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Top 10 Best Dog Cooling Mats (Guide) – 2019 Reviews

As a caring dog owner, you want your four-legged friend to be healthy and comfortable at all times. Unfortunately, our furry pals run the risk of overheating, especially during the warmer months of the year.

Cooling mats are a simple, effective way to prevent heat stroke and other warm-weather worries. However, not all mats are the same. You’ll need to consider your dog’s breed, health needs, environment, and other factors.

Not sure which pad to choose? Here’s a closer look at the 10 top dog cooling mats for 2019 plus a complete guide to finding the best one for your pup:

Arf Pets Self-Cooling Mat

Probably the best feature found in Art Pets self-cooling pad is how easy it is to maintain. The cooling gel needs no refrigeration, batteries, or electricity. Instead, it charges automatically when not in use (you’ll have to keep your dog away for 15 to 20 minutes).

When fully charged, it stays cool for up to three hours. At 27 by 43 inches, it’s big enough for large breed dogs. Place it in the house, kennel, car or yard. When not in use, you can fold it up for easy storage.

A durable nylon cushion keeps the mat soft and comfortable. Plus, the sturdy exterior resists tearing even from large dog nails. It’ll stay in excellent shape year after year even with heavy outdoor use.

However, the cooling effects work best inside or in shady areas. It struggles to stay cool in direct sunlight.

Key Features:

• The self-charging system requires no batteries or electricity
• Durable, soft nylon covering
• 27 by 43 inches
• Stays cool for up to three hours between charges

The Original Elevated Pet Bed from Coolaroo

Coolaroo’s Elevated Pet Beds have kept dogs cool for years. They have a unique, elevated design which allows air to flow freely on all sides.

It’s not just a good choice for hot dogs; it’s great for senior dogs, too. The suspended platform supports pressure points and joints.

Three sizes are available. The largest has nine square feet of bed space with a seven-inch clearance. They’re made from high-density polyethylene fabric which is robust, flexible and doesn’t develop hot spots.

It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The powder-coated steel frame resists rust and corrosion. Plus, the fabric resists fleas, mold, and mildew.

Key Features:

• Elevated platform
• Sturdy and durable
• Helps soothe achy joints
• Designed for indoor and outdoor use

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

Green Pet Shop’s dog cooling mat uses non-toxic gel to keep your dog cool for up to three hours. It requires no batteries, electricity, or refrigeration. Let the mat sit empty for 15 minutes, and it’ll recharge completely on its own.

It weighs only two pounds and folds in half for easy portability and storage. Five sizes are available: Small, Medium, Medium/Large, Large, and X-Large.

While the non-toxic gel is safe for most dogs, a small percentage will develop neurological problems after accidental exposure. Remove the mat at the first sign of tearing.

Key Features:

• Provides three hours of cooling
• Recharges in 15 minutes
• Available in five sizes
• Requires no batteries or electricity

Coleman Cooling Pet Pad Mat

Coleman’s best known for camping and coolers, but they make high-quality cooling pads for pups, too. It uses a non-toxic gel which requires no external power source like batteries or electricity.

The mat stays between five and ten degrees cooler than the surrounding temperature. At 24 inches wide by 30 inches long, it’s large enough for most breeds and sizes.

The mat’s sections keep the gel from shifting towards one end or side. It’s unlikely to develop hot spots even after years of use.

On the downside, it’s far more of a cooling mat than a bed replacement. Dogs will enjoy using it throughout the day, but it’s too thin for use as the main mattress in a dog bed.

Key Features:

• Consistently cool temperatures
• Trusted Coleman brand
• Fun bone shape
• 24 by 30 inches

Scenereal Dog Cooling Mat

Scenereal’s Dog Cooling Mat fills with water to create a cool, comfortable place for any dog to rest. It’s ideal for the backyard or a day at the park or beach.

It’s 24 inches wide by 35 inches long which fits a large dog, several small dogs and every size in-between. The inside of the mat is divided into sections to keep the water spread evenly throughout.

It’s made from durable, flexible vinyl designed to resist leaks and punctures. The material is 100% non-toxic and latex-free.

Water mats provide cool, comfortable relief, but they’re best for short-term use. The water can heat up in the sun and lose its cool temps rather quickly.

Also, you’ll need access to a hose to fill the mat. The water injection nozzle is sturdy and leakproof. It sits underneath the mat to avoid the interest of any curious canines.

When empty, the mat folds down for quick travel and storage.

Key Features:

• Water mat
• Provides even support
• 24 by 25 inches
• Portable and easy to store

AKC Reversible Pet Cooling Mat

Looking for a manufacturer you can trust? It doesn’t get much more reliable than the American Kennel Club. Their self-cooling dog pad is cool, cozy, and 100% safe for all dog breeds.

Non-toxic gel help prevent pets from overheating and dehydration. The outer material is durable, soft, and resistant to tears.

It’s one of the only reversible mats available. One side is gray while the other is available in a wide range of colors.

The mat stays cool for up to three hours before needing a recharge. Leave the mat untouched for about 30 minutes for the gel to naturally cool down. Note that recharge time is about 10 minutes longer than required for the average cooling mat.

Key Features:

• Approved by the American Kennel Club
• Filled with safe, non-toxic cooling gel
• Stays cool for three hours with 30 minute recharge time
• Reversible with two distinct styles

Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel

Take cooling comfort to a whole new level with Sealy’s quad-layer orthopedic bed. It has four features to improve the health and comfort of your dog: cooling gel, memory foam, orthopedic foam, and charcoal HD foam.

It not only helps dogs beat the heat; the bed has therapeutic benefits, too. It helps reduce pain and problems related to arthritis, joint, and bone injuries.

It’s easy to clean, too. The removable cover can go right into the washing machine. Plus, the charcoal foam absorbs even heavy pet odors.

Sealy’s dog beds are made with the same commitment to quality you’ll find in their beds made for people. It’s durable, comfortable, and stylish.

Keep in mind this is a bed with cooling properties. It’s a bit too large and cumbersome to be placed around the house like a portable cooling mat.

Key Features:

• Orthopedic bed from Sealy
• Reduces joint and muscle pain
• Absorbs pet odors
• Easy to keep clean

Paws Road Self-Cooling Dog Blanket

Soft and comfortable, this self-cooling dog blanket uses no electricity, batteries, or even cooling gel. Instead, the surface of the bed is made from ice silk, a super-soft fabric often frequently used to make human underwear!

Additionally, the bed is also made from mesh. It stays cool, comfortable, and breathable. It’s 30 by 40 inches which should fit most breeds.

A self-cooling blanket made from material is different than a gel blanket. This blanket is usually about three degrees cooler than regular fabric. It’s a blanket for pet beds located in areas which are already cool. You don’t want to use it as the sole cooling source outside on a hot day.

The main benefits to a fabric mat are comfort and ease of cleaning. You can throw it right in the washing machine. Plus, the lightweight mesh dries quickly at room temperature.

Key Features:

• Made from mesh and lightweight fabric
• Uses no cooling gel, batteries or electricity
• Ideal for use in pet beds
• Comfortable and cool

CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat

CoolerDog’s Hydro Cooling Mat has three layers of cooling power: a waterbed cushion, thick insulation layer, and an 88-cube FlexiFreeze Ice sheet. It provides quick cooling relief on hot days and after intense bouts of activity.

It’s the safest type of cooling mat. Instead of cooling gel or other chemicals, the mat only needs water. Internal segments provide even support throughout the entire mat. The ripstop nylon is sturdy and tear-resistant.

Plus, they’re modular, too. Multiple 23 by 18-inch mats can be connected to create a space for larger dogs.

The complete kit includes the mat, ice sheet, cushion, and foam insert.

Key Features:

• Water and ice mat
• Multiple mats can be connected
• Features three cooling layers
• Exterior ripstop nylon resists tearing

Ruffwear Dog Cooling Vest

Ruffwear’s Cooling Vest helps keep your dog cool even during intense activity. It fits like a harness but helps keep your dog cool like a mat.

It has three layers of cooling. The outer layer reflects heat, the middle one absorbs water, and the mesh lining allows for consistent airflow. It even provides 50 UPF sun protection.

Side buckles allow for quick and secure connection to a harness and leash. Plus, the vest has reflective trim, so your dog stays visible in low-light conditions.

Key Features:

• Wearable cooling vest
• Comfortable, secure fit
• Reflects heat while allowing cool air to flow freely
• Includes reflective trim

What Features Do the Best Dog Cooling Mats Have?

Here’s what to consider when shopping for a mat:

Type

There are three different types:

1. Water
2. Pressurized Gel
3. Cooling Foam or Fabric

Water cooling mats fill with fresh water, usually from the hose. A water-filled mat provides flexible support. They’re usually the most comfortable type.

They’re also the most portable. After pouring the water out, most mats fold up easily. They’re usually the easiest type of mat to take when traveling.

The cold water in the mat keeps the surface cool. However, water cooling mats can have difficulty staying cool for long in direct sunlight. They’ll need refills throughout the day, making them best for backyards and other areas near a hose.

Additionally, they can leak. While quality water mats are leak proof, accidents can happen, especially if you have a strong dog who likes to chew. Water mats probably shouldn’t be used in your house on your nice wood floors.

Pressurized gel mats are the most common type. They have many of the same benefits as a water mat but require far less maintenance.

These pads use a non-toxic, cooling gel. They’re flexible and comfortable but still slightly stiffer than a water mat.

The gel pulls heat from the surface, keeping your dog cool. It’s pressure-activated, so your dog has to step or sit on the mat for it to start cooling.

Most mats keep their cool for about three to six hours. They self-recharge when not under pressure. Recharging typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the mat.

Other mats use memory foam or mesh fabric. They maintain a cool surface technology without gel or water. While they’re simple to use, they typically don’t get as cool as the other types.

Materials

The material should be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean.

Most gel mats have a ripstop nylon exterior. Ripstop nylon is a durable, flexible fabric used in a variety of sports and camping gear. It’ll resist all but the toughest scratches. Plus, a damp cloth is usually all you need to keep it clean.

You can add a lightweight fabric covering to both water and gel mats to make the exterior more comfortable.

Size

Mats come in a variety of sizes. You’ll want to check the sizing guide of each brand carefully. The mat should be large enough to fit your dog’s entire body.

When we say your dog’s “entire body,” does that include his tail, too? Somewhat. His tail doesn’t have to fit on the mat completely. However, make sure it doesn’t rest against a hot surface. You want a mat big enough to support most of the dog’s tail.

At the same time, the mat shouldn’t be too big. Cool temperatures will rise off the open surface area. While that’s not a huge deal, it does reduce the total time the mat stays cool before needing a recharge.

Portability

Many people bring cooling mats along when taking their dog to the beach, park, or on vacation. If portability is your main concern, there are two schools of thought:

Gel mats are easy to use just about anywhere. They don’t require any water, ice, or batteries. It’s the best option for road trips and travel.

However, a water cooling mat can be a better option for vacations. If you’re near an outdoor pool with a hose, you can refill a water mat frequently throughout the day, which provides the longest cooling times.

Water mats can be cumbersome to move when full, but when empty they’re easy to transport and store. They fold down to a much smaller size than gel and fabric mats.

What are the Benefits of Cooling Mats for Dogs?

Some of the benefits are obvious, while others might be surprising:

Keeps Dogs Cool

Dogs can quickly overheat in temperatures which don’t seem particularly overbearing to people. Common signs of heat-related problems include:

• Panting
• Drooling
• Muscle Tremors
• Seizures

Cooling mats play an essential role in keeping your dog’s body temperature within safe levels. However, they’re not the only tool you’ll need. Make sure your dog has access to shade and freshwater, too. Generally, your dog shouldn’t spend long periods outside in scorching hot weather.

Improves Sleep

Like people, dogs often have difficulty falling asleep when they’re hot. Adding a cooling mat to your dog’s bed can help him sleep more comfortably, especially during the summer months.

Gel and fabric mats are the best options for a dog’s bed. Water mats often require too much maintenance. You’ll likely need to refill the mat each day to keep it cool, which can be a real hassle.

Does your pooch need a new dog bed? Check out our dog bed recommendations here.

Improves Health

Cooling pads have a variety of healthy and therapeutic benefits. Cooling mats and orthopedic beds help alleviate joint pain, arthritis symptoms, swelling, skin conditions, and other ailments. Senior dogs and those recovering from surgery also benefit from a cooling pad.

Final Thoughts

Help your four-legged friend beat the heat with a cooling mat. It’s a simple, effective way to help keep your dog safe and comfortable whether he’s inside or out. Plus, they can help your pet sleep better and promote joint and body health.

Your dog is already awesome. Now he can be cool, too!