Soaring temperatures can be tricky for dog owners. The furrier breeds such as mountain dogs, whose thick coats equip them so well during winter, can really struggle to keep cool in summertime. Dogs, of course, do not sweat to get rid of heat. They have alternative cooling mechanisms, such as panting and also their paw pads and noses release heat, but sometimes they need a helping hand. There are obvious steps dog owners can take, such as keeping the dog in the shade, providing plenty of fresh water, hosing him down or leaving out a paddling pool for dogs, but another handy option is a cooling mat.
Dog cooling mats do not require a power source; they typically contain a non-toxic gel that absorbs the heat from the dog’s body, helping to regulate their core temperature and ward off heat-related conditions such as heatstroke. If you have an older dog, he may benefit from an orthopaedic cooling mat.
Six of the best dog cooling mats
Pecute Dog Cooling Mat
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colours: Blue or grey | RRP: From £9.99 |
This cooling mat features an inner material of 100% non-toxic gel, safe for humans and pets. No need to freeze or chill the mat, as it works by absorbing your dog’s body heat to keep them from overheating in hot weather.
Made from high-quality 300D Oxford composite PVC material, which is 0.4mm thick and waterproof, scratch-resistant and durable. The edges of the mat are pressed twice with strong pressure ensuring the gel inside will not leak.
Easy to clean with a sponge.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk
Simply Natural Pet Cooling Mat
Size: 90x60cm | Colour: Blue | RRP: £21.99 |
This large mat can accommodate even big dogs needing to cool down. It has extra cooling gel, making the mat fuller and fluffier, for the benefit of joints – and providing five hours of continuous cooling. You can flip the mat for more cooling time.
It is constructed with 300D rip-resistant Oxford fabric and filled with non-toxic cooling gel. All the materials are pet-safe and designed to withstand heavy use by dogs of all sizes. It is waterproof, puncture-resistant, and crafted cruelty-free. Wipe clean.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk
All For Paws Cooling Pad
Size: One size | Colours: Orange, kiwi or blue | RRP: From £15.99 |
This self-cooling pad is weight activated, meaning it activates as soon as your pet’s paws hit the mat and you don’t need to add water, freeze or chill. The inner material is 100% non-toxic, safe for humans and pets. It works by absorbing your dog’s body heat, and can reduce body temperature by up to 20%.
Made from waterproof PVC material.
To clean, just wipe with wet sponge.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Zenapoki Dog Bed
Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Colour: Blue/grey | RRP: From £25.99 |
A dog bed that has multiple benefits. It is made of orthopaedic memory foam to provide optimal therapeutic support and give your dog a soothing, relaxing sleep. It also contains a temperature-regulating gel developed with unique technology, which enables your dog to enjoy the mat without sweating or feeling cold.
Machine washable.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk
Petface Cooling Mat
Sizes: 40x50cm, 50x90cm | Colour: Spotty | RRP: From £8.94 |
This comfortable cooling gel mat gently brings down body temperature when the dog sits on it. No wires, no electricity and no freezing required. Simply chill the mat in your fridge to keep it cool. Made from PVC with gel sponge. Can be wiped clean.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
PawPride Polar Paws Ultra Chill Cooling Mat
Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Colour: Blue | RRP: From £15.99 |
A comfy self-cooling dog mat which employs a pressure-activated gel technology cushion that cools and soothes your pet upon contact for up for four hours. It takes just 15–20min of non-use to cool down again.
No water, electricity or refrigeration required. It simply starts to work as soon as your pooch sits down. It is non-toxic and water-resistant, made from PVC foam and durable nylon.
Can help relieve muscle and joint pain for older dogs, thanks to the cool and soothing surface.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk
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