After 46 hours spent researching the best dog cooling pads, we think HPP Chillz Gel Dog Cooling Pad is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: brand, type, size, color, cover material, cooling effect, cooling agent, refrigeration, cleaning, storage, best use, non-toxic, sturdy, portable, and weight, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Efficiency | Durability | Appearance | Value for Money | brand | type | size | color | cover material | cooling effect | cooling agent | refrigeration | cleaning | storage | best use | non-toxic | sturdy | portable | weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPP Chillz Gel Dog Cooling Pad | Check Price | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Hugs Pet Products | Self-charge | 36 x 20 in | Blue | Nylon | 3 hrs | Solid gel | Not required | Wipe clean | Easy fold | Indoor / Outdoor | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.2 lbs |
| Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Arf Pets | Self-charge | 27 x 43 in | Blue | Nylon | 3 hrs | Solid gel | Not required | Wipe clean | Easy fold | Indoor | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 lbs |
 | Tophie Water Dog Cooling Pad | Check Price | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Tophie | Electric | 24 x 18 in | Grey | Cotton | 36 hrs | Water | Not required | Washable | Air dry & fold | Indoor / Outdoor | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.4 lbs |
 | The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Pad | Check Price | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | The Green Pet Shop | Self-charge | 30 x 20 in | Blue | Nylon | 3 hrs | Solid gel | Not required | Wipe clean | Easy fold | Indoor / Outdoor | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.1 lbs |
 | Petplus Home Dog Cooling Pad | Check Price | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Petplus | Self-charge | 39 x 28 in | Blue | Polyester | 3 hrs | Nylon fiber | Not required | Washable | Easy fold | Indoor / Outdoor | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.5 lbs |
During the hot months of summer, the best dog cooling pad can help your pup to stay comfortable.
Whether they’re coming inside from playing or just relaxing outside, an effective cooling pad will make your pup much happier.
Comfort is at the core of what you want for your dog and, because of that, you likely get a lot of different products for them. Many dog owners go beyond the basics of a dog leash, collar and dog tag combo, dog chew toy, and dog bowl.
If they’re active, you may have a dog life jacket and a dog water bottle for when you’re out and on the go together. A dog harness makes walking safer and more fun. And, tossing around a dog fetch toy or training with a dog whistle keeps them active and exercising. Don’t forget to use their dog pooper scooper in the yard!
Another level of comfort is their grooming and other care. Dog conditioner and shampoo for their fur, a dog dematting tool, dog brush, and other grooming supplies are essential.
At the end of the day, they want nothing more than a dog bed or dog blanket. It may be inside of a dog house, dog playpen, or dog crate. Or, they have a room all to themselves behind a dog gate.
On those hot days, the best dog cooling pad is also an essential product to have. These help to regulate body temperature and can prevent issues from hyperthermia and heat stroke.
Selection Of The Best Dog Cooling Pads
Here are the best dog cooling pads for most people according to Outlinist:
Buying Guide
Sizing
You want the dog pad to be large enough so that, when the dog is lying down, their entire body will be able to fit comfortably on the mat. You want the dog to be able to experience the nice, cool sensation of the mat from the tip of their nose to their hind paws.
For example, if you’re thinking about a large dog cooling mat, look at the dimensions, and then measure your dog’s length and width while they are lying down. Add a few inches to both, and that will help you to find the right one.
Gel Mats
A dog cooling gel pad is one of the most popular options you’ll find. Gel pads use some form of non-toxic gel in order to help cool down your dog.
These gel pads usually need to be activated in some manner, but freezing them is usually the best way to do so. You throw them in the freezer and then take them out when your dog is ready to use them. They typically have some sort of cover that you can slide the gel pad into.
Waterbed Style
Some people argue that the best cooling mat for dogs are waterbed style. Like a waterbed, you fill these up with cold water and your dog is able to get on the bed and hang out. They are typically made from puncture-proof materials.
The only disadvantage is that you’re going to need to drain the bed and refill it with cold water the next time your dog needs a place to cool down. Also, you want to find one where the plug is going to be out of reach, so your dog doesn’t chew on it
Memory Foam
There are a number of dog cooling beds out there that use memory foam and gel, electric, or self-cooling methods in order to help cool your pup down. They’re like your mattress, but built for your dog.
Memory foam is great for dogs of all ages. It’s very comfortable and, if you have an older dog, it makes it much easier for them to get on and off of the bed.
Self-Cooling
Self-cooling pads are some of the most convenient options that you will find when you start looking for cooling pads. These don’t stay on all of the time, rather, they are only going to cool your dog when your dog is present.
Self-cooling pads activate the moment that your dog lies down on it. They are pressure-activated, so even if you have a toy breed, it’ll activate. The mat helps to absorb the heat on the dog’s body, while also releasing a cooling sensation.
Electric Models
Most people assume that, if they want a dog cooling pad, electric is their best bet. It’s a great choice when you’re home a lot or if you’re coming indoors after an afternoon at play.
If you plan on having your dog use the cooling pad when you aren’t around, however, you may be better off with gel or self-activated options. This allows your dog to use it when needed and gives you peace of mind because you won’t have to leave an electrical device on while unattended.
How Long Does It Stay Cold?
Larger dogs may need a little extra help (and time!) in order to cool their bodies down. Gel options can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours (depending on the size of the mat). Self-cooling options last from 3 to 4 hours, on average.
Electric options can stay cool for hours on end, but how cool it feels to your dog may reduce as they lie on it. Their body heat will eventually start to increase the overall temperature of the bed, so while it’s still cooler than the air, it won’t be as cool as when they first laid on it.
Accessibility for Older / Disabled Dogs
A cooling pad for dogs that have mobility issues must be easy for them to get on and off as they need to do so. Elevated options that rely on air circulation underneath to cool them, won’t work well.
Memory foam is one of the most helpful options for senior dogs or those that are disabled. Also, if you can get a pad that is thinner and lies flatter on the ground, you’ll find that your furry friend isn’t going to struggle as much when it comes time to get on or off.
Easy to Clean
Fur, grass, and other debris are very likely to get all over your dog’s cooling pad – and that’s okay, but you’re going to want to clean it sometimes so that they don’t feel dirty or have any irritants on their bed.
Most options can be wiped down with a soft wet wipe or washcloth. Others may have a cover that you can take off and throw in the laundry. Read the manufacturers’ info for more details.
Indoors or Outdoors?
Where do you plan on using it for the majority of the time? Will it be an indoor thing that helps your dog cool down after a walk in the hot sun? Or will it be an outdoor option that they can lie on to “chill out?”
For example, a dog cooling crate pad that uses electrical power is going to be much better suited to be an indoor cooling pad. Whereas, a dog house option or any self-cooling option will do just fine indoors or out.
Elevated or On the Floor / Ground?
During your search for the best dog cooling mat, you will likely find a handful of them that look like an elevated bed, or that have something like a mesh cot underneath where the cooling pad should go.
Elevated options have the advantage of not absorbing heat from the ground. But, for smaller dogs, disabled dogs, and older dogs, it may be difficult for them to get on and off of an elevated mat or bed.
Pad Material
The pad material is essential for a number of reasons. First, will your dog lie on it? Cotton, polyester blends, and nylon can all provide you with very comfortable options that your dog will love lying on.
On elevated beds, you may also find mesh as part of the mix that you’ve got available. Mesh is great, because it helps to increase air flow, thus helping with the cooling process.
Durability
Your dog has claws, and even if they aren’t a chewer or digger, their claws can still get caught on the material and cause rips and tears.
A durable dog cooling pad will have multiple layers and, typically, the top layer of material is going to be nylon. It helps to prevent your dog’s nails from going all of the way through the pad and it makes it difficult for any chewer to get their teeth in there and start tearing.
Portability
Cooling pads are meant to be portable, and whether they’re going between indoors and outdoors or they’re being packed for summer trips, you want to be sure that they can be lifted and packed away.
Waterbed style mats should be lightweight when they’re drained. Elevated options should have folding legs, and gel pads should be able to roll up or fold away. The more portable that your dog’s cooling pad is, the easier it will be to keep them cool all year long.
Warranty Options
Since cooling pads are going to deal with a lot of wear and tear from use, your dog’s claws, and your dog’s teeth, you want to be sure that you can get it repaired or replaced. Warranties cover a lot of the typical wear and tear that these pads will see.
The best cooling pads have at least a 2 year warranty, if not more, and you can typically extend it via the manufacturer or the website or store that you purchase from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog need a cooling pad? Can’t I just hose them down?
You definitely can hose them down but, sometimes, it’s a good idea to have a backup or something that they can use when you’re not at home.
Not only that, but your dog may need an extended period of time to just lie down and relax, and a cooling pad provides them with the cooling sensation while also giving them a comfy place to enjoy.
How can I keep the pad cooler for a longer period of time?
First, when you set it up, keep it out of the sunlight. Then, the heat from the sun won’t start to warm it up. For self-cooling options, they last 3-4 hours per use on average, so keeping it out of the sun can help to push that to the upper end.
Put it away when it’s not in use or if your dog seems disinterested in it. For gel options, put it away and into a cool area (or the freezer, if it’s freeze-style gel). That way, it’ll be nice and cool for when your dog actually wants to use it.
Are bed and cooling pad combos worth considering?
A cooling dog bed is a fantastic option for many dogs. Dogs love to lie around in soft places, and getting them a bed that can help them to cool down is a win-win situation for any pet.
The only concern is how the bed is cooled. Can you turn the cooling off during the winter? Or is it a self-cooling mat that you can’t control? If it’s the latter, then it’s perfect. If it’s the former, keep that in mind and get them a different bed to use during the cooler months of the year.
How can I prevent a chewer from ripping apart their mat?
A cover (made from canvas or another durable material) is the best way to prevent your chewer from ripping apart their mat. It’ll make a barrier between them, though, so it may not be as effective at cooling.
Anti-chew spray could also be helpful – just be sure that it’s not scented, or they won’t use the mat at all. You could also provide them with a chew toy when they go to use it, or supervise them every time that they use the cooling pad.
Are cooling mats safe?
Like dog repellent, the chemicals and such that you’ll find inside of the dog cooling pad are non-toxic. They are built with your dog’s safety in mind so that you don’t need to worry about them getting poisoned or seriously ill.
So, even if your dog decides to go ahead and chew up the pad, the best dog cooling pad is not going to cause them any sort of harm unless they swallow something that they shouldn’t.
Sources
- Dog cooling pad, Bed Bath & Beyond
- Dog Cooling Pad, Wayfair
- Cooling Dog Beds, Mats & Pads, Petco
- Self-Cooling Pet Pad, dog Cooling & Heating Beds, PetSmart
- Dog Cooling Mat, Target
- The 7 Best Products to Keep Dogs Cool in 2019, The Spruce Pets, Feb 28, 2019
- Top 10 Cooling Pads For Dogs of 2018, Ezvid Wiki, Nov 8, 2018
- Dog Cooling Mat, eBay
- Pet Cooling Pads, JCPenney
- 10 Genius DIY Ways to Keep Your Pet Cool in the Summer, Better Homes & Gardens, Jun 9, 2016
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