With the hottest temperatures of 2024 still to come, it’s worth considering one of the best dog cooling mats for your panting pooch. Soaring temperatures can be tricky for dog owners. The furrier breeds, 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, 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 a one of the best orthopaedic dog beds or cooling mats.
Six of the best dog cooling mats
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Furhaven Water-Resistant Cooling Dog Bed
Sizes: Small–Jumbo Plus
Colours: Deep Lagoon, Stone Grey, Forest, Chestnut
Reasons to buy: Extra cushioned and super cooling
This bed features a water-resistant base to protect the non-toxic cooling gel and memory foam interior that whisks heat away from your pup’s body. Its pet-friendly design means your dog is free to sprawl.
Its removable, durable polyester cover wipes clean easily and can cool your pet’s sleeping surface down by up to two degrees, which he’ll thank you for on tropical nights.
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.
Reasons to buy: Double-sided and long cooling time
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.
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.
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.
First, consider your dog’s size and how it corresponds to the sizes available in the mat of your choice. You wouldn’t want your pointer trying to get comfy on a mat that’s more terrier sized! Make sure the sizes run big enough for your pup.
Secondly, what’s your dog’s sleeping style? Does he curl up or sprawl out? Smaller dogs who like to stretch out may benefit from sizing up.
Next, where are you likely to be when the mat’s in use? If you’re often on the road, a lightweight portable mat’s a good option.
Finally, does your dog favour a super-cushioned mat, or is he happy to settle on something thinner? Taking your dog’s preferences into account will help you choose the best mat.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
