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When the dog days of summer hit, chances are your pup will be on the hunt for an elusive cool spot. 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 typically come in one of three styles: gel mats, ice mats, and fabric mats. The right model for a given dog depends a lot on your pet and your environment.
Senior dogs, for example, can benefit from orthopedic fabric cooling beds with non-slip bottoms, while pups who like a serious chill will gravitate toward an ice mat. Gel offers a fantastic cooling compromise, but it’s best for mature pups and non-chewers; it might be non-toxic, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make a mess or give your dog a stomachache if ingested.
We’ve rounded up and tested some of the internet’s most popular dog cooling mats to find winners for every pup and every situation.
Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat
Whether for use at home or on-the-go, this versatile gel and nylon mat is portable and can be easily folded up and taken with you.
Best Gel Cooling Mat: Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad (Verified Review)
Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat
Whether for use at home or on-the-go, this versatile gel and nylon mat is portable and can be easily folded up and taken with you.
This solid gel dog cooling mat from Arf Pets is one of our favorites. It’s weight-activated, meaning pressure causes the gel to react and give off a noticeable chill our enthusiastic testers compared to cool linoleum. It can hold its gentle chill for roughly three hours before the effects begin to wear off—but a 20-minute refresh will have it back in working order.
We’ve found its sturdy nylon fabric tough enough to hold up to gentle wear and tear from dogs and kids alike. Nontoxic and durable, the smooth surface cleans easily with a damp cloth. Best of all, it’s designed to be folded for travel or storage, making it one of the more portable gel mats on the market.
Key Features:
- Foldable, compact design
- 100% non-toxic material (though still not a good idea to ingest)
- Can be placed in a crate or on top of your dog’s regular bed
- Available in five sizes; can accommodate dogs up to 80 pounds
Best for Large Dogs: Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Pad (Verified Review)
Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
This gel cooling mat is versatile, functional, and travel-friendly—we like it for pups in a wide range of sizes.
This gel pad uses the same pressure-activated cooling mechanism as the Arf Pets mat, with about the same long-lasting gentle chill and recharge time. What’s nice, though, is its range of sizes, which includes an XL model that can accommodate large breed dogs over 80 pounds—the ceiling the Arf Pets tops out at.
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. After your travels (or after multiple uses at home), this mat features a washable surface for quick clean-up.
Key Features:
- Weight makes it great for staying put on slippery floors
- Comes in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) and can be used for dogs over 80 pounds
Recharges after non-use
To Consider:
- Cannot be left in direct sunlight
A more expensive option
Can fold for travel, but is very heavy
Best Outdoor Dog Cooling Mat: K&H Cool Water Bed III
K & H Cool Water Bed III
A water-filled mat makes a nice alternative for pet parents seeking a cooling pad without gel. This mat is suitable for indoors and outdoors, as long as it’s kept out of direct sunlight.
If gel has you nervous for your chew-hound, or if you’re looking for an outdoor option, consider a water-filled cooling bed. We like the latest update to this water-cooled K&H mat: a tough nylon/vinyl exterior, which makes it outdoor-friendly and sturdy enough to hold up to more active dogs.
The BPA-free mat is on the more affordable end of comparable cooling gear, and it packs in more padding than your average gel mat—good for dogs with arthritis or pups who need a little more cushion. To use, fill it with the recommended amount of cool water, adjust the pad’s air valve, and place it away from direct sunlight.
Note that the manufacturer does not recommend using in temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
- Tough exterior material
- Available in three sizes (S, M, L)
Features padding for dogs who need a more comfortable experience
A less expensive option
To Consider:
- Must be placed out of direct sunlight
Place on a smooth surface to avoid punctures
Not for use in temperatures exceeding 95 degrees
Most Powerful: CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat (Verified Review)
CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
Because it uses ice, the CoolerDog is one of the coldest mats you’ll find. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking to avoid mats with gel.
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.
That said, this mat does require 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. If you’re looking for a washable option, this mat has a machine-washable outer cover.
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
To Consider:
- This mat becomes wet to the touch
This mat is designed for small and medium dogs
Best Orthopedic Cooling Bed: Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Bed
Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Bed
The Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Bed combines an eggshell layer with a gel layer for maximum comfort and cooling.
Fabric beds don’t tend to be as cooling as gel, water, and ice mats, but they can make a noticeable difference on a warm day—like flipping to the cool side of the pillow.
The Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Bed uses an interior eggshell layer to distribute your dog’s weight for maximum comfort. Unlike traditional orthopedic beds, this cooling bed pairs orthopedic padding with a gel layer to achieve that coveted cooling effect. (Note the manufacturer’s recommendation on how to layer the different pads.)
This bed can be used both indoors and outdoors and is easy to clean with a damp cloth. We like its large surface area for pups who want to stretch out when they lounge.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant
- Good for senior dogs and pups with arthritis
- Available in an assortment of colors
- Five sizes available
To Consider:
- While durable, this is not a chew-proof bed
Best Budget Cooling Mat: Dogbed4less Memory Foam Gel Cooling Bed
Dogbed4less Memory Foam Gel Cooling Bed
For optimal comfort, this cooling bed features memory foam, a gel-infused cooling pad, and a soft fleece exterior.
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. It can be used on its own or as a topper to another bed, thanks in part to the rubber anti-slip and waterproof bottom that helps prevent any accidents from leaking through.
We like that the top uses anti-microbial fleece fabric to prevent mold and mildew—but note that 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
To Consider:
- While durable, this is not a chew-proof option
Best Washable and Waterproof Cooling Dog Bed: Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Cooling Bed
Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Cooling Bed
This orthopedic cooling bed uses a memory foam with a cooling gel that is designed to pull heat away from your dog’s body.
The Bedsure orthopedic cooling bed uses memory foam to contour to your dog’s shape and provide maximum support to achy bones and joints. A gel-infused layer draws 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.
We like this bed especially for large dogs, since it comes in two sizes that can accommodate dogs up to 75 pounds. Best of all, this bed also features a waterproof liner and a machine-washable cover.
Key Features:
- Support joints and soothes tired muscles
- Cover is removable and washable
- High-density foam won’t flatten over time
- Non-slip bottom
How We Chose
The dog cooling beds 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. As always, we’re guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
