The 4 Best Cooling Mats for Dogs of 2024

A cooling mat designed for dogs is a great way to help your dog cool off after a walk, while lounging outside, or during travel.

“Cooling mats help regulate a dog’s body temperature, providing comfort and preventing heat-related issues like heatstroke,” explains Dr. Lisa Lippman, Director of Telehealth at Bond Vet. A cooling mat can be be particularly helpful for breeds prone to overheating, older dogs, and dogs with medical conditions.

When selecting a cooling mat, it's important to find one that is made with non-toxic materials. This is particularly important if your dog tends to chew on beds, blankets, and toys. The cooling mat should also be easy to keep clean, easy to use, and appropriately sized for your dog.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad at Amazon $90

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Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat at Amazon $50

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Best for Extra Small or Extra Large Dogs:

The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat at Amazon $40

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Best Elevated Cooling Bed:

K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed at Amazon $189

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Best Overall

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad

PHOTO: Amazon

$90 at Amazon View on Coolerdog.com View on Hossanddukespetfood.com

What We Like

Mats snap together for customizable size
Non-toxic materials
Easy to store and clean

What We Don’t Like

Ice cube layer may take up space in your freezer and thaw quickly in the heat

Experts agree that the CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat is the best option for dogs of all sizes and breeds. This cooling mat, recommended by Dr. Lippman, is made up of three layers for optimal comfort: A waterbed cushion, a FlexiFreeze ice sheet, and a thick insulation layer. Before use, simply place the ice sheet in your freezer. The cooling mat uses non-toxic materials, containing only water, and no chemicals or gels.

“I like this one because you don’t fill it with water or ice, and it lasts up to three hours of use,” explains Shelby Semel, Senior Dog Trainer and Founder of Shelby Semel Dog Training who used this cooling mat with her 75-lb Samoyed, who has since passed away. Water/ice cooling mats are safer than gel for bed chewers or younger puppies, she adds. This cooling mat is durable to guard against digging, biting, and sharp claws.

When looking for a cooling mat, Semel notes it’s especially important to pick one that fits your dog’s full body comfortably and that they can get on and off easily. “[This cooling mat is] great for even the extra-large dogs, easy to wipe clean and to travel with,” she says. The CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat is constructed with snaps on the side so that you can connect multiple mats depending on your dog’s size. It would be a good option for either a small or large dog and can be expanded for a growing puppy. The nylon material makes it easy to clean. The mats are sold in packs of one, two, or four, and it also comes in a mini size.

^{Dimensions: 23.5 x 18 x 2 inches (standard mat), 18 x 10.5 x 1.25 inches (mini mat) I Material: Nylon, foam I Fill: Ice (built-in layer)}

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat

PHOTO: Amazon

$50 at Amazon $30 at Walmart $30 at PETCO

What We Like

Three sizes
Fits in a standard crate
Non-toxic materials
Low-maintenance
Easy to store and clean

What We Don’t Like

Gel fill might not be the best option for diggers and bitters

The Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat is another great option, recommended by Dr. Lippman. She suggests looking for a cooling mat that is easy to clean, portable, and durable. This cooling mat checks all of her boxes and comes in three different sizes (supporting dogs up to 80 pounds) so you can find an option that your dog can lie on comfortably. It was designed to fit perfectly in a standard crate and will stay cold for up to three hours. It’s also lightweight and foldable, since it’s thinner than other options, which Dr. Lippman notes is important if you want to use it in different locations.

This cooling mat is also low maintenance—it’s self-charging, so it does not need to be filled with water or placed in the fridge. Instead, it contains a non-toxic gel fill that stays chilled. It will automatically recharge itself after 15 minutes of nonuse. The mat is a nylon material that’s durable and easy to clean.

^{Dimensions: 35 x 55 x 1 inches (large), 27 x 43 x 1 inches (medium), 23 x 35 x 1 inches (small) I Material: Nylon I Fill: Non-toxic gel}

Best for Extra Small or Extra Large Dogs

The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat

PHOTO: Amazon

$38 at Amazon $60 at Chewy View on Thegreenpetshop.com

What We Like

5 different sizes
Pressure-activated
Non-toxic materials
Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

Might be too thin for some dogs

The Green Pet Cool Pet Pad stands out due to its extensive size range. It comes in five different size options, ranging from extra small for dogs eight pounds or under to extra large for dogs over 80 pounds. It’s thin and durable, so it can easily be stored and transported whether you want to use it outside or in a car with your dog. Our tester, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina, said her dog instantly ran over to the mat after long walks on 100-degree days.

This cooling mat, which is made from non-toxic materials, requires no water or refrigeration, making it easy to use and maintain. It’s pressure-activated, and the cooling technology kicks in once your dog lays on it. It stays cool for up to three hours and recharges itself automatically. "It's shocking how well this mat cools, and it activates almost instantly on contact,” says our tester. However, placing it in the refrigerator will speed up this process and keep it cool for even longer. While this cooling mat is durable and easy to clean, the brand also sells a cover in four different colors to ensure it remains in pristine condition.

^{Dimensions: 27.5 x 43.3 inches (extra large), 23.6 x 35 inches (large), 20 x 30 inches (medium), 15.7 x 19.7 inches (small), 11.8 x 15.7 (extra small) I Material: Plastic I Fill: Non-toxic gel}

The Spruce Pets / Hanna Watt
The Spruce Pets / Hanna Watt
The Spruce Pets / Hanna Watt

Best Elevated Cooling Bed

K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed

PHOTO: Amazon

$189 at Amazon

What We Like

5 different sizes
Can fit inside a standard crate
Durable and rip-resistant
120-day chew-proof warranty
Ships assembled
Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

More expensive than other options
Harder to store and transport than a mat
Might be too high for a smaller dog

A raised bed could be a good option to keep your dog cool outside and the K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed is our top choice after testing more than 22 cooling beds. It was designed to stand up to aggressive chewers and diggers, but is also comfortable, notes our tester who used this bed with a 65-pound English bulldog. The elevated platform, which is made from lightweight aluminum, allows for airflow to keep your dog cool. Despite being made of strong, durable materials, the bed is surprisingly lightweight and portable.

The K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed offers a wide size range from small to extra-extra large and supports dogs up to 250 pounds. The upper mat comes in five different color options, all made from the same durable, rip-resistant fabric. While this cooling bed won over our testers, we did find some more affordable raised bed options that could be good for smaller dogs or pups without destructive tendencies.

^{Dimensions: 50 x 33 x 8 inches (extra extra large), 47 x 29 x 6 inches (extra large), 41 x 27 x 6 inches (large), 35 x 22 x 4.5 inches (medium), 29 x 18 x 4.5 (small) I Material: Woven ripstop fabric, aluminum I Fill: N/A}

The Spruce Pets / Elsa Saatela
The Spruce Pets / Elsa Saatela
The Spruce Pets / Elsa Saatela
The Spruce Pets / Elsa Saatela

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Final Verdict

The CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat is the best cooling mat for dogs, recommended by both Dr. Lippman and Semel, who used the mat with her dog. This cooling mat stands out because it comes with an inner ice layer, so you don’t have to worry about your dog ingesting gel. It features mat pads that snap together for customizable sizing options. However, for an extra small or extra large dog, the Green Pet Cool Pet Pad is another great option because it comes in five different sizes. It uses pressure-activated cooling technology that kicks in once your dog lays on it, making it especially convenient to use and maintain.

Benefits Of Using A Cooling Mat For A Dog

“Dogs can benefit from cooling mats, especially in hot weather or if they are prone to overheating,” says Dr. Lippman. She explains that certain types of dogs may benefit from a cooling mat in particular:

Breeds prone to overheating: Breeds with thick fur (Siberian Husky, Keeshond, Samoyed), short noses (brachycephalic breeds), or those that are overall more sensitive to heat
Senior dogs: Older dogs often have a harder time regulating their body temperature
Dogs with medical conditions: Conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or respiratory problems can make dogs more susceptible to heat stress

Ultimately, it comes down to your dog and their habits. If you notice your dog seeking cooler surfaces, such as floors over plush beds, it might be time to consider a cooling mat. Cooling mats have a wide range of uses and can come in handy both at home and on the go.

At home: This is the most obvious use of a cooling mat and the best way to get your dog used to laying on a new surface. If your dog is already trained to lay on a bed or chooses cooler surfaces around your home, try pointing out the cooling mat to encourage them to lay down. Cooling mats can be especially helpful on a hot day after a walk or when the AC just isn’t cutting it. “Following physical activity, cooling mats can help dogs cool down more quickly,” says Dr. Lippman.
In a crate: Some cooling mats have been designed to fit standard crates, though experts only recommend trying this once you already know your dog enjoys using the mat outside a kennel.
Outdoors: Cooling mats can also be used outside in your backyard, though most are not designed to be used in direct sunlight, and should be placed in the shade (which is also what’s best for your dog). They can even be used on outdoor adventures like hiking or camping, adds Lippman.
At a restaurant: Semel notes that cooling mats are helpful when you bring your dog out to eat with you, especially in an outdoor area with concrete flooring.
During travel: Put a cooling mat over a car seat to keep your dog comfortable during a road trip. “They would [serve] the same purpose as a bed or travel mat for training just with the added compliment of helping your dog stay cool,” says Semel. Sometimes the climate can be uncontrollable during travel, making a cooling mat a good option if your dog is prone to overheating, adds Lippman.

Normal Temperature, Heart, and Respiratory Rates in Dogs

What to Look for In Cooling Mats For Dogs

Dr. Lippman breaks down the characteristics to look for in a cooling mat, below.

Size: The mat should be large enough for your dog to lie on, with their full body fitting comfortably. It should also be easy to get on and off, especially when using a raised bed.
Durability: “Look for materials that can withstand scratches and bites,” says Lippman. You should always monitor your dog when introducing something new like a cooling mat, but this is especially important for heavy chewers, diggers, and puppies. “Mats that tear easily can become a hazard,” adds Lippman.
Ease of cleaning: Choose mats that are easy to clean and maintain. Many cooling mats are made of nylon, which is easy to wipe down with a cloth and cleaner.
Portability: This is important to consider if you plan to use a cooling mat in different locations. A lightweight and foldable option would be best for travel—or, even if you plan to bring the mat both inside and outside your home.
Cooling mechanism: The most common types of cooling mats use either water/ice or gel inserts to keep your dog feeling chill. Self-cooling gel mats require less maintenance, but you’ll want to ensure your dog doesn’t puncture the mat and ingest any fluid. Water or ice mats need to be refrigerated and can thaw quicker, but are the safest option when in doubt.
Safety: “Ensure the materials are non-toxic and safe for pets,” says Lippman.

Should You Get Your Dog a Cooling Pad?

Risks to Consider

We only recommend using cooling mats made of nontoxic materials, in case the material is punctured. Avoid mats with toxic substances and poor reviews on durability, says Lippman. “If the dog chews and ingests parts of the mat, it can cause digestive issues or poisoning if the materials are toxic,” she says. Some dogs might also be sensitive to certain materials used in cooling mats, so Lippman recommends monitoring your dog for skin irritation.

And remember, a cooling mat is not a solution for overheating. Experts agree that you should not rely solely on a cooling mat to keep your dog cool—shade and water are still necessary and your dog should be monitored in hot weather.

FAQ

Do dogs need cooling mats?

Your dog might not need a cooling mat, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from using one. “There were centuries of dogs living without them,” says Semel. “But the same can be said for almost any dog-related item so, why not?”
What size should a cooling mat be?

Choose a cooling mat size based on your dog and whether they are still growing. “You want to make sure your dog’s entire body can fit on the cooling mat and that they can get on and off it easily,” says Semel.
Can cooling mats be used outside?

Yes, cooling mats can be used both inside and outside. “They are not a substitute for safety, you still need to keep your dog out of direct sun and bring water with you to prevent overeating, but they are a great alternative to a bed or blanket outdoors for resting,” says Semel.
What should be avoided when it comes to cooling mats?

It’s important to keep safety in mind when introducing any new product to your pet. Dr. Lippman recommends avoiding any cooling mats with toxic substances and poor reviews on durability. To ensure your dog is comfortable, you’ll also want to avoid a mat that’s too small. “High-maintenance products might not be practical for everyday use,” adds Lippman.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

Rebecca Shinners is a freelance writer with a decade of editorial experience. She has raised her 1.5-year-old cavapoo Gemma since she was 8 weeks old. As a first-time dog mom, Shinners is an expert at asking questions, researching products, and seeking vet approval. Now, as a writer for The Spruce Pets, she’s using her knowledge to help other dog owners make informed decisions for their own pets.

For this story, Shinners spoke Dr. Lisa Lippman, Director of Telehealth at Bond Vet. Dr. Lippman's expertise guided our cooling mat selections.

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