Chillax on these cooling mats for dogs

You may think your four-legged friend's as cool as a cucumber, but as temperatures rise they'll probably start to feel a little hot under the collar. Although pooches are pretty good at regulating their own temperatures, if they're panting and restless they certainly won't be turning their noses up at one of these cooling mats for dogs.

Hot days are made safer and more comfortable with cooling mats, which help to prevent overheating and heatstroke, and are also a great place for your pup to recharge and catch some Zs. Cooling mats for dogs can be placed wherever your furry friend likes to hang out - whether that's inside their crate, on a cozy basket on the floor, or outside on the patio (just make sure it's not in direct sunlight). Some are even designed to be folded up and transported, as well as used in cars to cool your dog down or be taken to the beach.

So, when the kitchen tiles just aren't enough, we've compiled a list of the best cooling mats for dogs currently available. Let's cool off and find out which of these pet pads and beds could be your dogs next cooling pad.

Best dog cooling mat overall

Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Mat

Hot dogs can stay cool for up to three hours on one of the best cooling mat for dogs. The ARF Pets Self-Cooling mat is a pressure-activated cooling mat which automatically recharges ready for use again in just 15 minutes. The cooling mat's special gel technology means there's no need for batteries, freezer, or refrigeration. But, you can pop this cooling pad in the refrigerator to make it extra cold for pawticularly hot days.

Although the ARF Pets Self-Cooling mat is comfortable enough for pets to sleep on, it's safe to put something soft underneath the mat if you're worried it's too thin. Remember to always supervise your furry friend when they're first introduced to their cool new mat as they may want to investigate with their teeth or claws! 

However, this dog cooling pad is easy to remove dirt from with light cleaning, offers support for both small and large breeds, and can be used indoors and outdoors (so long as it has access to a plug socket).

Best large dog cooling mat

Verybang Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large

If your best bud is a big breed, getting hot and bothered during the summer months can be extra uncomfortable. The self-cooling gel in this extra large cooling mat is activated as soon as your fur baby steps onto it, absorbing their body heat and helping to bring down their temperature. The mat can be placed wherever your pooch pal likes to rest their head - be it on the sofa or inside their crate, and it can be folded up in a flash if you want to take it on the road with you.

Best travel dog cooling mat

Green Pet Shop Cooling Pet Pad

If you're packing for a trip, this lightweight, foldable cool mat for dogs is the ideal summer vacation gift for your furry friend. The award-winning cushion comes in a range of sizes, each of which contains patented cooling gel that's activated when your furry friend puts pressure on it and automatically recharges after 20 minutes of non-use.

This is great for both indoor and outdoor use, the nylon covering on this dog cooling mat is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth, and an additional machine-washable mat cover can also be purchased.

Best outdoor cooling mat for dogs

Chillz Dog Cooling Mat

If you're looking for a really cool mat, Chillz cooling dog mat is the pawfect hangout spot for unwinding al fresco. Pressure-activated cooling beads get to work lowering your pooch pal's temperature as soon as they hop onto the mat, keeping cool for up to three hours and recharging when pressure is no longer applied.

This pet mat can be folded up and moved around with ease, and the scratch-resistant material is soft on the paws and wipes clean after any mishaps. Hot tip: place this cool mat on something soft or cushioned, as it's only 0.2 inches thick. 

Best budget cooling mat

Tingor Cooling Pad

Stay calm, cool, and collected with this budget self-cooling mat, made from quilted ice silk material on one side and breathable, slip-resistant mesh fabric on the other. Free from polymers and glue, this mat is 100% safe for pooch pals and their pet parents (although you're less likely to be found chowing down on this in the middle of the night or in their crates). This cooling mat is easy to fold away and store when not in use, and it can be wiped down, hand washed, or even thrown in the washing machine when it starts getting a bit mucky.

Our checklist for the best dog cooling mats

While all of the cooling mats on this list have been tried and tested by some really clever canines, we have our own checklist for pet parents who are unsure about which one to purchase. Your cooling pad will need to be adapted to your dog's needs, just like all other pet products. Of course, price will always play a part in this, but here's what else you need to consider before the summer heat rolls in.

Does the cooling pad work?

It's not just about playing it cool, cooling pads for dogs have a very important job - to lower your pup's body temperature. You can choose how this happens - some cooling mats are filled with water, some are made from special materials to keep your pup cold, and some have a special cooling gel inside. Many cooling mats can also be popped into the fridge or freezer to make them ice cold, and they always work best when they're placed in a shaded area. Note that a cooling mat is just one way to keep your dog cool when it's hot, check out our article on the topic for further advice. 

Best water-filled cooling dog bed

K & H Pet Products Cool Bed III

Hot hounds can keep it cool whilst lounging on this water-filled cooling dog bed. To set up this pet cooling pad just pour the desired amount of water through the nozzle with no refrigeration needed. The more water you add, the comfier the bed will be. This cooling dog bed can stay put even if your pooch takes a running jump at it, that includes large dogs too.

Sadly this isn't the most portable of pet products and not recommended for car use, and it should be drained completely to make it more portable when traveling. The soft nylon cover is mould and mildew-resistant but we still recommend letting it air dry when it's not in use.

Best orthopaedic cooling dog bed

Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed

Chilling out on an orthopaedic dog cooling pad is the ultimate afternoon activity, especially for senior dogs with arthritis, joint, or bone conditions that struggle to stand after they lay down. Your furry friend's weight is distributed evenly over the comfortable cushioning memory foam mattress, and cooling gel technology helps to keep your furry friend from becoming too hot as they snooze the day away.

The Pro-Charcoal HD Foam base is non-slip so energetic pups won't go flying, and it also absorbs odours to keep everything furry fresh. As a self-cooling pad, this also removes the hassle of waiting for the pad to freeze up and is safe to leave alone with your pooch during the day. This makes them great for most dog crates indoors or outdoors.

Durability

We chose these cool mats for dogs based on their sturdiness and whether they could handle chewing, shredding, and a bit of rough and tumble. However, no product can be completely pup-proof so pet parents should always keep an eye on your furry friend when they're using a dog cooling mat, especially for the first time. 

To protect your pooch whilst keeping them cool in summer, do your research to find the ideal fit for you pupper. Large dogs who take hours to wear out will need something tough which may have a higher price attached to it for added pressure. Senior dogs, or those with joint problems, will need a cooling pad that is comfortable that can deal with hours of wear from sleeping and snoozing.

Easy to clean

Our furry friends probably won't be too fussed if their cooling mat has a bit of dirt on it, but for pet parents cleaning will definitely be a priority. Most dog cooling mats are easy to wipe clean, and some can even be popped into the washing machine. Be sure to check if the cooling pad contains any particular substances or if they just need water, this will determine how your dog cooling pad can be cleaned.

Cozy rating

These mats have been given the paw of approval by pups who keep going back to them again and again, not only because they help keep them cool, but also because they're comfy. If you decide to go for one of the thinner cooling mats for dogs, it's worth placing it on top of something soft and cushiony.

Most mats come in at least three sizes including medium and XL for those larger dog breeds, and can be popped into indoor dog crates too.

Keep hot dogs cool as a cucumber with these top tips on how to keep dogs cool in summer.