Help keep your canine cool with the best cooling mats for dogs. Whether you’re preparing for the summer, or you’re lucky enough to live somewhere that’s hot all year round, it’s important to make sure your pets are protected.
Dog cooling mats are one of the best ways to keep your pooch comfortable on hot days, giving them somewhere cool to lie down and shed that excess heat. Some use gels, some are filled with water, and some are just made from clever fabrics that wick away heat, but they all help to stop your dog from overheating.
They’re especially important for dogs with extra thick fur, or particularly energetic pups who won’t let the sun slow them down, but all dogs are thankful for a cool place to lie down on a warm day.
We’ve looked at plenty of dedicated cooling mats and picked out our favorites, but some of the best dog beds also include cooling functions too, so we’ve included a few of those in our guide. And if you have an older dog who isn’t as spry as they once were, some of the best orthopedic dog beds also have cooling tech built in too.
The best cooling mats for dogs 2024
Best overall cooling mat for dogs
This cooling pad from The Green Pet Shop is our top pick thanks to its pressure-activated gel technology, which means you don’t need to cool the pad yourself. The cooling effect is triggered when your dog lies on the bed, and it automatically recharges after 15-20 minutes of non-use.
There are a variety of sizes available, ranging from extra small (11.8" x 15.7") all the way up to extra large (27.5" x 43.3"). The mat is soft, comfortable, and durable so your dog should be able to enjoy it for years. Some pets may not like the smooth surface texture, but they also sell fabric covers as a quick and easy fix for fussy canines.
The cooling mat is also easy to clean, though it’s only recommended for indoor use and should not be put in direct sunlight — it’s built to absorb heat from your dog, not a star.
Buy it if: You want self-regulating dog cooling mat
Don’t buy it if: Your dog is fussy about textures (or just buy the cover too)
Best portable cooling mat for dogs
If you want a travel-friendly cooling mat, this vibrant option from Inspector Tailhas you covered thanks to its lightweight, foldable design and included travel bag. There are multiple size options to suit almost any dog breed too.
It has a silk top layer that feels nice and cool for your pooch to lie on, a cotton filling to absorb the heat that radiates off your dog, and mesh underside to help dissipate that heat quickly. There are no gels or other toxic substances inside, and no need for refrigeration (though you can give it a jumpstart in the fridge on a hot day).
It folds up easily and packs away into an included travel bag — perfect for a day out at the park or beach. It’s also easy to clean, either by hand or using a washing machine. This cooling dog mat has over 900 reviews and an average 4.1 rating on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why.
Buy it if: You want a portable cooling mat
Don’t buy it if: You need it for around the house (there are better options if portability isn’t a concern).
Best budget cooling mat for dogs
If you want to keep your pooch cool on a budget, this affordable dog mat from Nacaro is our recommendation. It comes in two sizes — large (27.6” x 19.7) and extra large (39.4” x 27.6”) — and both options are comfortably under $20.
This cooling mat is made from plush cotton fibers, which means no gel for your dog to try and eat when the mat gets damaged. It’s also water-resistant so it’s easy to wipe down, and it’s machine washable for when it gets really dirty.
The lack of gel, or other high-tech cooling materials does mean that it’s not going to be as effective as premium choices, but customers are largely pleased with the results, giving it a 4.1 star rating on Amazon, though negative reviews did note that it suffers from wear and tear quicker than they’d like. We’d generally recommend paying a bit more for something higher quality, but if you need a lower price option, this is a great pick.
But it if: You need a budget option
Don’t buy it if: You want something built to last
Best orthopedic cooling dog bed
Ideal for aging dogs, the Orthopedic Dog Bed from Dogbed4less combines all the benefits of pressure point relief and alignment support with a cooler sleeping surface for a more restful sleep.
It’s built from gel-infused, high density memory foam, making it colder to the touch than the traditional standard memory foam, while still providing the comfort and support you’d expect. It has a removable waterproof internal cover, which protects the foam inside, which is then topped with a Micro Suede outer cover to give your pooch a comfortable surface to rest on. The external cover is machine washable and dry-able to keep things clean, and you even get a spare cover included.
There are a variety of size options, ranging from small/medium (35” x 20” x 4”) all the way up to jumbo (55” x 47” x 4”), and while orthopedic beds are aimed at older dogs, this is a comfortable, premium dog bed that’s suitable for any pampered pooch.
But it if: Your dog suffers from joint or muscle pain
Don’t buy it if: You’re on a budget
Best elevated cooling dog bed
Whether you're concerned with ground heat or dirty paws, opting for a good cooling elevated dog bed is a smart choice. By keeping your dog off the hot summer ground, you increase the surface area that they can lose heat by. The K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed is made from nylon, which holds up well to wear and tear and is breathable in hot temperatures.
The bed is easy to assemble, and there are a variety of sizes and designs to choose from. The fabric center means that larger, or boisterous dogs might cause the stitching to pull apart over time, so make sure you get a large enough model to support your dog. Aggressive chewers can also make light work of the nylon, so this isn’t a great choice for them either. Otherwise, this is an excellent cooling option that doubles up as a regular bed for your pooch too.
But it if: You want a cooling bed, rather than just a mat.
Don’t buy it if: You have a large dog
Best cooling mat for large dogs
Bedsure makes mattresses for us fussy humans, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to comfort, making this dog bed the Cadillac of canine comfort. It comes in a bunch of size options, but we’re particularly interested in the jumbo option (55” x 44” x 4”) which is great for large dog breeds.
Made from high-density egg crate foam, this deluxe bed is super comfortable for all dogs, but the foam is especially good at distributing weight evenly, offering pressure relief to reduce joint pain and arthritis discomfort in older dogs.
When it comes to temperature control, it has a party trick too — a two-sided design, offering a plush fleece material to keep your dog warm in winter, and a soft oxford fabric on the reverse to keep them cool in summer. There is also a waterproof inner liner, and the outer cover is machine washable and tumble dryer safe for easy cleaning.
But it if: You want a premium cooling bed
Don’t buy it if: You’re on a budget
How to choose the best cooling mat for dogs
Easy to clean
Once placed on the ground, dog mats tend to pick up a lot of hair, dirt and dust, while any bed-like design is always prone to toilet accidents.
Any great cooling mat for dogs should be easy to clean, whether that's using a damp cloth or a washing machine.
Size
Dog mats typically come in a variety of sizes. You'll want to pick one that's large enough for your pooch or get one that's large enough so that multiple pets can use it at the same time. Be sure to check any dimensions before you buy, especially if you're looking to use your mat inside a kennel or crate.
Ease of use
If you're fortunate to live somewhere particularly sunny, you may want to bring out the cooling bed frequently. Can the mat be set up and dismantled again with ease? If ease of use is most important to you, look for mats that don't require electricity, water, or refrigeration.
Portability
Are you a keen traveler? Then the ability to roll or fold your mat down becomes an important consideration when choosing the best cooling mat for dogs. Water-filled cooling mats or beds can become heavy and difficult to move. Opt for a lightweight option instead that can withstand the elements.
Durability
If your dog is particularly destructive, you may want to choose a sturdy bed that can withstand scratching, chewing, and biting. Shelving out good money means you expect the product to be long-lasting and to be used time and time again.
Comfort
If your dog will be spending a lot of time on their mat, you should make sure it is comfortable enough for them. Some mats have more padding and softer outer material than others.
Non-toxic materials
Make sure the mat you choose is suitable for your dog and made from non-toxic materials. Nylon holds up well to wear and tear and is breathable. Avoid mats made with latex, plastic, rubber, or foam as they tend to sweat and trap moisture.
Do cooling mats for dogs work?
We all want our best friend’s to be comfortable during the warm summer months, so we talked to Dr Rebecca MacMillan about the benefits of cooling mats and asked how effective they actually are.
“Cooling mats are definitely a useful tool when it comes to keeping your canine companion cool during the summer months. Most cooling beds have an interior that contains a layer of special cooling gel or water. This acts to draw heat away from your dog’s body as they lay on it, in a similar way that lying on a cold tiled floor does.” explains Dr MacMillan.
When using a cooling mat, there are some things to consider though, namely making sure you get your dog a big enough mat. Dr MacMillan says it’s vital to “choose a cooling mat that is large enough for your dog to stretch out fully on so that the maximum area of their body can contact it.”
Cooling mats have other benefits too. They’re often more comfortable for your dog to lie on, compared to the hard ground. They’re also typically portable, so you can take them out with you during picnics or trips to the beach.
As a final piece of advice, Dr MacMillan says that “As well as a cooling mat, you should always ensure that your dog has fresh water, access to shade, and is not exercised too much during hot weather, to keep them safe.”
Types of cooling dog mat
There are typically two different types of cooling technology used in dog mats or beds: cooling gels and cooling fabrics.
A gel cooling dog mat, pad, or bed usually works by becoming activated by pressure once your pooch sits or lies on it. Once activated, the mat or pad absorbs heat from your pet, then recharges and chills once your pet leaves.
Alternatives include beds made from a special, pressure activated cooling fabric, which is designed to absorb heat from your pet and dissipate it into the environment. There are also elevated dog beds, which also use fabrics, but rely on a lack of contact with the hot summer ground to keep your pooch cooler.
