Dogs · Product picks
The Best Cooling Mats for Dogs
The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad is our top pick. See four cooling mats and beds compared, plus how to choose one and use it safely in hot weather.
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For most dogs, the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad is a good place to start. It needs no water or power, and it comes in five sizes. A cooling mat adds comfort on hot days, but it does not replace water or shade. This guide compares four mats and beds.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overall: The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad
- Best water-filled mat: K&H Coolin’ Pet Pad
- Best for big dogs: Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Pad
- Best for joint support: K&H Coolin’ Comfort Bed
The best cooling mats for dogs
Best overallPhoto: The Green Pet ShopCooling mats for dogs
Cool Pet Pad
Best for: Dogs of almost any size
The brand says this gel mat turns on when your dog lies on it. It cools for up to 3 hours, then recharges after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use. It comes in five sizes, from XS for pets up to 8 pounds to XL for pets over 80 pounds. Skip it if your dog chews or scratches a lot. The brand says it is made for indoor use and warns against leaving it with pets that do.
- Pro: Five sizes, from 11.8 x 15.7 inches to 27.5 x 43.3 inches
- Pro: Cools for up to 3 hours, then recharges after 15-20 minutes of non-use
- Pro: Wipes clean and folds up
- Con: Made for indoor use and not for dogs that chew or scratch a lot
- Con: Heat and direct sun reduce how well it cools
Best water-filled matPhoto: K&H Pet ProductsCooling mats for dogs
K&H Coolin' Pet Pad
Best for: Owners who want a gel-free, travel-friendly pad
K&H says you fill this pad with water. It has no toxic gels and needs no power or fridge. It is light, so it is easy to take on trips, and it comes in four sizes. K&H says it works best on a hard floor and not on carpet. It also stays at room temperature instead of getting colder. Skip it if you want a mat that feels cool to the touch.
- Pro: No toxic gels, and no power or fridge needed
- Pro: Lightweight and easy to travel with
- Pro: Four sizes, from 11 x 15 inches to 27 x 38 inches
- Con: Cools by moving heat into the air, so it stays at room temperature
- Con: Works best on a hard floor, not carpet, and must be hand-cleaned
Best for big dogsPhoto: Arf PetsCooling mats for dogs
Self-Cooling Solid Gel Pad
Best for: Large dogs and big crates
Arf Pets says this solid gel pad stays cool for up to 3 hours and recharges in as little as 15 minutes. It is made of soft, puncture-resistant gel and comes in three sizes, up to 35 by 55 inches. That makes it a fit for big dogs and large crates. Skip it for a small dog, since the smallest size is 23 by 35 inches. The brand’s page also lists no warranty details.
- Pro: Sizes up to 35 x 55 inches
- Pro: Cools for up to 3 hours and recharges in as little as 15 minutes
- Pro: Soft, puncture-resistant gel that cleans with soap and water
- Con: The brand's page gives no warranty details
- Con: Smallest size is 23 x 35 inches
Best for joint supportPhoto: K&H Pet ProductsCooling dog beds
K&H Coolin' Comfort Bed
Best for: Older dogs that need a cool, cushioned place to rest
This is a water-filled bed with a thick orthopedic foam core. K&H says it works indoors and out and has a two-year limited warranty. It suits an older dog that needs a cool, cushioned place to lie down. Skip it for a dog that likes to dig or chew. K&H says it is not puncture-proof and does not recommend it for destructive pets.
- Pro: Orthopedic foam core for support
- Pro: Comes with a two-year limited warranty
- Pro: No weight limit, according to K&H
- Con: Not puncture-proof, and K&H does not recommend it for destructive pets
- Con: You have to fill it with 6 to 24 quarts of water, depending on size
How to choose a cooling mat for dogs
How cooling mats work
The AKC describes three common kinds. Pressure-activated gel mats cool as your dog lies on them and recharge after your dog gets up. Some mats are chilled in the fridge first. Others have inserts you freeze. Cooling time and strength differ from one product to the next.
Not every mat uses gel. The K&H products on this list use water instead. K&H says they cool by drawing heat from your dog and letting it go into the air.
Pick the right size
The AKC says the mat should fit your dog. A small dog can use a big mat, but a big dog cannot use a small one. Check the size chart on the brand’s page. The Green Pet Shop, for example, lists a weight range for each size.
Look at the material
The AKC says tough materials like nylon resist tearing and biting. Soft cotton covers can tear open and expose the gel. This matters most for puppies and chewers. Brands also differ on where you can use a mat, so check whether it is made for indoors, outdoors or both.
Think about where it will go
K&H says its Coolin’ Pet Pad works best on wood, tile or another hard surface, because carpet holds heat. The Green Pet Shop says to keep its pad out of direct sun, hot cars and hot air. Heat makes it cool less well.
Check the care steps
Most of these products clean by hand. The Green Pet Shop says to use a soft cloth and mild soap, then let it dry fully. K&H says not to machine-wash its pads or bed.
Safety tips
- Don’t count on a mat to prevent heatstroke. The AKC says a cooling mat is not a substitute for fresh water, shade, sun protection or breaks. Keep water out for your dog.
- Watch dogs that overheat easily. The AKC lists puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs and short-snouted breeds as higher risk. It also lists dogs with heart disease and some other health problems. Ask your vet how to keep them safe in the heat.
- Know the signs of heatstroke. The AKC lists heavy panting, fast breathing, heavy drooling, red gums, hot skin, restlessness and unsteadiness. Later signs include pale or bluish gums, weakness, collapse and tremors.
- If you suspect heatstroke, act fast. The AKC says to move your dog somewhere cool, wet them with cool water (not ice or very cold water) and use a fan. Call your vet or go to a clinic, and keep cooling your dog on the way. See a vet even if your dog seems to recover.
- Stop chewing early. The AKC says a dog that chews through a cover can make a mess. If your dog swallows part of a mat, call your vet. The Green Pet Shop says to take your pet in if it eats any part of its pad. Don’t leave chewers alone with a mat.
- Check for damage. Put a mat away if it has rips or leaks. K&H says its bed is not puncture-proof, so keep your dog’s nails trimmed and check under the bed for moisture.
- Watch the temperature. K&H says to use its bed only below 100°F and never let it freeze.
For more ways to keep a dog cool and drinking on warm days, see our guide to the best dog water bottles for walks. If your dog rests in a crate, see the best dog crates.
Common questions
Do cooling mats for dogs really work?
They can help a dog rest more comfortably in warm weather, but the AKC says a mat is not a substitute for water, shade, sun protection or breaks. Cooling time and strength vary by product.
Are cooling mats safe if my dog chews them?
Not always. The AKC says the gel should be non-toxic, but a dog that chews through the cover can make a mess, and it suggests tough materials for chewers. The Green Pet Shop says to take your dog to a vet if it swallows any part of its pad.
Which dogs benefit most from a cooling mat?
The AKC lists senior dogs, short-snouted breeds, double-coated breeds, overweight dogs and dogs with breathing or heart problems. Ask your vet how to keep these dogs cool.
Can a cooling mat treat heatstroke?
No. If your dog may have heatstroke, move them somewhere cool, wet them with cool water and call your vet right away. The AKC says to see a vet after any heatstroke episode.