Updated August 10, 2024
Does your dog always try to find the coolest spot in your home to lay down? Do they hate the heat and only stay in the shade when outdoors? Are you living in an area that is oppressively hot not just for you but for your dog as well? A dog cooling mat can help your dog tolerate the heat more effectively.
This post will look at what cooling mats are, why you might want to use one, how they can help keep your pup cool, the different types of cooling mats available, tips when using a cooling mat, and some examples of cooling mats available.
Table of Contents:
| What Is A Dog Cooling Mat? |
| Why Should I Use A Cooling Mat For My Dog? |
| Do Cooling Mats For Dogs Really Work? |
| What Is The Best Cooling Mat For Dogs? |
| Tips When Using A Dog Cooling Mat |
| Best Dog Cooling Mats |
Related: Best Dog Sprinkler For Backyard Fun, Best Splash Pad For Dogs To Beat The Heat, Best Dog Cooling Vests For Hot Days, Best Dog Pools To Keep Your Pup Cool
What Is A Dog Cooling Mat?
A dog cooling mat is a mat that has a self cooling material on the inside. When your dog lays on the mat, it helps to drop your dog’s body temperature by a few degrees to help them feel cooler.
Why Should I Use A Cooling Mat For My Dog?
There are a few reasons why you may want to get a dog cooling mat:
- Your dog has a hard time cooling down in the heat.
- The temperature is very warm/hot in your home or outside.
- Your dog may like a little cushioning instead of laying on the bare floor.
- The cooling effect of the mat may help ease sore joints.
- Medical conditions, like Cushing’s Disease, may cause your dog to be hot all the time.
Do Cooling Mats For Dogs Really Work?
Dog cooling mats actually do work. Our own dog had one and would be on it constantly. She tended to “run hot” as we used to say and she would always cool down on her mat.
Dog cooling mats can be used both indoors and outdoors, however they should not be used in direct sunlight or on heated floors, as the heat may interfere with the cooling effect of the mat.
If your dog likes to stay outside, a Cooling Vest is another option to keep them cool.
What Is The Best Cooling Mat For Dogs?
There are several types of cooling mats available. There are pressure activated, water activated, and ice sheet dog cooling mats.
Pressure Activated Cooling Mats
Pressure activated dog cooling mats are the most popular type of cooling mat. These mats contain a gel interior that cools with the pressure of your dog’s body weight. As your dog continues to lay on it, the mat will cool down your dog.
The cooling effect usually lasts 2-3 hours.
After a period of non-use, normally 15-20 minutes, the mat will “recharge” itself to be used again.
Pros:
- No preparation needed. It is ready to go out of the box.
- Lasts a few hours.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
Cons:
- Gets warm after a few hours and needs time to “recharge”.
- Inside gel can leak.
- Can tear easily.
Water Activated Cooling Mats
A water activated dog cooling mat also contains gel inside the mat, but it requires you to prep the mat before using it. This means you will have to fill your cooling mat with several gallons of water before use.
This type of cooling mat is not as popular as it was in the past. We had this type of cooling mat for our dog several years ago and it worked wonderfully for our dog. Many people don’t want to go through the hassle of filling the mat up with water.
Pros:
- Once you prep the mat, you don’t have to do it again.
- The mat is very “cushy” and provides your dog with a soft, yet cool surface to lay on.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Does not require any “recharging”. It is always cool when your dog lays on it.
Cons:
- It takes time to prepare the cooling mat for use.
- Once filled with water it is heavy to move around.
- If it is not completely flat, the mat will leak.
Ice Sheet Cooling Mat
An ice sheet dog cooling mat uses a tray of ice to cool your pup down. This type of mat has a tray of ice that is inserted inside the cooling mat.
Pros:
- Chemical and gel free.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Cools instantly.
- Lasts a few hours.
Cons:
- Can sweat from the water and appear to leak.
- Need to buy refill ice sheets to swap out if you want your dog to stay cool for longer.
- Need room in your freezer to store the ice sheets.
Tips When Using A Dog Cooling Mat
Here are some tips we can offer from our experience using a cooling mat:
- When using a dog cooling mat, we recommend putting a waterproof pad underneath to give your floor some extra protection from any leaks.
- A thin cover can also help to keep the mat clean without compromising the coolness of the mat. We used a baby’s crib sheet to protect ours. This was a big help as our dog got older and had any accidents. We could just wash the sheet and replace it with a new one when needed.
- We used an all purpose cleaner to disinfect our mat if our dog did have an accident without any issues.
- Cooling mats are NOT chew proof. If your dog is a chewer, cooling mats may not be a good idea for them. If they really need a cooling mat, the ice filled mat would be a better choice, since it is water based and doesn’t contain any chemicals or gel that they could ingest.
Best Dog Cooling Mats
Here are a few examples of dog cooling mats available. The product information is according to the manufacturer.
The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad
- Available in 5 sizes.
- Pressure activated.
- Uses non-toxic gel formula to absorb body heat.
- Recharges itself after a period of 15 to 20 minutes of non-use.
- Hand wash.
K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Dog Pad
- Made of nylon/vinyl material.
- Add water to activate.
- For use in temperatures under 95 degrees F./ 35 degrees Celsius.
- Hand wash.
Arf Pets Cooling Mat
- Pressure activated.
- Cooling lasts 3 hours.
- Recharges after 15 to 20 min of non-use.
- Non-toxic gel interior.
- Nylon exterior.
- Hand wash.
Coleman Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad
- Available in 6 colors.
- Pressure activated.
- Stays 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature.
- Non-toxic gel interior.
- Hand wash.
CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
- Uses an ice sheet to cool the mat.
- Triple layer cooling system: waterbed cushion, ice sheet, and insulating foam.
- Does not contain chemicals or gels.
- Mats can be combined to customize the size you need.
- Machine washable.
A dog cooling mat can help your dog stay cool during hot weather, soothe aching joints, and provide a comfortable place to rest.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.