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(Last Updated On: )Dogs can overheat fairly easily during the summer season but using a cooling mat will transfer the heat away from their body. The two most common types are water-filled and gel pads that both do a great job.
The best cooling mat for dogs is the Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad that uses patented pressure technology to activate the gel on contact for up to 4 hours.
It is impossible for a dog to tell you that they are hot but providing them with an area that they cool down in is the best thing you can do. The cooling mat does exactly that but you can also add other cooling products and cold water nearby too.
Table of Contents
Best Cooling Pads For Dogs 2020
| Cooling Mat | Type | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| The Green Pet Shop | Gel | 5 |
| Arf Pets Mat | Gel | 3 |
| Chillz Pressure Activated Pad | Gel | 3 |
| K&H Cool Bed | Water | 3 |
| AKC Cooling Mat | Gel | 3 |
Cooling pads use the latest thermal technology to transfer the heat from your dog to the cooler mat with some mats doing this heat exchange better than other examples. You have the choice of a water-filled or automatic gel cooling mat with the latter being the most popular but also the most expensive.
The thermal efficiency does vary massively with some mats able to provide the cooling effect for up to 4 hours whereas others can only manage 2 hours.
Investing in a cooling mat that will make your dog happy during the heat is highly recommended. Below is a list of the best cooling mats for dogs that will quickly transfer heat from the dog to the mat.
The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Pad
The Green Pet Shop cooling mat for dogs is a premium example that is activated through pressure where the gel will continue to work for up to 4 hours. There is no water or refrigeration required as this will automatically cool down your dog.
This dog cooling pad is available in 5 different sizes and will fold down easily for storage. In terms of the recharging phase, it will only take approximately 15 to 20 minutes in order to return to maximum cooling for the dog.
Although The Green Pet Shop cooling mat is expensive, it is also by far the most popular in the US. It is the best cooling mat for dogs and has an extended cooling time at 4 hours, which is great for long hot days.
Check it OutArf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat
The Arf Pets cooling mat is constructed of non-toxic and latex-free material and provides 3 hours of cooling for your dog. It also recharges again ready for cooling within 15 to 20 minutes and works for both your dog and yourself.
It is available in three different sizes to fit your dog and the material is easily foldable but still retains its shape. As its self-charging, there is no messing around with putting in the refrigerated or plugging it into an AC outlet and it will work instantly.
The Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat is a great all-rounder and ticks every box in terms of cooling your dog down efficiently. It is however slightly on the expensive side, otherwise, it would be as popular as the two above.
Check it OutChillz Pressure Activated Dog Cooling Gel Pad
The cheaper alternative to the Green Pet Shop is the Chillz, which again is a pressure-activated cooling mat for dogs. There are three sizes based upon the size of your dog, which is suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
Unlike some of the cheaper gel cooling mats, this mat uses a non-toxic gel, which is great in case your dog bites through the material. However, it is highly unlikely they will come into contact with the gel as it punctures resistance.
Overall, it is a great alternative to do the Green Pet Shop but at a much cheaper price. It may not provide enough hours of cooling but its highly unlikely that your dog will sit on the mat for that long.
Check it OutK&H Pet Products Dog Cool Bed III
In terms of comfort, the water cooling mat will always win and this K&H example can hold a large amount of water. The more water you add, the more cushion the pad will have for the dog to get comfortable. To add water, it is as simple as removing the fill cap and adding water with the option of adjusting the comfort with the valve.
Overall, it is the best water filled dog cooling mat you can buy and works well to cool down your dog fast and effectively.
Check it OutAKC Cooling Mats for Dogs
The mat itself is water-resistant and has a clever coating that makes it repel dirt, which makes cleaning the mat that much easier. It is available in three different sizes and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Overall, it is the best cheap cooling mat for dogs and will cool your dog down just as well as the more expensive alternatives.
Check it OutCooling Mat For Dogs Buying Guide
Just like a human being, it is very important to ensure that your dog is comfortable during the warm weather. The best way to go about this is to get the best dog cooling mat that is available so that they can lay down on it in order to cool down.
How Do They Work?
Understanding how a dog cooling pad works will further encourage you to get one for your dog. In short, it transfers thermal energy to another cooler object, which is also known as “conduction”. Therefore, the dog that is struggling with the heat will sit on the cooling mat and the heat will move from the dog into the cooling mat.
With a large number of different products on the market to cool your dog down, it’s hard to find one that works well. The cooling mat is the better option as all the dog needs to do is sit on it. There is a variety of cooling mats available below that are some of the different types.
Automatic Gel Cooling
This one of the most popular dog cooling mat that is available but also one of the most expensive. The mat works with pre-filled cooling gel and uses technology that provides the cooling effects to the dog. They are usually very soft and comfortable to the dogs and retains much of the cooling for long periods of time.
Water Filled
The way this mat works is very simple you just fill it with water and put it in a freezer or fridge to cool. One of the major drawbacks of this cooling mat is that once in a while it might need to be placed in a fridge. You also need to take good care of the mat since a little teething will make it leak and get ruined very easily.
Elevated
The elevated mat might come in handy when you have dogs that live outside the house. It is just like any other elevated dog bed with the only difference being the mat that helps the dog to cool the temperature during hot weather. The one advantage of the elevated mat over the rest of the mat is that it is raised which means that it will always be dry regardless of whether there is water on the floor or not.
Memory Foam
The memory foam type is the best cooling mat for many older dogs because of the fact that they have the capability of taking the shape of the dog. This makes the older dog feel more comfortable as it supports the weak joints. It is among the durable and comfortable cooling mat for the dog.
The bed works with a microgel bead that gives it the capability to be cool for a long time. This mat does not need to be put in the fridge as it retains the much-needed coolness when the dog gets off it.
Other Factors To Consider
The size of your dog will determine which kind of mat to go for from the above-mentioned mats. The mats come in different sizes and shapes and it is up to the user to get the one that not only is it comfortable to the dog but fits them well.
Pick a cooling mat for your dog that is easy to clean and store away. Some dog cooling mats can even be washed using the washing machine, which comes in handy.
Durability plays a big factor as many dogs may chew on the cooling pads, which can become a problem. Not only is it a choking hazard but if they bite into the gel pads, it can make your dog quite ill.
Alternative Methods To Cool Your Dog Down
If you see that your dog is struggling in the heat, you will want to ensure they are kept as cool as possible. The last thing you will want is for your dog to have a heat stroke and many dogs suffer worse in the heat than others. Certain breeds to watch out for in the heat include:
- Pugs
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Boston Terrier
- … and many more
Dark coloration and short noses are two of the main features of a dog that suffer badly from the heat. Alongside one of our recommended cooling mats for dogs, you can also place a fan point towards the cooling mat, placing their toys in the fridge to give to them and even a cold wet towel for them to sit in.
Conclusion
Considering that a dog cooling mat is relatively cheap to buy, it seems silly not to own one. They are easy to put in storage and maintain and they can easily be taken anywhere with you where your dog might suffer from overheating. Any of the recommendations within this article will do an excellent job of cooling down your dog but be sure to check the sizes as they do vary.
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)
