Reviewed and tested by Alianna Munakata, Vet Tech.

Finding the best cooling mats for dogs should definitely be on your summer to-do-list! Why?! The answer’s simple!

Summer months are definitely memorable for dogs and their families because of all the running and playing outside! On the other hand, as much as they’d like to enjoy the sun, they can overheat and even suffer heat stroke. A cooling mat will help your pup regulate its body temperature. If you also have a cat, here are the Top 15 Cooling Mats for Cats.

Check out our guide on buying cooling pads, as well as 8 of the best cooling mats for dogs on the market!

What is a Dog Cooling Mat?

To find the best cooling mats for dogs on the market, we should first clarify what dog cooling mats are and what people buy them for. In short, these mats serve as means of cooling objects and body temperatures.

So if you’re living in a region with lots of sun and high temperatures in the summer or all year round, you might consider getting a cooling mat for your dog.

Our Top Pick for Canine Cooling Mats

Upon testing and researching about 8 of the best products on the market, we’ve concluded that our top pick for canine cooling mats is the TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large .

It is self-cooling, multi-purpose, and easy to clean and store, making it the best cooling mat to take on a trip!

It comes in various sizes that can fit any dog! Moreover, it recharges within only 15 minutes of non-use!

However, don’t forget that each dog is unique and has specific preferences. While our top pick should make most dogs happy, some may just not like it, which is totally fine. In this case, you can always try our Best Runner-Up!

Who Should Buy a Cooling Mat?

A dog’s body temperature is approximately 101.5 ºF (38.6 °C), depending on its size. While humans can take some temperature variations, dogs are extremely sensitive to weather changes. That’s why their bodies try to maintain roughly the same temperatures at all times. So what temperatures are dogs comfortable with?

Dogs are generally comfortable below 81 ºF (27.2 °C). Large dogs feel best in an environment with an average temperature between 69 and 70 ºF (20.5 to 21.1 °C). Smaller dogs prefer 73 to 75 ºF (22.7 to 23.8 °C). Generally, dogs should never stay more than four hours at temperatures above 85 ºF (29.4 °C).

So if you’re living in a region with many sunny, hot days over a year, you should consider buying a dog cooling mat.

Other than a cooling mat, there are also Cooling Vests for Dogs that are another option for keeping your dog cool in the summer.

How Can Cooling Pads Help Dogs During Summer?

Summer’s usually all about running, having fun, playing outside, and making memories. However, while dogs certainly enjoy their time with their families, their bodies suffer from heat exposure.

Their health may be in danger if the dogs spend too much time in a hot environment. If the dog’s body cannot properly regulate its temperature, it may suffer from heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. So cooling pads for dogs can literally be life savers!

Moreover, while it might sound like a paradox, dogs with short coats are more prone to overheating and heat stroke. Why? Because their coats act like insulation, keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Even more, specialists do not recommend trimming your dog during summer. This may increase the risk of heat stroke. So if you have a short-haired dog, you should definitely consider getting a cooling pad.

However, don’t forget that cooling pads for dogs can only alleviate the effect of high temperatures. They won’t be able to protect your dog from heat stroke, so they should never stay for too long in hot places and out of shade.

Who Doesn’t Need to Buy a Cooling Mat?

If the temperature in your house never goes higher than approximately 69 to 75 ºF (20.5 to 23.88 °C), your dog might not need a cooling mat because it feels perfect in such an environment.

Moreover, if you live in northern areas where the climate is cooler, you’d better get your hands on a dog winter jacket to keep your furry friend warm!

If summers are extremely hot in your region, having a mat around won’t hurt. Even if you can keep your house cool by using an air conditioner, for example, you can use the pet cooling pad outside. If you go out to play with your fluffy one and it starts panting, it’ll definitely thank you for the cooling device!

Furthermore, since long-haired dogs are more resistant both to heat and cold, they might not need a cooling pad, especially if the temperatures around your house don’t reach scorching levels.

Why Trust Us?

We’ve created this guide upon thorough research and testing. Thousands of customer reviews helped us outline a bigger picture of using each product. Even though every cooling mat has advantages and disadvantages, like with any other product, after all, we were able to choose our top pick!

However, if you’re unsure which item will suit your dog’s needs or if your pup suffers from certain diseases, we strongly recommend checking with your veterinarian before purchasing any cooling mat.

An Overview of Our Top Picks

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large  – Best overall – 5 stars

Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad  – Best runner-up – 4.8 stars

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat  – Best fast recharge – 4.5 stars

Washable Dog Cooling Mat  – Best fabric – 4.5 stars

Chillz Dog Cooling Mat  – Best portable – 4.5 stars

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat, Small  – Best for small dogs – 5 stars

Dogbed4less Gel-Infused Large Memory Foam Fleece Pet Dog Bed  – Best cooling memory foam – 4.5 stars

Self Cooling Mat for Dogs  – Best ice silk cotton – 4 stars

Our Reviews of the Best Cooling Mats for Dogs

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large  – Best Overall

General Description

Your furry friend won’t sleep in the bathroom anymore if it has this cooling pad in your room or where it usually sleeps! Hence this is the best overall product! Designed for large and extra large dogs like German Shepherds or Siberian Huskies, this non-toxic gel cooling mat is certainly easy to use and store!

Moreover, your furry friend will love the cool feeling that can last up to three hours! Once the mat becomes warm, it needs only 15 to 20 minutes of non-use to self-cool. It’s nice and soft to the touch. However, bear in mind that it may be slippery for older dogs.

If you live in very hot regions, you can try to enhance the cooling process by refrigerating the mat for half an hour. You won’t have to worry about cleaning it; all you’ll need is a dump cloth and some detergent. Moreover, it’s easy to store, so you can take it with you on your trip.

No need to worry about your mat hosting mold or bacteria since the gel doesn’t provide a beneficial environment for infections!

While this product is for larger dogs, smaller pups or other animals, such as cats or hamsters, can enjoy it too.

However, if you’re looking for a similar cooling mat designed for small dogs, we’ll tell you that the store has already thought about this and is selling small sizes, too! You’ll find all the details about the smaller mats by the end of this buying guide!

Brand: THEGREENPETSHOP store 

Breed size recommendation: 46 lbs (20.9 kg) or more

Size/s of product: Large, extra large

Color/s: Blue

Target breeds: German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Collie, Great Dane, Saint Bernard

Product dimensions: 23.6 x 35 x 0.2 in (60 x 88.9 x 0.5 cm), 27.5 x 43.3 x 0.2 in (70 x 110 x 0.5 cm)

Fill material: Pressure-activated gel

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 5

Cooling method: Pressure-activated gel; self-cooling

Pros:

Self-cooling

Multi-use

Easy to clean and store

Comes in various sizes

Suitable for trips

Cons:

Suitable outdoors only in the shade

Features: Self-cooling, recharges after 15 minutes of non-use, easy to clean and store

Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad  – Best Runner-Up

General Description

This cooling gel dog pad from Coleman might be just what your dog needs! Since it stays 5 to 10 degrees cooler than room temperature, it’s perfect for heat waves.

Moreover, you can use it outdoors; just make sure to place it in the shade. You can also refrigerate it if the temperatures are too high! Once it gets warm, it requires just a few minutes of non-use to recharge and cool down.

Before buying this product, ensure its dimensions are suitable for your pup, as it’s generally for medium-sized dogs. While smaller dogs will delight in its soft and cool texture, larger dogs may not have enough space to relax.

The mat has an easy-to-clean and easy-to-store design, so you can safely take it on a trip.

However, if you have a playful puppy that’s teething or just likes to chew on things, you might want to get a fabric pad to avoid your furry friend ingesting the gel. Even though it’s non-toxic, the dog shouldn’t swallow it, as it may cause stomach aches.

Brand: Coleman 

Breed size recommendation: Medium pets

Size/s of product: Medium

Color/s: Blue, green, red, silver

Target breeds:

Product dimensions: 24 x 30 x 0.5 in (61 x 76.2 x 1.27 cm)

Fill material: Cooling gel

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 4.8

Cooling method: Self-cooling gel

Pros:

Easy to clean and store

Non-toxic

Self-cooling

Suitable for trips

Fast recharge time

Cons:

Might not be suitable for puppies that like to chew on things

Features: non-toxic, comfortable, stays 5 to 10 degrees cooler than room temperature

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat  – Best Fast Recharge

Amazon choice award in dog bed mats by Arf Pets

General Description

This Arf Pets cooling mat can keep your dog cool for up to three hours! Moreover, it will recharge in only 15 minutes if your dog doesn’t use it! This indicates that you’ll find it extremely easy to use and store, as you won’t need to keep in mind to put it in the fridge or charge it regularly.

Since you can easily fold it and it doesn’t weigh much, you can also put it in your car if you’re going on a trip. You can also take it outside for your pup to enjoy some fresh air.

This product consists of a solid cooling gel that is 100% safe for your pup and family!

Even if your dog weighs much less than the maximum 80 pounds (36 kg) this mat can take, you won’t regret it, as your kids can also enjoy it with their furry friend.

You won’t need to worry about cleaning the pad too often, as well, because gel mats aren’t a beneficial environment for mold or other infections.

Brand: Arf Pets Store 

Breed size recommendation: Dogs up to 80 pounds / 36 kilograms

Size/s of product: Large

Material/s: Nylon

Color/s: Blue

Target breeds: All dog breeds weighing up to 80 pounds / 36 kilograms

Product dimensions: 27 x 43 x 1 inches (68.6 x 109.2 x 2.54 cm)

Fill material: Gel; 100% non-toxic materials

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 4.5

Cooling method: Gel

Pros:

Easy to use

Non-toxic

Consists of self-cooling gel

Foldable

Easy to clean

Cons:

Might not resist scratching and biting/chewing

The mat’s surface may be slippery

Features: versatile, simple, and powerful cooling, convenient for traveling, and easy to store

Washable Dog Cooling Mat  – Best Fabric

General Description

Besides the fact that it comes in various sizes and colors, this MeiLiMiYu cooling mat has a beautiful design, which makes it perfect for a sofa, car seat, or kennel.

It does not consist of gel, water, or ice; it’s just fabric! You’re probably wondering how it works, right? Well, it has a cold ice silk surface, an intermediate cotton-filled part, and a reverse venting mesh, which makes it breathable, soft, and cool to the touch.

Moreover, you can put it in the washing machine. Another advantage of fabric pads is that you do not need to throw them away immediately if your pup scratches or bites them.

On the other hand, if the summers in your region are sweltering, this product may not be able to help with very high temperatures like gel mats do. However, you can put it in the fridge before use for better results.

Brand: MeiLiMiYu 

Breed size recommendation: Dogs weighing up to 90 lbs (40.8 kg)

Size/s of product: Small, medium, large 

Material/s: Surface cold ice silk, reverse venting mesh

Color/s: Blue, Coffee, Gray, Pink

Target Breeds: All dog breeds weighing up to 90 lbs / 40.8 kg

Product dimensions: 20 x 16 in (50.8 x 40.6 cm), 28 x 22 in (71.1 x 55.8 cm) 40 x 28 in (101.6 x 71.1 cm)

Fill material: Cotton

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 4.5

Cooling method: Ice silk, venting mesh, self-cooling

Pros: 

Non-toxic

Breathable fabric

Durable and can resist scratching

Easy to clean and store

Comes in various sizes and colors

Does not pose the risk of ingesting cooling gel

Cons:

Might not cool as well as gel-based mats

Might lack stability on smooth flat surfaces

Features: safe, non-irritating, breathable fabric, easy to carry and clean

Chillz Dog Cooling Mat  – Best Portable

General Description

If you’re planning to get this Chillz Dog Cooling Mat from the Hugs Pet Products store, your dog will definitely thank you for the gift! Since it consists of pressure-activated gel, it can keep your pup cool for up to three hours by absorbing its heat. Then, it recharges automatically within 15 to 20 minutes while not used.

It comes in different sizes, making it the perfect choice for all dog breeds! Moreover, the store has this mat in a cat-size variation. If you have a cat, your pets will have matchy cooling mats!

The gel is non-toxic and safe for the environment. However, if your furry friend ingests too much of this gel, you should take it to the veterinarian, as it can cause tummy aches. Although it’s non-toxic, your pup shouldn’t ingest the gel.

Brand: Hugs Pet Products 

Size/s of product: Medium, large, extra large 

Color/s: Blue

Product dimensions: 19.5 x 15.7 in (49.5 x 39.9 cm), 36 x 20 in (91.5 x 50.8 cm), 37 x 31.5 in (94 x 80 cm)

Fill material: Pressure-activated gel

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 4.5

Cooling method: Pressure-activated gel, self-cooling mat

Pros:

Non-toxic

Self-cooling

Comes in various sizes

Nice and soft to the touch

Cons:

Might not resist biting/chewing

Might be slippery

Might not be able to self-cool if kept outside at very high temperatures

Features: self-cooling, easy to use, recharges automatically, non-toxic

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat, Small  – Best for Small Dogs

General Description

This product is the small variation for our top pick in canine cooling mats! THEGREENPETSHOP cooling mat for small dogs comes, in fact, in three different sizes – for extra small, small, and medium pups. Moreover, other furry friends in the house can definitely use it too!

Its pressure-activated gel makes the mat automatic, meaning you won’t have to worry about refrigerating it. It self-recharges within 15 to 20 minutes of non-use. Even though you can’t wash it in the washing machine, you’ll find it very easy to clean just by using a damp cloth and some mild detergent.

Thanks to its nice design, you can use it everywhere your pup likes to sit – the floor, the sofa, the bed, or the kennel. Your dog will feel immediate relief that can last up to three hours!

Brand: TheGreenPetShop 

Breed size recommendation: Extra small: up to 8 lbs (3.6 kg) Small: 9 to 20 lbs (4.1 to 9.1 kg), Medium: 21 to 45 lbs (9.5 to 20.4 kg)

Size/s of product: Extra small, small, medium

Material/s: Gel

Color/s: Blue

Target breeds: Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Bulldog, Australian Shepherd

Product dimensions: 11.8 x 15.7 x 0.2 in (30 x 39.9 x 0.5 cm) 15.7 x 19.7 x 0.2 in (39.9 x 50 x 0.5 cm), 20 x 30 x 0.2 in (50.8 x 76.2 x 0.5 cm)

Fill material: Gel

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 5

Cooling method: Pressure-activated gel

Pros:

Self-cooling

Multi-use

Easy to clean and store

Comes in various sizes

Suitable for trips

Cons:

Not intended to use outdoors under direct sunlight and heat

Features: Self-cooling, recharges after 15 minutes of non-use, easy to clean and store

Dogbed4less Gel-Infused Large Memory Foam Fleece Pet Dog Bed  – Best Cooling Memory Foam

General Description

If you’re looking for a unique cooling pad, you should definitely check the Dogbed4less Gel-Infused Large Memory Foam Fleece Pet Dog Bed. Why? Because it’s almost like a real bed for dogs! The upper part consists of thick velour fleece fabric, which makes the mat extremely nice to the touch.

The gel-infused cooling memory foam regulates the temperature. The underlayer consists of rubber, which makes this product the perfect anti-slip cooling mat!

Moreover, you can easily use it as a protective mat for your furniture as it’s waterproof! Besides, it has anti-bacterial features.

On the other hand, this item might be a bit difficult to wash compared to other cooling mats. You’ll need to wash and rinse it off with a garden hose. Then you’ll need to remove the excess water and let it dry for a few days in the shade. 

This makes the mat unsuitable for trips. You can’t just wash it on the spot if it gets dirty in the car. However, if you plan to use it at home, you and your pup will love it!

Brand: Dogbed4less Dogbed4less 

Size/s of product: Large, extra large

Material/s: Thick velour fleece fabric, memory foam, rubber

Color/s: Beige, brown, gray

Product dimensions: 42 x 28 in (106.7 x 71.1 cm), 48 x 30 in (121.9 x 76.2 cm)

Fill material: Gel cooling memory foam

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 4.5 

Cooling method: Cooling memory foam gel

Pros:

Anti-slip rubber

Nice and soft to the touch

Water-resistant

Suitable as protective material or yoga or fitness mat

Dirt and wrinkle resistant

Cons:

Takes more time and effort to wash it

Might not be suitable for trips as you can’t easily wash it

Features: environmentally friendly, anti-bacterial, anti-slip

Self Cooling Mat for Dogs  – Best Ice Silk Cotton

General Description

If you have a pup that likes to chew on things and you’re worried that it may ingest the gel from other cooling mats, you should certainly consider the Snagle Paw Self-Cooling Mat.

The cool ice silk cotton will help your furry friend regulate its body temperature. Besides, its underlayer is non-slip rubber which will help avoid any unwanted injuries. Furthermore, it’s perfect for old or injured dogs because they won’t slip from it.

The unique thing about this mat is that it can easily function as a pee pad, so it’s perfect for a trip! Its material holds up to 10 cups of liquid. If your dog pees, it can protect your floor, bed, couch, and car. You can also take it outdoors and put it on lawns or sand.

This product is machine washable. The manufacturer says it can stand more than 300 washes!

This type of pad has its downside too. While it will help your pup avoid overheating, it might not be the best choice if you live in an area with extremely high temperatures. You may want to consider a gel or water pad if you experience constant heat waves.

Brand: Snagle Paw Store Snagle Paw Store 

Material/s: Polyester, rubber, cotton

Color/s: Light blue

Product dimensions: 48 x 60 in (121.9 x 152.4 cm), 60 x 72 in (152.4 x 182.9 cm)

Fill material: Premium cool ice silk cotton, polyester

Shape: Rectangular

Rating out of five: 4

Cooling method: Ice silk cotton

Pros:

Safe and non-toxic

Good for pups that like to chew on things

Serves as a pee pad as well

Machine washable

Non-slip

Cons:

Might not work well during constant heat waves

Might not be able to function as a cooling mat outdoors at high temperatures

Features: washable and reusable, works well as pee pad, non-slip

What to Look for in Cooling Mats for Dogs

If you’re planning to get a cooling mat for your pup, you’ll highly benefit from considering and pondering over some aspects that can highly affect your dog’s experience during heat waves!

Cooling Method

Before looking for the best cooling pads for dogs, you should decide what cooling method you prefer. Most cooling mats consist either of water or heat-absorbing gel. Other mats are fabric-made. Moreover, some can self-recharge, while others need to stay in the fridge before use.

A heat-absorbing gel mat is usually the best choice because it’s comfortable and easy to use. You don’t need to charge or refrigerate it. Moreover, you can use it both indoors and outdoors, as well as in your car.

There are also orthopedic cooling dog beds, which are best for pups with joint problems or senior dogs. 

If you’re planning to get an ice/water cooling mat, you’ll probably be able to use it only at home, as you’ll need to put it in the fridge before use.

Another thing to consider while deciding on what kind of mat you want is whether your dog likes to chew on things. If it does, getting a water/ice pad or a fabric mat will be safer since the gel can cause tummy aches if your dog swallows it in large quantities.

Size

While smaller dogs won’t mind a larger pet cooling mat, but a large pup won’t benefit from a small cooling dog bed. That’s why it’s extremely important to check the mat’s size before ordering it. The dog should be able to lay down comfortably on the pad.

Moreover, if you have more dogs or other furry friends, you might want to consider getting an extra large dog cooling mat so they can all fit and enjoy their time together!

Ease of Cleaning

Dog cooling mats are usually easy to clean. Some cooling mats can survive a washing machine, but you can wash others by hand. However, this shouldn’t be too difficult because these mats usually have an easy-to-clean material. Using a damp cloth and some detergent should be enough.

Durability

If you’re buying a cooling mat, you’ll probably have it for several years. However, if you know that your dog likes to chew on things, you should look for a mat that has durable material to avoid buying another one after several months.

A mat’s durability also depends on how often your pet will use it. It also depends on whether your dog will share it with other furry buddies.

Additional Features

An older or injured dog will highly benefit from a cooling mat with a rubber underside, which prevents slipping. Moreover, some cooling mats are water-resistant and can act as pee pads!

If you know that your dog likes to sleep in different places, you should check if the mat you’ve chosen is easily-foldable and multi-purpose so that you can put it on the floor, sofa, or your dog’s bed.

Effectiveness

Dog cooling mats are usually pretty effective, absorbing the dog’s body heat. However, the period they can cool your dog depends on what it consists of, how large it is, and how many pets use it.

For example, if you buy a large mat, its cooling function will last longer because, when it gets warm, your dog can move to a different corner of the pad. Gel mats will self-cool once your dog leaves the pad because the gel is a pressure-activated substance that makes the pad self-rechargeable. 

Padding

If your dog is old or suffers from joint issues, cooling mats with more padding might be a better choice, as your pup will feel more comfortable.

FAQs on Canine Cooling Mats

Choosing one among the best cooling mats for dogs might be difficult, that’s for sure! After all, any decision regarding your pet is challenging because you only wish the best for it! That’s why we’ve decided to help you further and have a dedicated FAQs section, just in case you still have questions!

Are Cooling Mats for Dogs Effective?

Yes, cooling mats for dogs are effective. However, their effectiveness depends on many factors. First, it depends on what kind of cooling mat you have and how long it can stay cool. Then, it depends on how high the temperatures in your area get.

And lastly, don’t forget that each dog is unique. You may buy the best cooling pad on the market, and your dog may just not like it, so its effectiveness will drop to zero.

But why are they effective? Cooling mats consist of materials that help your dog regulate their body temperatures. For example, pressure-activated gel mats absorb the heat and self-cool within minutes of non-use.

While it may be a bit uncomfortable for your dog to leave the mat every three or four hours during the night to let it cool, it will still feel better when it’s extremely hot both inside and outside!

How Long Do Dog Cooling Mats Work?

Most dog cooling mats stay cool for approximately 3 to 4 hours. However, this highly depends on what type of mat you have. For example, gel mats will stay cooler for a longer period than fabric mats.

Moreover, it also depends on how hot it is in the room you’ve placed the pet cooling pad and on your furry friend’s body temperature. The mat will likely work for a shorter period if the temperatures are high.

If you notice your dog leaving the pad, it might mean it needs to undergo a recooling process. Gel pads are self-cooling. Other mats may require refrigeration.

Can My Dog Sleep on a Cooling Mat?

Yes, your dog can sleep on a cooling mat. However, this implies that your pup must leave the mat once every 3 to 4 hours to let it self-cool if you have a gel cooling mat.

The cooling period may not last a whole night if you have a fabric or water pad. In this case, you can get two mats, and your dog will use them interchangeably.

However, there’s one aspect to consider. If you know that your dog likes scratching and chewing on things, you should keep an eye on your fluffy friend during the first night to see if it finds the pad “chewable.”

Even though most cooling mats are non-toxic, ingesting the gel isn’t recommended. If your dog doesn’t tend to scratch or bite the mat before laying on it, there’s probably no need for further worry.

If your pup does bite the cooling bed, you might want to consider a fabric mat that doesn’t contain any liquids.

Summary

Having a cooling mat in the house during summer can make your pup feel much more comfortable; that’s a fact! It will help your fluffy friend regulate its body temperature during heat waves.

That’s why it’s essential to choose a mat that will get its job done well! Before making this decision, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as cooling method, effectiveness, and durability.

If you still haven’t chosen a product, you can check our top pick for cooling mats: TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large !