances are your dog will be on the hunt for those elusive cool spots. If you find your dog taking naps in the bathtub, on the tile floor, or in that puddle in the backyard, they might benefit from a dog cooling mat.

Dog cooling mats are designed to help your dog stay cool and comfortable. There are several models out there, from gel mats to minimalist pads, and even some that offer orthopedic support for achy old bones. Choosing the right model will depend a lot on your pet and your environment.

How To Choose the Best Cooling Mat for Your Dog

Cooling mats typically fall into one of a few categories: gel mats, water-based mats, ice-based mats, orthopedic cooling beds, and more minimalist cooling pads. Since every dog is unique, pet parents will have different priorities. To figure out which mat is right for your dog, consider the following.

• Chill factor: Some mats run colder than others. Ice-based mats are the coldest—they feel like an ice pack against your skin. Water and gel mats are milder, more on the order of cool tile flooring, while orthopedic and minimalist mats are typically the warmest, offering something akin to a freshly-flipped pillow.
• Durability: Naturally, you’ll want a mat that’s strong enough to endure your dog’s playing and chewing habits. Mats made with sturdy rip-stop material or tough nylon or vinyl are good options for more active pups. If your dog is an avid chewer, though, it’s probably best to avoid gel mats altogether, since ingesting large amounts of even non-toxic gel can cause an upset stomach.
• Size and portability: Cooling mats are available in a range of sizes, so be sure to check the dimensions for a mat that fits your petite Pomeranian or your giant Mastiff. Gel and minimalist mats tend to fold, and they don’t need refrigeration, making them good for the road. Orthopedic beds are usually bulkier, and ice-based mats need a freezer to prep, making them better for use around the house.
• Washability: Dogs aren’t known for being the tidiest creatures, so easy cleaning is a definite plus. Most gel mats can be wiped clean with a damp towel. But if you’re concerned about serious messes, some orthopedic models, like the Bedsure Orthopedic Cooling Bed, come with a removable cover that can be tossed in with the laundry.

Best Gel Cooling Dog Mats

Gel mats are a popular option because they are “self-cooling.” All it takes to activate the cooling mechanism is your dog’s weight. They offer a gentle chill for hours at a time, and they’re usually both portable and easy to clean, which makes them handy for traveling with your dog.

Gel mats can be a fantastic solution for many canines, but they probably aren’t the best choice for dogs who love to chew. Manufacturers use non-toxic material, but ingesting too much could cause digestive issues and discomfort (not to mention a mess).

Best for Travel: Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad (Verified Review)

This solid-gel cooling mat from Arf Pets is made of sturdy nylon fabric that holds up well to wear and tear. It’s weight-activated and capable of responding to your pup’s body heat for up to three hours before it needs to be left alone for a 20-minute refresh. Nontoxic and durable, this is the go-to cooling dog mat for many pet parents.

The smooth surface cleans easily with a damp cloth. Fold it up along the creased lines for summer travel or winter storage.

Key Features:

• Foldable, compact design
• 100% non-toxic material
• Can be placed in a crate or on top of your dog’s regular bed
• Available in five sizes

Best for Traction: Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Pad (Verified Review)

This gel pad uses the same pressure-activated cooling mechanism as the Arf Pets mat and “recharges” itself after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use. It comes in a range of sizes, including XL, and gets a lot of praise for large breeds.

While this mat is portable, our Rover tester noted that it’s on the heavier side—which makes it a little much for a suitcase but great for staying put. After your travels (or after multiple uses at home), this mat features a washable surface for quick clean-up.

Key Features:

• Foldable and portable (but a little heavy)
• Comes in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL)
• Cannot be left in direct sunlight
• On the pricier side

Best Water- and Ice-Based Dog Cooling Mats

For folks with chew-happy dogs, a water- or ice-filled mat offers a safe alternative to gel pads. They require slightly more effort to use (you’ll need to fill it with water or pop it in the freezer), but they’re a better pick for pups that gnaw on their bedding.

For the coldest mat, your best bet is one that uses ice for its cooling power. These are great for dogs who need a major cool-down after a vigorous workout, though they’re not quite as portable for summer adventures.

Best Water Mat: K&H Cool Water Bed III

The latest update to this water-cooled K&H bed is a tough nylon/vinyl exterior, which makes it outdoor-friendly and sturdy enough to hold up to more active dogs. 

To use, fill it with the recommended amount of water, adjust the pad’s air valve, and place it away from direct sunlight. The water remains at ambient air temperature, keeping the bed cooler than your dog.

This mat is BPA-free and affordable; however, it’s not intended for use in temps over 95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Key Features:

• Tough exterior material
• Available in three sizes (S, M, L)
• Must be placed out of direct sunlight and on a smooth surface to avoid punctures

Best Ice Mat: CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat (Verified Review)

For dogs who like it super cold, you can’t beat the CoolerDog Hydro. This mat relies on ice for its cooling effect—getting up to 10 times colder than most gel mats. The sturdy rip-stop material makes it a solid choice for more rambunctious doggos, and it also makes it a suitable option for outdoor use. 

This mat requires a little bit of planning ahead since you’ll need to freeze the ice sheets before using it. To avoid being without a frozen sheet, we recommend buying additional FlexiFreeze Ice Sheets so you always have one on hand.

Our two feline testers found the Hydro mat does get slightly damp to the touch, so water-averse dogs might appreciate a towel placed on top.

Key Features:

• Flexible ice sheets give this mat impressive cooling power
• Modular design allows for custom sizing
• Triple-layer design draws heat away while providing comfort
• Outer cover is machine-washable
• This mat becomes wet to the touch

Best Orthopedic Cooling Beds for Dogs

Gel, water, and ice cooling mats tend to be pretty thin; an orthopedic dog cooling bed can be a better choice for older and arthritic dogs. These beds have memory foam to help alleviate pressure on sore joints. They cool your pooch by infusing gel into the memory foam and pulling heat away from your dog’s body.

Because they have much more material than other models, orthopedic cooling beds don’t typically have a dramatic cooling effect, but they can be significantly more comfortable than your pup’s typical winter bed in the warm months.

Best for Arthritis: Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Bed

The Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Bed uses an interior eggshell layer to distribute your dog’s weight for maximum comfort. It pairs this padding with a gel layer to achieve that coveted cooling effect. This bed can be used both indoors and outdoors and is easy to clean with a damp cloth. The bed also has a large surface area, so it’s great for dogs who like to stretch out when they lounge.

Key Features:

• Water-resistant
• Promotes restful sleep
• Available in an assortment of colors
• Five sizes available

Best Budget Orthopedic: Dogbed4less Memory Foam Gel Cooling Bed

This gel-infused cooling dog bed is a solid choice for older dogs with arthritis or joint pain, thanks to the additional comfort of memory foam. This bed can be used on its own or as a topper to another bed. The bottom of this pad has rubber anti-slip and waterproof material to prevent any accidents from leaking through the bed. The top is anti-microbial fleece fabric to prevent mold and mildew but is not rated as “chew-proof”—so it’s not a good match if your dog is a heavy chewer.

Key Features:

• Shock-absorbing memory foam
• Anti-slip bottom holds the bed in place
• Recommended for indoor use only

Best Washable Orthopedic: Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Cooling Bed

The Bedsure orthopedic cooling bed uses memory foam to contour to your dog’s shape and provide maximum support to achy bones and joints. The memory foam is gel-infused to draw heat away from your dog’s body, and a non-skid bottom and a waterproof surface make it ideal for senior dogs. The quilted cover is breathable with reinforced stitching and high-quality zippers.

Key Features:

• Support joints and soothes tired muscles
• Cover is removable and washable
• High-density foam won’t flatten over time
• Non-slip bottom

Best Minimalist Dog Cooling Pads

Sometimes you don’t need another dog bed. Pads or mats that can be folded up and stored (or packed for a weekend trip to Grandma’s) are just what your dog needs for a cool spot on the go. There are several dog cooling mats that take up minimal space but still provide a gentle cool—something like the fresh side of the pillow (as opposed to the chill of an ice or gel mat). Our testers found them useful for travel, especially when you’re on a budget.

Best Bed-Topper Pad: MICROCOSMOS Dog Cooling Mat

Constructed with cooling fibers, this mat is easy to pack up and stow when you don’t need it. The material lowers the surface temperature of the skin to keep your dog cooler. This pad is also waterproof and easy to clean. On the downside, this mat is pretty thin, so it might work best as a bed topper.

Key Features:

• Available in several colors (blue, brown, gray, and pink)
• Available in both rectangular and round versions
• Machine-washable
• Super affordable

Best Solo Pad: HUBORLOVES Washable Cooling Mat

This mat uses a material that keeps your dog’s skin cool by absorbing her body heat. At only a quarter of an inch high, it doesn’t take up tons of space. It’s conveniently portable and machine-washable. Plus, the underside is made of mesh, which helps prevent movement and is both breathable and soft.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and effortless to fold
• Uses eco-friendly materials
• Only two sizes available (L and XL)

How We Chose

The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We’ve prioritized effectiveness of cooling, convenience, ease of storage, durability, and safety in our dog cooling mat picks. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• Do Dog Cooling Mats Work To Keep a Dog Cool?
• Review: How Does the Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat Hold Up to Hot Weather?
• The Best Dog Cooling Vests and Bandanas to Beat the Summer Heat
• The Best Dog Swimming Pools That Can Hold Up to Canine Splashing
• The 9 Best Dog Life Jackets for Safe Swimming