10 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs

So the summers are around the corner and you can see your dog and you out taking long walks, playing in the garden, rolling in joy. So what part of it freaks us out the most? The fear of overheating our dogs. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat or perspire.

They only pant to release the heat from their body. Panting is not the most effective form of releasing body heat. Therefore, it brings the question of what needs to be done to prevent overheating of the dogs in the weather conditions. When a dog is excessively panting, it is a sign that he is overheated and needs immediate attention.

The best cooling pads for dogs will cool a dogs’ body almost immediately and effectively. Air conditioning, air cooling vests are all good, but nothing compares to the cooling comfort from a cooling pad.

The problem with cooling pads is that there are just way too many options to choose from for them to be actually effective. Therefore, we have decided to review and give a list of the best cooling pad for dogs as per us-

Best Cooling Pads for Dogs Reviews [2020]

1. Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds

When you are looking for the best cooling pad for dogs and you know that you are going to be using it in the crates and kennels mostly, then your search ends with an Arf Pet cooling pad.

They help your dog be comfortable and cool even with soaring temperatures and ever-increasing heat. The thin, latex-free pad is of a very high-quality construct. It is one of the automatic cooling mats, that is not powered by electricity and gets recharges after being used for 3 hours.

The fit is perfect for all types of crates and kennels. What makes this brand the most loved and unique is the use of technology to provide further or extra cooling. The recharge time is 15-20 minutes after the use of 3 hours and this recharge doesn’t require water, electricity or refrigeration. The gel interior absorbs the heat from the dog’s body and cools them down. 

This is the best cooling pad for a dog. It is versatile. It can be used indoors and outdoors. If easy-to-clean, being green and being environmentally friendly, while not harming your doggo’s health is an important consideration for you, then you shall be making this your correct choice as it is made up of nylon. The drool of your dog may seem too tough to clean otherwise, but here it is an easy swab. As it is very lightweight and easily foldable, it can be moved in and out with ease.

The use of body heat and not pressure to cool the dog down makes it a dream come true, as the hotter the dog gets, the cooler the pad becomes. This ideal for dogs of all breeds, but mostly medium to large breeds. The gel layer is the extra cushion layer to support arthritis suffering dogs. 

Although this is an extremely resilient pad, the use of this should still be supervised as extreme poking with sharp nails or teeth, might puncture this pad. Don’t leave your puppy unattended on this mat. Just wipe it and use it.

2. Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs

If you are those who are suffering from the incessant chewing of your dog, the kind of chewing which damages just about everything, then the best cooling pads for dogs who chew, a lot, is this Chillz Cooling Mat by Hugs Pet Products. It is a pressure-activated gel cooling pad, which recharges itself without using electricity, water or refrigeration. 

This cooling pad is available in three different sizes for different breeds and dog sizes, with sizes being medium, large and extra-large. To make it non-toxic, green and to prevent it from becoming a health hazard to the dog, it uses non-toxic gel.

It is also a pretty lightweight and easily transportable product, therefore, it is versatile enough to be used outside in a park, after a long day or play or indoors, when all your dog wants to do is a nap in the extremely hot conditions. 

It is a construct of soft and durable mat style which not only resists being punctured, is comfortable enough for older dogs, it is also a great product for dogs which get heated up too much and or are old, arthritis bound or dogs recovering from surgery who need additional support and comfort. They provide endless hours of comfort to ease the discomfort of such dogs. 

The puncture-resistant material, which is used to construct the Chillz cooling mat, is probably God sent to those pet parents who have dogs who puncture just about anything from their nails or end up chewing even their mats.

This is a pressure-activated cooling mat, which measures 90 cm by 50 cm, all the while not requiring any water, electricity or refrigeration to cool it. Having said that, the promises of long cooling hours seemed low on actual usage, and that alone is the only thing that disappointed us.

3. The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

You can’t imagine going to the park without your dog, or that walk down the scenic path and resting on the bench seems so lonesome without your dog and you’d do just about anything to keep your dog comfortable in the stifling heat and keep it happy with you, then the best cooling pads for dogs who love outdoors as much as their pet parents would be The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat.

This cooling pad is similar to the previous pad in terms of technology, whereby it is pressure-activated by the dogs’ weight. To explain it further the gel in the cooling mat only activates when the dog lies down upon it.

It will then provide cooling for 4 hours as claimed by the manufacturer, but in reality for 2-2.5 hours as found out during our review. This also is pretty decent considering that it will be used outside by dogs who are very hot.

The cooling mat recharges itself within 15-20 minutes and like all other gel pads doesn’t need water, freeze, refrigeration or electricity to recharge. It provides efficient overall cooling without becoming too cold or uncomfortable.

There are certain pet parents who have confessed to buying these for/as their guilty pleasure! It is so easy to carry and transport because of its weight and it is also easy to clean the mat. 

Green Pet Shop are the pioneers of this technology of providing gel cooling pads, therefore, are extremely affordable as compared to the other brands. The downside is that this dog cooling pad needs proper pressure to be activated and work sufficiently, which means that it is ideal for dogs to weigh anything between 35-65 pounds only. So puppy and small breed dog parents should avoid this. 

4. K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Cooling Dog Bed

K&H Pet Products is a brand that has its reputation been built on solid trust and use benefits. Endless years of continuously good service makes it one of the most trusted brands for pet products in the US. The quality control, after-sales service, the warranty are all guaranteed when you choose this brand. Therefore it makes it a valuable brand in our review.

The cooling mechanism of this bed is pretty straightforward. You pour cold water on the mat. The uniquely designed core of the cooling pad directs the liquid throughout the pad and thus increases the cooling prowess of this cooling pad.

You do not need to refrigerate or freeze this mat for extra cooling. It then absorbs the entire body heat emitted by the pet and reduces the room temperature. Thereby, achieving a fine balance of the room temperature with the body temperature. 

The blue-colored cooling mat is of size between 17to 24 inches. It really helps to heal dogs with skin disorders, hip pain relief, surgery issues. This is because the bed acts therapeutically and is akin to a waterbed.

It is ideally comfortable for all breeds of dogs, especially small breeds and puppies. As there is no weight limit for this mat, any breed of cat or dog can lie on this mat. The exterior constructed of nylon or vinyl is extremely tough and can be used well outdoors without fear of getting punctured or ripped. 

The dogs sleep comfortably on this and have a higher preference of using it over the cold floor. This cooling pad can last your dog for years to come. It is a gel-free option that cools with the usage of water.

It is easily and readily washable if there is a need to remove odor, stains or drool. In case you add grapefruit seed extract to the water, you can help reduce or prevent bacterial growth on the dog’s body. 

The drawback though is that because it gets heavy when full of water, it is not easy to transport it between rooms or even take it out. It is preferred to invest in more than one for different rooms and outdoors. It needs parental supervision in case of chewing dogs, which really is true for every product.

5. Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad Mat

For those who want a durable, good cooling pad, but also need a budget version that doesn’t break their bank then the best cooling pad for the dog would be Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pad.

This is ideal for smaller dogs and puppies. It is available in one size with color options of silver, red, blue and green. This lightweight and durable option keeps the dog cool despite the heat of the summer.

This is a cooling pad where the temperature is 5-10 degrees lower than the current room temperature, whereby it doesn’t need refrigeration, electricity or freezing. It is made upon non-toxic gel which is not harmful to your dog. It is easy to use with a pet bed or pet carrier and the results of the pets. This is a highly durable product that is so easy to maintain.

Not only is this a good cooling pad, but it also acts as a good physio pad for dogs who suffer from arthritis, joint issues and needs cooling to give some amount of relief. The easy to wipe and clean and comfort of carriage makes this one of the most favorite cooling pads. 

A walk in the heat now is no longer an arduous task for the dogs, coming back to this cooling pad helps them cool down very easily. The dogs easily sleep without feeling overheated or stifled. It is easily carried outside as well.

The critique though is that this pad doesn’t seem very car friendly. As it has been observed by a lot of users that this tends to absorb the car heat quite easily and rapidly heat up. Also, it could be a bit small when actually observed, so be careful of the dimension and attention to the size. 

6. Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel

If you are one who is looking for the best that you can offer your pooch, irrespective of the price, then Sealy Lux Quad Layer dog bed with cooling gel is your go-to best cooling pads for dogs. It is a premium quality orthopedic relief dog bed that has a polyester cover that is removable and easily washable in the machine. The zippers are hidden for being safe and are waterproof,

The quad-layer memory foam is not just premium, it is manufactured by the world leader in foam mattresses. The high-quality foam core has a cooling gel layer, which recharges itself and doesn’t require any water, electricity or refrigeration.

The cooling layer alongside the memory foam layer, pro-charcoal HD foam layer with the orthopedic foam layer is super luxuriant and comfortable irrespective of the temperatures outside. They are extremely comfortable for hot weather conditions.

The pro-charcoal layer helps to absorb the body odor that comes from the dog due to sweat, drool amongst others. It keeps the bed fresh and good smelling throughout. The next layer of bio-orthopedic foam is actually used as joint support for the dogs.

This removes any pressure points when your dogs lay down on the bed by evenly and accurately distributing the weight of the pet across the bed. The pet rest memory foam validates the dog’s body form while increasing the air circulation and adapting to the movement.

The nonslip bottom along with the bolsters on the side of the bed not only supports the dogs’ back and neck but also prevents the bed from slipping despite rough use. There are 5 size options and has a one-year manufacturer warranty on the bed and 5-year warranty on the pad or mattress. This remains an expensive buy, but so worth it.

7. CoolDog Reusable Ice Mat

This is a water-based cooling pad. Constructed of durable and high-quality canvas, this is a cooling pad with a hot and cold insert, which is designed to keep your dog cool when the temperature outside soars. This mat requires it to be frozen before use. It is a multi-layered cooling pad that can be used as a cooling pad by being frozen or a heating pad by microwaving it.

It is non-toxic, purified water with preservative additives, filled inside which when frozen retains the cool for a long time. The purified water holds temperature for a long time. It is a patent-pending, highly-innovative design, which features a temperature control mechanism. Either in hot or cold form, it works for 1-4 hours depending on the conditions it is used in.

It is very compact because it can be folded and frozen or heated, therefore, it also becomes extremely travel friendly. The advantage of this pad is that it is chew proof. Unlike the gel-filled or water-filled versions, a dog which chews will not be able to damage this and this will thus last you a really long time. The individually sealed water packet holes help the product to still be very functional if your dog ends up even bursting one.

The small size may take some getting used to though. Available in modern prints which are attractive to canines, this is comfortable for medium-sized dogs. In case you have a larger dog, you can use the velcro hooks to attach to the mats and make a loop and extend it.

8. Cooler Dog -Dog Cooling Pad

If you have a dog who you are trying to train or runs too much, plays games, are sensitive to heat, prone to overheating, you need a cooling pad which gives more cooling than what is needed for normal dogs. The best cooling pads for dogs who are sensitive and easily overheated is Cooler Dog. This cooling pad actually acts as a hybrid version of a cooling pad with an ice-pack.

This mat is constructed in a tri-layer format. The first or primary layer is the gel pad layer. This gel layer absorbs the body heat through the ice, redistributes the heat and acts as a cosy and snug bedding for the pooch.

The second layer is made up of FlexiFreeze ice sheets, that have built-in ice cubes, that too 88 in total, to provide the cold comfort. The heat is absorbed by it from the gel pad and it uses the heat to thaw, thereby being adept at absorbing heat. The tertiary layer is that of the cell foam insulation. This insulation prevents the heat from the underneath side of the pad.

This FlexiFreeze ice-pack layer is available separately in the market and therefore is easily replaceable in an event of damage. This uses pure water and therefore is not just non-toxic but also not harmful to the environment or your dog.

This is not just very functional, it is robust and durable thanks to their rip-stop material construct. For larger dogs, this mat is expe because of the presence of 3 rip-snap on either side.

It comes completely disassembled and you would have to refer to the video given to be able to assemble this product. The only critique is that the presence of ice makes the cover wet and you need to dry it, but otherwise it is easy to carry and use and is a sensationally cool product!

 9. Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed

Not all areas cool down at night. Some areas remain overheated not just during the daytime, but even at nighttimes. A sensitive dog would definitely, while any other dog, could overheat in sleep at night and you may not realize it till it’s morning.

So in case, you have a home in such areas, you need to invest in the best cooling pads for dogs which can actually cool throughout the night and act as their bed or can be used with their bed.

This Dogbed4less is a bed not just for medium breeds, but also for large and extra-large breeds. It is constructed in a tri-layer format, where the cooling gel layer is trapped between two layers of memory foam.

To understand the construct better think of your comfortable and decadent cooling foam mattress. Yeah, you feel it now right? This is a very similar construct to that. For smaller puppies, the cooling isn’t an issue, but the size of the mattress is.

It has a microsuede brown non-slip external case, a waterproof internal zipper cover, 180GSM. Microsuede, machine washable, external zipper. The bedding is tested to stand the test of time and weight and doesn’t flatten out while being hypoallergenic, it also repels dust. The therapeutic comfort this bed offers rivals all other human mattresses.

This is a sound investment for those who are trapped in hot climates and need relief year-round, or at least most part of the year. It offers joint support, body alignment and healing to dogs of all ages and breeds. The protective cover is good enough from molds or moisture damage.

 10. Nesutoraito Washable Summer Cooling Mat for Dogs

This is a cooling pad for those who don’t want much of a fuss. This cooling pad is designed like a blanket and is both sided. This is an adaptable cooling pad which is very thin therefore can be stored anywhere.

On one side of the mat is a construct that gives the dogs a feeling of being cool- not cold, while on the other side has a breathable mesh fabric, which not only is soft to touch but can also be refrigerated up to 10 minutes to increase the chill. The heat buildup is vastly reduced thanks so the mesh fabric.

It has to be noted that this is not a cooling pad in the strictest sense. It is more like a mesh blanket. This doesn’t cool down an overheated dog, nor does it provide relief after a huge round of exercise or walk.

It is a mat that can be wrapped around a dog and give him a comfort which is a 3-4 degree lower than the normal room temperature. This best works for dogs in air-conditioned areas as this helps to keep them cool. 

These mats are not chew-proof, so in case you have a dog which chews then you are better off not giving them this product. The polypropylene cotton filling is a good sweat absorbent. This is a product that is lightweight, fits like a blanket, can be used in cars or while traveling. This is perfect for places that are cool most times and have bearable summers.

What happens when your dog is overheated?

It can not be stressed enough that it is important for your dog’s health and safety that he be kept cool and cared for when the temperatures rise. A dog cannot sweat out the excessive body heat as humans do. They open their mouth, take their tongue out and breathe deep, this is called panting. It is only through this can they reduce body heat, which as you can understand isn’t enough. 

Overheating in dogs is not just a small concern, it can morph into a huge health risk and at times has proven fatal. Heat exhaustion is a condition whereby the normal body temperature of the dog reaches 103-degree Fahrenheit or higher. The dog’s body then starts reacting.

The symptoms of which could be heavy panting, excessive thirst, difficulty in taking deep breaths, the thickening of saliva, excessive drooling, shock turning the tongue grey, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy are all signs of heat exhaustion which could spiral into something more serious.

When the body crosses 105F, heatstroke sets in. During which a dog may suffer for as little as 15 mins before he collapses, has seizures, goes into a coma, suffers from organ failure or even dies. Therefore, it is always important to have the best cooling pad for dogs available or in hand, as they can reduce the temperature in a short span by 22F. 

What to do when you notice your dog to be overheated?

• The first thing to do is moe your dog to a cooler area. The coolest area possible could be anything from under the tree in shade to an airconditioned unit. The idea is to somehow reduce the temperature exposure.
• Then a rectal thermometer must be used to record the temperature. If the temperature hovers anything in the range of heat exhaustion to heatstroke, (As explained earlier,) you should call the vet.
• Try and reduce the dogs’ temperature by giving him water, if he drinks, not forcing it, putting the dog in water or using water to cool him down or by using damp cloth around his head and feet while lying on a cooling pad, if not then any cool surface.

How to prevent heatstrokes in dogs?

To equip yourself greatly to be prepared in case of eventuality or to deal better, one must:-

• Use cooling pads for dogs- As we have discussed in detail, it is important to use a cooling pad for your dog at all times during summer months, especially if you are outdoors. Not only does this cool down your dog, but it also provides joint support and body alignment comfort.
  Introduce your dog to your selected cooling pad before you start using it regularly. This will help him familiarise to the bed and become comfortable. 
• Alteration is needed for the dogs’ exercise schedule- The heat of the afternoon should be avoided for any form of exercise. Your dog will be greatly comforted by a walk in the evening or early morning. To avoid the dog being heated up, one should not walk on tarmac or asphalt roads.
  In case your dog is highly energetic who needs to let out steam, then in the afternoon, you should indulge in water activities. If you do not have a pool or water body close by, invest in a paddling pool. In case he needs to go to the ground, invest in a sprinkler.
• Keep a continuous supply of water- Hydration, hydration, hydration. Emphasis can not be given more on the need for hydration. Always have a source of water in the bottle, pitcher etc format, especially when you are outside. 

Buying Guide for Cooling Pads

One is badly spoilt for choice and that makes choosing the best cooling pads for dogs so much more important. This helps you not only get the best cooling pad, but it also helps you get one that fits your needs.

• The size of the pad should be fitting the dog- To reduce the temperature of your dog rapidly, it is important to maximize the contact of the dog with the mat. Therefore, this needs to be of the perfect size of the dog. A smaller mat will not be able to give the dog an adequate cooling surface. It is always better to invest in the largest option possible. 
• The bed should be moveable- It has been extensively discussed that the mat needs to be carried outdoors as well. So, therefore, you’d want to invest in something that can be easily moved around and carried. Gel-filled cooling pads can fold into small sizes, while the water-filled can be emptied and then carried outside and then refilled.
• Durability is extremely important- Even though most gel cooling pads claim that they are completely non-toxic, dog parents have complained of dogs have fallen ill due to ingesting gel. In case you have a dog that chews then it is safer to invest in a non-gel based. You have to be safe that their claws don’t damage the cooling pad.
• The bed should really be cool- Cooling pads have different levels of cooling. Some mats have a cooling temperature more than 15 to 20 degrees to the ambient temperature.

How do cooling pads work?

The basic scientific principle comes to work here. The principle which says heat always tries to reach equilibrium in a given area. When a hot surface touches a cool surface, heat moves from the hot surface to the cold surface.

This keeps happening until the hot and cool surface reaches a similar temperature. The kitchen floor, for example, is cooler than the dog’s body, therefore the dogs sleep there and get up and leave when the equilibrium temperature has been achieved.

The same principle applies to a cooling pad. The heat from the dog’s body gets pulled in by the cool temperature of the cooling pad, cooling your dog off. Cooling pads do this in two ways-

Either they are filled with water and/or frozen, or they use chemical-based heat-absorbing gel. When the dog lays down on the pad, the gel or water absorbs the heat and drops the dog’s temperature. Once the dog gets up from the cooling pad and leave, the gel starts losing heat to the ambiance and ‘recharges’ itself. 

The types of technology here is-

• Water-based dog cooling mat
• Ice pack cooling pads
• Pressure activated cooling gel pad
• Phase Change Material
• Simple and breathable organic material

FAQs about Best Cooling Pads for Dogs

1. Are dog cooling pads safe?

When you make a specialized purchase of a cooling pad that is tailor-made for dogs, then it is quite safe to use it. Dog cooling pads do not have very low temperatures or freezing temperatures, so your dog would not be too cold. You would need to supervise the dog while using the cooling pad because he might chew off the gel or damage the ice-pockets.

2. How long does it stay cold?

It depends on brand to brand and type of manufacture. Though on average they stay cold for 2 hours at least. Some are good enough to last you a night.

3. Does the cooling pad cool all the time?

As explained, it works of n the principle of heat equilibrium. When a hot surface touches a cool surface, the heat transfers from one to another in a quest to become similar. So if your dog is lying on the mat the whole time, the cooling would not work. It will only work then the dog’s body is heated. 

Also, some gel-based pads need 15-20 minutes to recharge, some frozen and water-based need 30 mins.

4. How to clean a cooling pad?

The best cooling pads for dogs generally come as easy to clean options. The dogs are known to be messy creatures. Most have a fabric cover that can be washed in a washing machine, some have an easy to wipe and clean feature.

5. Which dogs are most affected?

All dogs are at risk. The most affected dogs are the ones with long hair, thick furry coat. The breed has a short nose or is prone to being overactive. The young puppies are also prone to be overheated.

Conclusion

Having said all that we have said, we would recommend choosing a pad that is cold, durable, portable, easy to clean. It would bode well if you identify your dog and then choose the one which suits his needs the best. Engage your dog in activities all you want then, go along that walk and never be lonely again. Go ahead create wonderful memories which couldn’t cost you your dogs’ health.