1. Chillz Cooling Pad
Key Features
Big enough to suit most breeds
Pressure-activated gel
Durable fabric coating
Folds flat for easy storage
A large pet cooling mat filled with a pressure-activated gel that effectively absorbs body heat and cools your pooch down. It measures 36 inches by 20 inches and will suit most breeds. When you are not using it, it folds up for convenient storage.
This pet cooling mat is extremely lightweight and portable but is durable thanks to the puncture-resistant coating material. Inside, the gel provides a very effective cooling surface but is non-toxic and completely safe for dogs. You don’t need to pre-chill the mat in the freezer or wet it with water. It works without electricity or batteries. When the gel stops working, simply allow it to air cool and recharge.
2. Cool Pet Pad Revolutionary Self-Cooling Cushion
Key Features
Self-recharging cooling pad
Sizes available to suit all breeds
Can be used in the car
No water or power source needed
For dogs that struggle on the hottest days, this is the perfect solution. This dog cooling mat is available in five sizes and can be used in the home on the floor, sofa or crate. It can also be used out in the garden or in the car. The pad contains an innovative gel that stays cold for up to three hours. You don’t need to be near a water or electricity supply to use it.
It starts to work as soon as your dog lies on it and recharges itself when it is not being used.
3. K&H Pet Products Cooling Dog Bed
Key Features
Cooling water bed
Available in three sizes
No weight limit
Only needs to be filled once
This water bed is highly effective at removing heat from your pet’s body. When you first purchase it, you need to fill it with water but then it just keeps on working and you don’t need to refill it. If you also add the non-toxic anti-bacterial grapefruit seed extract, it will prevent bacterial growth in the water. It takes body heat from your dog and converts it to room temperature. This provides a lasting cooling effect for your pooch. A medium sized bed takes around two or three gallons but you can experiment with the quantity to find what your dog finds most comfortable.
It comes in three different sizes and two colors and there is no weight limit so even the heaviest breeds can use it safely. It’s made from highly durable nylon-vinyl fabric and can be used indoors and outdoors. It works best when placed on linoleum, tiles or concrete. To clean it, you simply wipe it down with mild detergent and dry with a towel.
4. Dogbed4less Dog Cooling Pad
Key Features
Made from thick memory foam
Infused with cooling gel
Ant-bacterial and anti-mold
Comfortable velour top
Available in three attractive colors and five large sizes, this is a thick memory foam that has a four pound density rating and is designed to put inside crates to help your dog get better sleep and rest. The top layer is made from 300g velour fleece which is both durable and comfortable. The underside is made from waterproof rubber which will not slip and protects delicate floor surfaces from damage caused by accidents and leakages. You can use it as a topper for other beds too.
The memory foam is infused with a cooling gel which will keep your pooch comfortable as they sleep. It has been pretreated with antimicrobial substances so it is resistant to staining by bacterial growth and mold. It is also excellent at concealing shedding. It is important to note that the material is not chew-proof. It is washable using a garden hose and mild detergent and retains its shape well. It needs to be air dried.
5. Pet Fit For Life Cooling Gel Pad for Dogs
Key Features
Compact, circular pad
Can be cooled or heated
Cooled in the fridge
Fleece cover can be machine washed
Featuring a very soft fleece cover, this is a cute circular mat with an attractive paw print design. It can be heated up in the microwave to keep your dog warm or cooled in the fridge to keep your dog cool on hot days. It’s very comfortable to encourage dogs to lie on it but it can also be used in another bed.
When you need to clean it, you simply remove the fleece cover which is secured with Velcro. This can be machine washed repeatedly and is very durable. The gel pad inside can be wiped over with a damp cloth and some mild detergent.
6. Icy Cools CoolDog Dog Cooling Pad
Key Features
Contains only purified water
Several mats fit together with Velcro
Non-slip rubber cover underneath
This product uses the power of ice to keep your pooch cool but it can also be heated up and used as a warming pad if you need to. It has an upper layer made from canvas with an attractive print design of little puppies. The lower cover is made from rubber which prevents the mat from sliding.
A single mat is 24 inches by 12 inches which will suit most medium-sized breeds but you are able to link several together using the Velcro tabs and this makes a larger mat. The inserts contain only purified water and are completely safe for your dog because there are no dyes or gels that could harm them. It rolls up into a very small space so you can store it in your freezer.
Best Dog Cooling Pads Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for in a Cooling Pad
There are plenty of dog cooling pads to choose from and it can be hard to make the right choice. Here are the main things to look out for.
- Is it the right size?
You need a cooling pad that your dog can fit the whole of their body on. This will produce the most effective cooling effect. You may have particular size requirements so it will fit in a dog crate or bed. For more options head over to our guide on dog beds.
Most cooling mats are available in several sizes so just choose what suits you. Some smaller ones can be fitted together with Velcro to make a bigger pad.
- How does it cool your dog down?
Cooling pads work in different ways. Some have a cooling gel pad inside them that gets cold when pressure is applied to it. Others need to be cooled in a freezer or filled with water.
Those that require no freezing or water are most convenient and easier for you! They just recharge themselves when your dog is not lying on it.
- How long will it stay cold?
This is an important consideration, especially if you are traveling. Some of the better gel pads stay cold for up to three hours. Pads that have ice in them may not stay cold for so long.
- Is it safe for your dog?
The main danger is that your dog will chew the pad. Therefore, it needs to be made from non-toxic materials. Some products specify that they are not suitable for dogs that chew so look out for that in the dog cooling pad reviews!
Slipping is another possible hazard so look out for pads that have a non-slip backing.
- Can you wash it?
Inevitably, something that a dog lies on is going to get dirty so cleaning is an important issue. Look for products that you can easily wipe clean.
If they have a soft fabric cover, it’s best if this can be removed and popped in the washing machine.
The Importance of Keeping Your Dog Cool
Over-heating in dogs is a very serious issue and sadly dogs die every year from heatstroke. It is important that you know what this is and how to stop it by keeping your dog cool.
Hyperthermia is a medical term for being too hot. This happens when the body temperature rises above what is considered safe and normal. For a dog, any temperature above 103 degrees F would be considered abnormal. Dogs can get hyperthermia when they have an infection (a fever) or when they are exposed to ambient temperatures that are too hot for them to cope with.
Heat stroke happens when a dog that does not have a fever gets too hot and their temperature exceeds 106 degrees F. It can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Excessive exercise can contribute to non-fever hyperthermia.
Heat-stroke is most common in breeds that have long-hair and in those that have short flat faces. These are often known as the brachycephalic breeds. Dogs cool down by losing heat from their respiratory system when they pant so if they have a short nose they lose less heat.
You may also like our article on Dog Thermometers.
When It Is Very Important to Keep Your Dog Cool
This is something you should always bear in mind but there are times when it is even more important.
- When the outside or inside temperature is very hot.
- When it is very humid.
- When your dog cannot breathe properly due to an upper airway disease such as an infection.
- When your dog has an underlying disease that makes it harder for them to cool down. This includes paralysis of the larynx, heart disease, nervous system disease, muscular disease.
- When exercising vigorously.
- When your dog is very young or very old.
- When your dog has just moved to a hot climate.
- When your dog is overweight.
- When traveling in the car.
- When your dog is left alone for long periods.
Signs of Overheating in Dogs
Overheating is very dangerous for dogs. They cannot sweat and have a limited capability for cooling themselves down. It is important that you know how to spot the signs of overheating in your dog so that you can do something about it.
The Mains Signs of Overheating in Dogs
Here are the main signs that you may spot.
- Panting that is heavier than normal
- Excessive drooling – this is called ptyalism
- Gums and tongue appearing bright red
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
- Blood in the poop
- Difficulty breathing
- Wobbly and uncoordinated walking
- Seizures and muscle tremors
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness in which your dog cannot be woken up
- Heart stopping (cardiopulmonary arrest)
What to Do If Your Dog Overheats
The first thing you must do is get your dog to a vet. However, heat stroke can kill a dog very quickly so you need to take some emergency action whilst you are getting there or waiting for your transport.
- External cooling techniques. Spray your dog with cool (not cold) water or dip their whole body in cool water. Wrap their whole body in a cool, wet towel. Put them in front of a fan or an air-conditioning unit.
- Evaporative cooling techniques. If you can get some isopropyl alcohol, dab it onto their foot pads, the groin area and under the forelegs.
- Do not use cold water. Cold water can actually make things worse. It will make the small blood vessels near the skin surface constrict. This stops the flow of blood to the skin and makes it even harder for your dog to cool down. Shivering is not good either at it creates internal heat.
- Take it easy. Very rapidly lowering the temperature is not safe for your dog. This process needs to be carried out gradually. Let your dog drink if they want to but don’t force it on them.
Once you get to the vet, they will take over and there are other techniques that they can use. They will continually monitor your dog’s rectal temperature at this time.
Sadly, permanent organ damage is a possibility. Dogs that have had heatstroke can get a blood-clotting disorder and kidney failure. They can also suffer from a fluid build-up in the brain. Your vet will need to carry out tests to check for these complications. They may need blood tests and an electrocardiogram. They may also need intravenous fluids. It is likely that they will need to stay at the vet’s surgery for a few days.
For more options, check out our detailed review of Dog Cooling Vests.
Other Ways to Cool the Dog in Summer
Keeping your dog cool in the summer is not just about keeping them comfortable. You could be saving their life! Over-heating is a life-threatening condition in dogs and owners need to be aware of the dangers.
Here are the main ways in which you can keep your pooch cool when the temperatures soar.
- Avoid car dangers
It is never safe to leave your dog in the car. Even if you think it is not that hot and even if you intend to be away from your vehicle for just a few minutes, it is not safe. Temperatures can rise very rapidly inside a car and it can easily reach temperatures in excess of 102 degrees F even when the outside temperature is around 85 degrees F. It takes just 10 minutes to do this even if the window is slightly open. Within half an hour, the internal temperature could have reached 120 degrees F.
Even when you are in the car, it can get too hot for dogs. If you don’t have efficient air-conditioning in your vehicle, it may be safer to leave your dog at home.
- Avoid house dangers
Houses and apartments can also get very hot. Remember, if you shut your dog in a particular room of the house when you are out, the sun shining through the window can make it heat up rapidly. It may be better to allow your dog to roam around the house so that they can find a cool spot. Giving them access to the outside may also be a good idea. Another alternative is a cooling fan, an air-conditioning unit or simply opening a window.
- Avoid exercise
Sadly, many dogs will literally exercise themselves to death when the weather is hot. Therefore, only take them out in the cooler parts of the day i.e. early in the morning or later at night. Make sure you take water with you and stop for frequent rests in shady areas.
High humidity is a real danger for dogs because they may not be able to pant enough to cool themselves. Panting relies on evaporation and when it’s humid, very little evaporation takes place!
- Watch out for the sidewalks
Concrete and paving can get very hot in the strong sunlight. It can reach temperatures where it is hot enough to actually burn your dog’s feet. Before you set off, check the sidewalk with your hand. If it is uncomfortable for you to touch, it will be uncomfortable for your pooch. You may want to invest in some dog boots but try to do most of your walking on grass.
- Keep in the shade
Bright sunlight makes the ambient temperatures rise very quickly so try to head for shaded areas. This may be a good time to choose a forest walk under the trees rather than on an open beach where there is little shade. If you stop to rest, make sure there is a cool and shady area for your dog to lie down.
Find out more about Dog Hats here.
- Set up your garden
Your dog may love to spend time with you in the garden in the summer so get it set up to suit them. Make sure that there is a bowl of fresh water at all times. Remember that outdoor kennels can get very hot so think about where you are positioning it. They also don’t allow the air to circulate so a shady patch under a tree would be cooler.
- Hydration
It is essential that your dog is adequately hydrated when it is hot so they need plenty of water. At home, make sure that a bowl of fresh water is always available. Think about investing in a pet fountain or a bowl with a reservoir that tops up with cool, fresh water. You could also pop some ice cubes in the water to cool it down. Don’t forget to take water with you when you are out and about as well as a travel bowl. Take a look at our reviews of dog water fountains and dog water bottles for more options.
Cool treats that are full of moisture can also help. Try popping some tasty treats inside ice cubes or freeze one of your dog’s chew toys. Check out our guide on the best dog chews for more info.
- Know your dog
No one knows your dog as well as you do. Therefore, you are best placed to spot the signs of heatstroke and do something about it.
You should also know if your dog is more at risk. Grooming a dog with long hair can help because mats and tangles just hold in the heat. However, don’t rush out and get your dog shaved without talking to your vet! Some dog coats actually help them to stay cool in the summer.
Some breeds, such as those with snub-noses cannot lose so much heat from their respiratory system and are therefore more at risk in hot weather. Senior dogs, obese dogs and those with heart or breathing problems are also more likely to get heatstroke.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick best cooling mat for dogs is a very convenient product that comes in three sizes. It has a special gel that cools automatically and does not need to be refrigerated. You don’t need electricity or water to use it!
There’s a puncture-resistant fabric encasing the gel which is non-toxic and completely free from latex. It stays cold for up to three hours and then recharges in 15-20 minutes.
To clean it you simply wipe it down and it folds flat for storage.
