The 15 Best Dog Cooling Mats of 2023

by Patricia Jackson

Dog cooling mats are some of the best investments you can make for your pet during hot and uncomfortable summers.

These cooling pads are designed using unique materials to provide a cooling effect for your dog(s). You can opt for self-activated get mats or water bed pads, all of which are great cooling agents.

If your dog is arthritic and has recently undergone painful surgery, some mats have proven reliable in providing both cooling and comfort.

Top Dog Cooling Mats by Editors

Check out our dog cooling mat review to learn more about these dog accessories as you chose the best one for your pet.

7 Best Cooling Mats: Review

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
The Green Pet Shop 48393

1. The Green Pet Shop 48393 (Best Overall)

  • Self-activated cooling pad
  • Prevents dehydration & overheating
  • Highly portable & versatile
K&H Pet Products 100213000

2. K&H Pet Products 100213000 (Best Inexpensive)

  • Affordable & easy to use
  • Non-toxic water cooling
  • Anti-bacterial build materials
Arf Pets APCLPD0127

3. Arf Pets APCLPD0127 (Best Multi-Purpose)

  • Therapeutic & multi-purpose pad
  • Environment-friendly materials
  • Lightweight & easy to fold
Barkbox Memory Bed

4. Barkbox Memory Bed (Most Comfortable)

  • Ergonomic gel memory foam
  • Effective pet pain relief
  • Zippered easy-to-clean cover
Coleman CL-01401

5. Coleman CL-01401 (Best for Small & Medium Dogs)

  • Compact size for small/medium dogs
  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Usable on multiple locations
K&H Pet Products 1720

6. K&H Pet Products 1720 (Best Heavy-Duty)

  • Durable nylon/vinyl exterior
  • Advanced water-saturated cooling
  • Superior comfort & pain relief
Dogbed4less Premium

7. Dogbed4less Premium (Best for Large Dogs)

  • Sizes optimized for large dogs
  • Superior 4lbs memory foam density
  • Resistant to stain, dirt & wrinkles

1. Best Overall: The Green Pet Shop 48393

The Green Pet Shop 48393
The Green Pet Shop 48393
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Automatic, Self-activating
  • Size: S - XL
  • Material: Gel

Green Pet Shop 48393, our best cooling pad for dogs, is an automatic pad that does not require electricity, water, or refrigeration to deliver excellent cooling to your dogs.

This mat promises to prevent your dog and other furry pets from overheating or dehydration during summer weather. It cools for up to 3 hours upon contact and recharges in 15 - 20 minutes of non-use.

It is available in many sizes for large, medium, and small dogs. Being highly portable and multi-purpose allow placement on the floor, sofa, crate, kennel, and bed, for outdoor use.

You don't, however, get a cover for this bed. The material construction is also not strengthened for chewing pets.

Pros:

  • Automatic cooling and recharging
  • Prevents dog overheating and dehydration
  • It supports many dog sizes
  • It supports many dog sizes

Cons:

  • It does not include a cover
  • Not recommended for chewing pets

2. Best Inexpensive: K&H Pet Products 100213000

K&H Pet Products 100213000
K&H Pet Products 100213000
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Water-cooled
  • Size: S - XL
  • Material: BPA-free plastic

K&H Pet Products 100213000 positions itself as an affordable dog cooling solution for dogs and even cats of varying sizes.

It uses water to deliver a cooling effect. This mechanism is non-toxic and virtually risk-free for both you and your pets. The materials used to construct the mat are anti-bacterial and won't develop mildew, nor will they cause rapid deterioration.

Cleaning the mat should be virtually effortless. You can rinse it with the hand or pass a damp, wet cloth on it for dirt removal.

On the downside, the K&H Pet Products 100213000 becomes weighty when filled with water, making portability slightly inconvenient. It may also produce a strong smell during first use.

Pros:

  • Affordable cooler for multiple pets
  • Non-toxic cooling solution
  • Ant-bacterial materials
  • Effortless cleaning

Cons:

  • May feel heavy when full of water
  • Initial use may produce a noticeable smell

3. Best Multi-Purpose: Arf Pets APCLPD0127

Arf Pets APCLPD0127
Arf Pets APCLPD0127
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Automatic, Self-activating
  • Size: Single (27 x 43 inches)
  • Material: Nylon

Arf Pets APCLPD0127 is a highly versatile and multi-purpose dog cooling mat that's ideal for cooling healthy, older ailing dogs and pets recovering from pain, surgery, skin conditions, and Cushing's disease.

The mat's nylon construction is designed to be healthy and environment-friendly. It implements reliable self-activating gel cooling, which is not toxic to animals, human beings, or the planet.

This automatic cooling pad is surprisingly lightweight with an easy-fold design. Folding, storing, and transporting the mat will prove effortless.

A disappointing aspect of this mat is its limited color choices. You get it only in blue. The fabric is also prone to wrinkling, which can be hard to remove.

Pros:

  • Therapeutic and multi-purpose
  • Self-activating cooling mechanism
  • Healthy and non-toxic materials
  • Lightweight and easy to fold

Cons:

  • It comes in a single color
  • Prone to wrinkling

4. Most Comfortable: Barkbox Memory Bed

Barkbox Memory Bed
Barkbox Memory Bed
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Automatic, Self-activating
  • Size: S - XXL
  • Material: Polyester, Plush

Barkbox Memory Bed offers the perfect blend of cooling performance and superior comfort for your dog with its orthopedic bed and ergonomic gel memory foam.

This therapeutic memory foam has proven effective in relieving joint pains, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and any aches that your dog may be experiencing.

It features a zippered cover that slides off effortlessly for cleaning convenience. The cover is also waterproof to aid in preventing spillage accidents while preserving cleanliness and freshness.

When you want to clean the cover, simply toss it in the washing machine for the fast and efficient dirt removal.

The only issue we found with the Barkbox Memory Bed is its lack of an anti-proof layer on the bottom.

Pros:

  • Ergonomic and comfortable bed
  • Effective therapeutic properties
  • Waterproof bed cover
  • Effortless cleaning

Cons:

  • The bottom is not anti-slip

5. Best for Small and Medium Dogs: Coleman CL-01401

Coleman CL-01401
Coleman CL-01401
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Automatic, Self-activating
  • Size: Single (24 x 30 inches)
  • Material: Plastic

If you own a small or medium dog, Coleman CL-01401's mat size offers the perfect space for your pet to both relax and cool down on hot summer days.

It creates a soothing feeling by maintaining a surface temperature 5 - 10 degrees lower than room temperature, making it one of the best cooling dog beds available today.

The mat runs on a self-activated stay-cool gel that is non-toxic and does not require any refrigeration. You can set the mat on the floor, in a pet bed, car, or pet carrier for added flexibility.

Since the Coleman CL-01401 mat is made of plastic, it tends to produce a "scraping" sound that is noticeable and potentially scary to some pets.

Pros:

  • Size optimized for small/medium dogs
  • Superior cooling capacity
  • Non-toxic self-activated get
  • It fits in multiple spaces

Cons:

  • Contact with toenails may produce a scraping sound

6. Best Heavy-Duty: K&H Pet Products 1720

K&H Pet Products 1720
K&H Pet Products 1720
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Water-cooled
  • Size: S - L
  • Material: Nylon

The K&H Pet Products 1720 dog mat combines superior cooling, excellent comfort, and a durable nylon/vinyl exterior to guarantee long-lasting reliability.

This water-saturated cooler works by absorbing dog heat and then converting it to room temperature. The difference between the two temperatures determines how cool this bed gets.

It has demonstrated excellent comfort capacity, which is perfect if you have an arthritic dog or one that requires pain relief. The more water you add to the mat, the higher its cushioning capacity. The carpet is anti-bacterial and non-toxic.

Disappointingly, the K&H Pet Products 1720 mat does get heavy when filled with water. The largest size, for example, accommodates 4 - 6 gallons. It's also pricey compared to other mats of its class.

Pros:

  • Superior cooling capacity
  • Durable construction
  • Excellent comfort performance
  • Non-toxic and anti-bacterial

Cons:

  • It gets heavy when filled with water
  • Pricey compared to rival models

7. Best for Large Dogs: Dogbed4less Premium

Dogbed4less Premium
Dogbed4less Premium
  • Type of Cooling Mat: Automatic, Self-activating
  • Size: L - Jumbo
  • Material: Rubber, Fleece, Fabric

The Dogbed4less Premium mat is built using high-quality memory foam across various sizes, making it suitable for cooling medium to large dogs.

The smallest of these mats is 42 x 28 inches, while the largest is 75 x 38 inches to accommodate medium and large dogs. They all feature a gel-infused memory foam with a 4 lbs. density rating, which supplements cooling with superior comfort.

You'll be pleased to know that the mat is highly resistant to stains, wrinkles, and dirt. It retains the original shape even after regular usage. The mat's bottom layer features waterproof SRB rubber to prevent slipping.

An issue that you may encounter with the Dogbed4less Premium is its bare weight, which tends to increase as the mats get bigger.

Pros:

  • Spacious for medium and large dogs
  • Memory foam for superior comfort
  • Resists stains and wrinkles
  • Slip-resistant rubber bottom

Cons:

  • Weighty as size increases
Other Recommended Dog Cooling Mats
Other Recommended Dog Cooling Mats

8. Petlibro Dog Bed

Petlibro Dog Bed
Petlibro Dog Bed

The memory foam Petlibro Dog Bed is optimized for placement in crates. It's an orthopedic plush bed with therapeutic properties to help keep your dog comfortable, especially if the animal has joint pains or arthritis.

On summer days, the bed keeps your dog very cool, thanks to its 100% polyester microfiber fabric that is both strong and breathable. There's a non-slip silicone at the bottom for enhanced comfort.

Maintaining the bed is very easy because its cover is machine washable. Simply remove it and toss it into the machine.

Key Features

  • Orthopedic and therapeutic
  • Superior cooling capacity
  • Comfortable bottom silicone
  • Machine-washable for easy cleaning

9. Arf Pets Mat Pad

Arf Pets Mat Pad
Arf Pets Mat Pad

Arf Pets Mat Pad is an advanced bed designed to be weight-activated. It responds to your dog's body heat and offers up to 3 hours of continuous usage before needing recharging.

It's a multi-purpose product that's great for cooling and relaxing ailing dogs. The mat protects against stress, skin conditions, and Cushing's disease.

Unlike most latex pet pads, this one adopts a nylon construction that non-toxic for both pets and the planet.

Its exterior is also puncture-resistant for enhanced durability and resilience across the seasons.

Key Features

  • Advanced weight-activated mat
  • Multi-purpose and therapeutic
  • Non-toxic for pets and the environment
  • Puncture-resistant exterior

10. CoolerDog CDHCM-BL

CoolerDog CDHCM-BL
CoolerDog CDHCM-BL

The robust and modular CoolerDog CDHCM-BL cooling mat is made with rip-stop materials and supports snapping on three sides to connect multiple mats for accommodating large dogs.

This non-toxic mat implements a triple layer cooling design with the first layer providing comfort, the second layer offers cooling while drawing heat, and the third layer repels heat.

If your pet is sensitive to heat, this is the ideal mat for them. Its superior cooling capacity comes in handy for your pet after intense training, running, or playing in the park.

Key Features

  • Modular and expandable
  • Triple cooling layer design
  • Non-toxic and healthy for pets
  • Ideal for heat-sensitive pets

11. Chillz Cooling Pad

Chillz Cooling Pad
Chillz Cooling Pad

The inconspicuous Chillz Cooling Pad features a Realtree Edge camo pattern that makes the mat great for cooling your dog during outdoor excursions.

This mat implements pressure-activated gel, which automatically recharges through the air when not in use.

Cleaning the mat is also easy. You only need to wipe it with a damp cloth. It's worth noting that the mat's materials are non-toxic and lightweight. Carrying the mat around in car crates and beds should be hassle-free.

Key Features

  • Inconspicuous Realtree Edge camo pattern
  • Pressure-activated with automatic recharging
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Lightweight and easy to transport

12. Pannow Dog Pad

Pannow Dog Pad
Pannow Dog Pad

The Pannow Dog Pad provides excellent cooling and comfort for your dog, thanks to its super comfortable and soft materials that make pets love the mat.

It is a lightweight and breathable mat that's self-cooling. Usually, its temperature is about 3 degrees lower than that of standard fabric.

There's a bottom mesh fabric designed to prevent excessive heat generation when your pet is sleeping for extended periods. Besides overheating protection, the polypropylene cotton filling offers reliable sweat absorption.

Key Features

  • Soft and comfortable materials
  • Lightweight, breathable and self-cooling
  • Prevents excessive heat generation
  • Sweat-absorbing cotton filling

13. Nesutoraito Washable Pad

Nesutoraito Washable Pad
Nesutoraito Washable Pad

The double-sided Nesutoraito Washable Pad is well constructed, containing no stuffing or loose threads, a design feature that makes it easy to fold and conveniently portable.

Because the pad folds easily, it is suitable for placement on sleeping beds, kennel mats, lawns, beaches, and any other outdoor and indoor settings.

On the cooling surface, the fabric used is non-stick to pet hair. It is also healthy and non-toxic, ensuring that your pet's skin remains irritation-free.

Key Features

  • Foldable and highly portable
  • Versatile for outdoor and indoor use
  • Cooling surface resists hot air
  • Non-toxic and safe for pets

14. Besazw Cooling Mat Pad

Besazw Cooling Mat Pad
Besazw Cooling Mat Pad

One of the best summer gifts you can get for your dog is the Besazw Cooling Mat Pad. It offers highly reliable cooling for young and old dogs, including those recovering from surgery or with joint pains.

Made of breathable mesh and self-cooling fabric, this mat is impressively soft and capable of delivering fast cooling during summer.

This highly versatile mat can be laid directly on the floor to create a comfortable sleeping surface. You can also fold it for kennel, sofa, or bed use.

Key Features

  • Perfect dog summer gift
  • Great for young and old pets
  • Soft and breathable mesh construction
  • Fast and reliable summer cooling

15. DogLemi Pet Mat

DogLemi Pet Mat
DogLemi Pet Mat

DogLemi Pet Mat boasts of cooling superiority thanks to its ice crystal chilling mechanism, which allows this pad to support virtually all dog and cat sizes.

The mat is easy to fill. Add ice crystals inside, and they will melt to create a cooling gel. This system also tends to extend the cooling process for many hours.

You'll find caring for this mat reasonably easy. Simply clean it by hand using a damp cloth. The pad is both reversible and reusable to ensure long-lasting reliability.

Key Features

  • Superior ice-cooling mechanism
  • Easy to fill and operate
  • Simplified hand cleaning
  • Reversible and reusable

How to Buy the Best Dog Cooling Mats

How To Buy The Best Dog Cooling Mats
How To Buy The Best Dog Cooling Mats

1. Mat Type and Cooling Efficiency

Gel Mat: These are the most common and are considered some of the best cooling pads for dogs because of their self-activating properties. They deliver coolness longer than mats implementing other cooling methods.

Gel mats recharge automatically after a few minutes of non-use. The Green Pet Shop 48393, for instance, stays cool for up to 3 hours and recharges in 15 - 20 minutes.

Water Bed: These offer a reliable cooling option for dogs in summer. They rely on water or ice to deliver the cooling effect.

Even though setting up water bed mats may require a bit of time and effort, they have demonstrated a heightened ability to keep your dogs cool for long.

Memory Foam: They are great for senior, arthritic, or recovering dogs because of their unique combination of comfort and cooling capabilities.

While they are great at reducing pressure on bones and joints, their cooling performance is not as long-lasting as gels and waterbeds.

Elevated Beds: They excel in outdoor use because of their superior air circulation capacity, triggered when dogs lie on these beds. Some have orthopedic features built into them.

These beds tend to be very durable, supporting long-term use while resisting the wear that chewing dogs may cause.

2. Size

You should choose mats that will be large enough to accommodate your dog's size. Often mat dimensions can give you a hit of their size and general cooling area.

For dogs of between 10 - 30 lbs., a mat of about 18 x 23 inches will support the animals' size and weight. Large dogs weighing 60 - 150 lbs. require equally larger mats, often exceeding 40 inches in length.

Some mats, such as the Dogbed4less Premium cooling pad, have oversized versions if your dog needs the extra space.

3. Durable

When choosing a dog cooling pad, you want one that's going to last for the longest time before needing replacement.

Material construction has a significant impact on durability. Nylon, polyester, and rubber are some of the most common materials used in making the exterior of cooling mats.

On the interior, fleece and cotton are prominently used because of their proven capacity to provide superior comfort.

Overall, durability is a combination of material and build quality, all of which are present in the K&H Pet Products 1720 heavy-duty dog cooling mat.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Dog cooling pads require regular cleaning, mainly because they can become magnets for pet hair and paw dirt.

The most comfortable mats to clean are the machine-washable ones. These require minimal effort to clean. Just toss them into the washing machine and wait for the cleaning process to be over.

Cooling mats can also be hand-cleaned using a damp cloth and soapy water. This alternative approach to cleaning is highly effective even though it requires some physical effort, compared to machine washing.

5. Portability

Portability counts when it comes to dog cooling mats. If you're going to be spending time outdoors with your dog in summer, a cooling mat becomes essential.

Mat weight is a crucial determining factor of portability. Heavy mats are not the most portable. Light mats, on the other hand, are easy to transport. A foldable mat also boosts portability.

It's worth mentioning that if you opt for s water bed mat, its weight is primarily determined by the amount of water added to the cooling pad. Therefore, the more the water, the heavier the cooling mat.

Q&A

1. Can A Cooling Mat Be Used Outside?

Yes. Cooling mats are reliable outdoor pet companions. Most of the mats available today are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

It's worth noting that the cooling effect may be shorter when outdoors, especially if the mat is exposed to direct sunlight.

2. How Long Does A Cooling Mat Take to Work?

It depends on the type of mat. Water-cooled mats just require filing with water for activation. The same applies to ice cooling pads. Simply fill them with ice, and you're good to go.

Automatic gel-cooled mats work through self-activation. When your dog lies on them, their pressure activates the gel, which triggers the cooling process.

Recharging this type of mat takes between 15 and 20 minutes, while its cooling capacity lasts about 3 hours, on average.

Buy on Etsy

Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs - Pressure Activated Gel Dog Cooling Mat - No Need to Freeze - Walmart Link

Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad 35" x 55" for Kennels, Crates and Beds, Non-Toxic, - Walmart Link

MICROCOSMOS Pet Cooling Mat, Keep Cool in Summe, Perfect Indoors, Outdoors or in The Car - Walmart Link

Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds 27x43 - Walmart Link

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat - Gel Self Cooling Mat for Dogs - The Must-Have Cool Pet - Walmart Link

Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds 23x35 - Walmart Link

Pet Cooling Mats for Dogs, ideapro Breathable Ice Silk Dog Cooling Mat, Portable Cooling - Walmart Link

Green Pet Shop 48393 - Walmart Link

K&H Pet Products 100213000 - Walmart Link

The K&H Pet Products 1720 - Walmart Link

Arf Pets Mat Pad - Walmart Link

The Pannow Dog Pad - Walmart Link

the Besazw Cooling Mat Pad - Walmart Link

The Green Pet Shop 48393 - Walmart Link

the K&H Pet Products 1720 - Walmart Link

the Green Pet Shop 48393 - Walmart Link

the K&H Pet Products 100213000 - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs - Pressure Activated Gel Dog Cooling Mat - No Need to Freeze - eBay Link

Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad 35" x 55" for Kennels, Crates and Beds, Non-Toxic, - eBay Link

MICROCOSMOS Pet Cooling Mat, Keep Cool in Summe, Perfect Indoors, Outdoors or in The Car - eBay Link

Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds 27x43 - eBay Link

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat - Gel Self Cooling Mat for Dogs - The Must-Have Cool Pet - eBay Link

Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds 23x35 - eBay Link

Pet Cooling Mats for Dogs, ideapro Breathable Ice Silk Dog Cooling Mat, Portable Cooling - eBay Link

Green Pet Shop 48393 - eBay Link

K&H Pet Products 100213000 - eBay Link

The K&H Pet Products 1720 - eBay Link

Arf Pets Mat Pad - eBay Link

The Pannow Dog Pad - eBay Link

the Besazw Cooling Mat Pad - eBay Link

The Green Pet Shop 48393 - eBay Link

the K&H Pet Products 1720 - eBay Link

the Green Pet Shop 48393 - eBay Link

the K&H Pet Products 100213000 - eBay Link

Conclusion

If you want the best dog cooling mat, go with the Green Pet Shop 48393. If offer superior cooling for your pet while simultaneously preventing overheating and dehydration.

If you're on a budget and seeking an inexpensive but high-quality dog cooling mat, choose the K&H Pet Products 100213000. It is non-toxic and effortless to clean.

And if you own big dogs, the Dogbed4less Premium mat comes in a wide range of sizes, with the largest one measuring 75 x 38 inches, to accommodate even the bulkiest dogs.

About Patricia Jackson

Patricia just simply loves pets.
When she was eight years old, her parents got her a beautiful Maine Coon as a gift; and later an affectionate Husky.
Since then, she has raised them as her children; done minor first aid, taken in strays, administered antibiotics, bottle fed them when sick, and even midwifing.
Pat received her bachelor's degree in computer science at Univercity of Califronia Davis. She really hopes to transofrm her programming skills into something that really helpful for all pets someday. For now, lets just do that through writing.

Thoughts on "The 15 Best Dog Cooling Mats of 2023"