These comfortable cooling mats not only work, but they're also easy to clean and great for outdoor use.
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We all know the feeling of sliding into crisp, cool sheets in an air-conditioned room. It feels especially wonderful when the temperatures outside are hot. What if you could give that same feeling to your dog? No, we're not talking about buying your pup fancy temperature-regulating sheets for his dog bed. We're talking about the best cooling mats for dogs.
"Cooling mats are beneficial for dogs, especially during hot weather or in warm climates," says Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB, a veterinarian and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. "They help regulate a dog's body temperature, preventing overheating and heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke."
Additionally, the best cooling mats and pet pads — which we found after conducting extensive research, reading online customer reviews, and interviewing an animal expert — are often waterproof, easy to clean, filled with gel, water, or even ice, and can be used indoors or outdoors. These top-rated cooling mat recommendations check all the boxes and can be used for every type of dog — from large dog breeds to small ones.
If you're looking to revamp your dog's whole summer setup, don't miss our other recommendations for the best cooling dog beds and the best dog swimming pools. We've also got roundups for the best indoor dog toys and interactive dog toys if your pup would rather hang out where there's AC.
This innovative cooling pad is one of Dench's recommendations. It's pressure-activated, meaning it starts cooling your pup down as soon as their paws hit the mat. The secret is a patented gel formula inside the mat, which is designed to absorb body heat and reduce temperatures for up to four hours without water, electricity, or refrigeration.
Dench also notes that this mat comes in a variety of sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large. Different retailers appear to have different sizes in stock, so do some exploring to find the one you need. This mat is also easy to wipe clean and folds up easily for travel.
What Pet Owners Say: "I purchased this product because I have a senior dog who is constantly hot," shared one customer. "My senior girl loves her new pad and lays on it all the time. It is good quality. Decent thickness. Super easy to use. No water, no ice, etc., etc. Just lay it on the floor for your hot dog!" Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Gel, plastic | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Breeds: All
This cooling mat is kind of like a water bed for your dog! You'll add the recommended amount of water through the easy-fill cap so they can cool down during those hot summer days. You can also adjust the mat to your dog's comfort level with the simple air valve. It comes in three sizes and is constructed with nylon and vinyl, making it durable and easy to wipe clean. This bed is meant to be used indoors or outdoors, though it should be kept out of direct sunlight.
What Pet Owners Say: "My foster is a Great Pyrenees puppy and she loves it!" shared one reviewer. "We live in Texas and it’s 80-90 degrees 80% of the year and high humidity. It definitely cools her off. I’d recommend to anyone with a fluffy dog who gets hot easily." Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Nylon, synthetic fabric | Sizes: S, M, L | Breeds: All
This top-rated dog cooling mat from Arf Pets uses gel to absorb heat and help your dog cool off. It's pressure-activated, meaning it'll start working to absorb your dog's body heat as soon as they lay down. It's designed to provide three hours of cooling comfort. After that, give it a break for 15 minutes to let the absorbed heat dissipate before your dog lays down again. If you want it to be extra cool, plenty of pet owners say placing it near an AC vent or fan makes it icy cold. What Pet Owners Say: "I researched cooling pads, a lot, and settled on this one," shared one customer. "I have a senior American Bulldog, and any heat is hard on her. I wanted a cooling mat to put in ‘her’ spot, in front of ‘her’ fan. After showing her that the mat was FOR her, now she’s on it 90% of her day." Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Nylon, gel | Sizes: S,M,L | Breeds: All
This cooling pad is among the most budget-friendly ones on the market, at less than $40 for the XXL size and less than $10 for the small size. It's machine-washable for easy cleaning and has slip-resistant backing to keep it in place while your dog gets settled. This cooling mat is also versatile. You can use it indoors, outdoors, in the car, or even on your couch, where it'll also help keep fur off the furniture — a win-win!
What Pet Owners Say: "$10 and it works perfectly!" wrote one customer. "It is super lightweight, and it folds up easily to keep in your bag. I used it at several outdoor restaurants we bring our dogs to so A) they’re not sitting on a dirty floor and B) they stay cool in the warmer temperatures. I threw it in the washing machine & it came out brand new & ready to roll on our next vacay." Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Cotton | Sizes: S, L, XL, XXL | Breeds: All
This easy-to-clean cooling mat is an affordable solution that will keep your puppy cool all summer long. The pressure-activated gel is meant to draw the heat away from their body so they can rest comfortably on this mat. It's available in three sizes and folds up for easy carrying or traveling in a crate. Plus, it has more than 6,000 five-star ratings on Amazon!
What Pet Owners Say: "I have a Pomeranian who overheats very easily, so I bought this to help him stay comfortable, especially at night," writes one customer. "This product is great! You can feel it start to cool down when you touch it. I have three other cooling mats and my pup prefers to sleep in this every night!"
Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Nylon, gel | Sizes: M, L, XL | Breeds: All
This mat requires a little extra work on your part, but it may be the best solution if you live in a particularly hot climate or if other pads haven't worked for your pet. Inside, there's a re-fillable ice sheet wrapped with insulation and covered with a waterbed cushion for maximum cooling effect.
What Pet Owners Say: "Friends, my dog LOVES this thing," wrote one reviewer. "It has a strange calming power - as soon as she stretches out on it, she just ...chills out (no pun intended!). The first time I laid her on it, she passed out in under a minute. We’ve had it for 10 days now and she falls asleep on it every night. As soon as she’s on it, her breathing slows and deepens, she visibly relaxes, her eyes close... and she crashes out and sleeps through the night, where before she was restless and had trouble settling." Dimensions: Single mat is 23" x 18", multiples can be put together | Materials: Foam, plastic, nylon | Sizes: One size, but multiple pads can be put together | Breeds: All
While any of the cooling mats featured here can be put in your dog's crate, this one is specially designed to provide a little extra coziness thanks to the high-wall design. It's also reversible, with one side that has a cooling fabric while the other side has a warm plush fabric for them to cuddle up to in the colder seasons.
What Pet Owners Say: "I bought this cooling bed for my English bulldog earlier this week to help keep him cooler since we have no a/c," says one reviewer. "He absolutely loves it, it has helped keep him comfortable, and it fits in his crate perfectly." Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Poly batting, synthetic fur, cotton | Sizes: S, M, L | Breeds: All
For a senior pet, you'll want to consider a cooling mat with plenty of cushion for their joints. This one from Frisco has an inch of cooling gel foam and an orthopedic design, all to ensure your pet stays comfortable and cool. If the temperature isn't as cool as you'd like, consider layering a thinner cooling pad on top. Additionally, this bed comes with a removable machine-washable cover to ensure things stay fresh.
What Pet Owners Say: "We are so beyond happy with our new cooling, orthopedic dog bed!" shares one reviewer. "The minute we took it out of the box, and unrolled it, my fur baby plopped down and hasn’t moved since! He’s developed arthritis, and we are hoping this bed helps his achy joints. The fabric is cool to the touch, he definitely is enjoying it." Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Memory foam | Sizes: L, XL, XXL | Breeds: All, but especially larger breeds
RELATED: 8 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2024
This unique cooling mat is soaked in water for a few moments to activate. The fabric then slowly releases water to keep your dog cool. After that, your pup can enjoy between five and 10 hours of cooling relief, which is far more than many gel cooling pads. Though it's a little more hands-on for you, it can cool your dog's temperature by 15 degrees.
What Pet Owners Say: "Our big hairy pup was thrilled to have this mat," writes one customer. "I was concerned about the moisture, but it doesn't seem to cause a problem. Stays cool for two days!" Dimensions: Varies | Materials: Nylon, synthetic fabric | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Breeds: All
How cute is the design of this mat? It's also available in kiwi and orange patterns. This gel mat is pressure-activated and designed specifically for small dogs, measuring about 24 inches across. The smooth surface wipes clean with a damp cloth and is portable enough to bring with you to the park, campsite, or wherever else you and Fido are headed this summer.
What Pet Owners Say: "Perfect for a dog that needs cooling," shares one reviewer. "It is perfect for the south during electrical outages or during times you want to save some on that incredibly high electric bill — turn [the] thermostat up, use your fan(s) and the dog stays cool." Dimensions: 23.6" x 23.6" x 0.3" | Materials: Silicone, gel | Sizes: S | Breeds: Small breeds only
✔️Size: Dench notes that you want to make sure the mat is large enough for your dog to lie comfortably. Most of the mats featured here come in a variety of sizes, so it should be easy to find one that's appropriately sized for your dog. ✔️Thickness: Cooling mats can be several inches of plush foam or a thin blanket-like material. The thickness can affect the cooling efficiency and comfort. ✔️Material: When shopping for a cooling mat for dogs, you'll want to find one made with durable materials that your dog likes. Some reviewers complain that their dogs don't like the texture of certain mats, so keep this in mind if your pet is particular about the surfaces they'll lie on. ✔️Cooling mechanism: Some mats use gel, some mats use ice cubes, and some use heat-wicking fabrics. Each one has benefits, though some require more hands-on prep from you. ✔️Portability: If you envision yourself taking the mat with you when you travel or spend the day at the park, make sure you buy one that rolls or folds up easily.
What are the benefits of cooling mats for dogs?
Dench shares that cooling mats help regulate a dog's body temperature. "Additionally, cooling mats can be particularly advantageous for dogs with thick fur, older dogs, and breeds prone to overheating," she says.
Can a dog sleep on a cooling mat all night?
Yes! Dench shared with us that dogs can sleep on a cooling mat. "However, it's essential to monitor the mat's temperature and your dog's comfort level," she notes. "Some cooling mats may lose their effectiveness after a few hours, so it's advisable to check the mat periodically. Additionally, ensure that your dog has the option to move to a different surface if they prefer." Do dog cooling mats really work?
Thousands of enthusiastic reviewers and our own product research say yes! Since there are a variety of cooling mats and pet pads out there, don't be discouraged if the one you bought doesn't seem to work for your dog. You can always try a different type of mat, or modify the one you have to be better suited for your dog's needs. If you're not sure where to start, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Woman's Day writers and editors do extensive research to find the best products for you. For this article, we read hundreds of product reviews from pet owners and analyzed cooling mat and pet pad variables, including size, material, and cooling mechanism. Most importantly, we reached out to a veterinarian for expert insight on what to look for in a cooling dog mat and asked for specific product recommendations.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Kathryn Dench, veterinarian and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
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