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Best Cooling Pads for Dogs

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Furhaven Cooling Gel Dog Bed
Furhaven
Cooling Gel Dog Bed
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

This comfortable gel bed provides a supportive and cooling place for your dog to relax and sleep.

Pros

Made with a suede material that has a removable and washable cover. The bolsters on the side keep your pet feeling cozy, or can be removed for more space to stretch out. Has a medical-grade support layer, a cooling gel layer, and a faux fur top. Measures 28 x 23 inches, and works great for dogs up to 55 pounds.

Cons

A few customers had issues with the quality of the cover.

Best Bang for the Buck
Coleman Gel Cooling Pad
Coleman
Gel Cooling Pad
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

This simple gel-cooled blanket lays down and allows your pet to cool down on hot days outside and inside.

Pros

The thin material is easy to fold for storage. It's made from puncture-resistant nylon so your hyperactive dog won't tear it without some effort. Those with big dogs or multiple small dogs appreciate the price and portability.

Cons

Some may want something thicker. Some buyers think it's not very durable, despite the material.

K&H Pet Products Large Cool Bed III
K&H Pet Products
Large Cool Bed III
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

You don't need electricity to get this option going; it wicks sweat out and keeps kitty or puppy cool.

Pros

The cooling system is great for old dogs with arthritis and issues with their joints. It's made of safe material that works indoors and out. The liquid core evenly distributes cooling where your dog or cat sits.

Cons

This pad may be thick for some. It's not easy to transport.

Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad
Arf Pets
Dog Cooling Pad
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

A cooling pad loved by many reviewers' dogs keeps your pooch cool and dry in the heat with a gel interior.

Pros

Great to use on furniture, floors, kennels, and both indoors and outdoors. Easy to keep clean and store in cool months. Great for dogs of all sizes.

Cons

Some said the surface scratched easily and is fairly slippery.

Rywell Large Cooling Pads for Dogs
Rywell
Large Cooling Pads for Dogs
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Easy to Place
Bottom Line

This sky blue pad with puppy paw graphics keeps them cool with the fabric's natural heat prevention.

Pros

It doesn't leave a mess or harm your dog with toxic ingredients. Want to know if it's working? The blanket changes color as it activates. People with medium and large dogs will appreciate the size and performance.

Cons

Some buyers think this pad wrinkles too easily.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
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Researched
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Buying guide for shopping guide for best cooling pads for dogs

Hot weather can be unpleasant for dogs. If the heat is extreme enough, it can even be dangerous. Cooling pads for dogs, which are made of cool materials that absorb body heat from your four-legged friend, can help your pooch regulate her body temperature and generally feel more comfortable on a hot day.

But before you buy, you'll need to decide what type of cooling method you think your pooch will prefer — a squishy gel cooling pad, a water cooling pad, or a chilly ice cooling pad. It's also important to consider the size of each cooling pad so that you buy one that's large enough to accommodate your dog. As for the outer material, it should be sturdy yet comfortable and preferably come with a nonslip base.

Read on for our full buying guide, which will tell you all you need to know about cooling pads for dogs. You can also check out our list of top picks.

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Dog cooling pads work via heat transfer — the cool surface of the mat absorbs body heat from your hot dog.

Key considerations

Cooling method

Gel cooling pads are the most common type of cooling pad for dogs. These pads use a special type of pressure-sensitive gel that produces a cooling effect when your dog lies on it. Gel pads don't require refrigeration or any type of power source, so they're extremely low maintenance and need no preparation.

Water cooling pads need to be filled with chilled water to cool off your pup. These require access to a cold tap, but they don't need much forethought so are ready to use when you need them.

Ice cooling pads need to go in the freezer (or have a freezable insert that does) before you can use them, which means you need to plan ahead. They can also be too cold when they first come out of the freezer. You may need to put a towel or doggie blanket between the pad and your pooch, so she doesn't get too cold.

Size

Choose a canine cooling pad of an appropriate size to fit your dog. The best brands usually offer cooling pads in a range of sizes, but some are one size only, which may or may not fit your dog. Some manufacturers list the approximate weight of the dog that's suited to each size pad, but this is just an approximation — so if your dog is tall but slender or short but stocky, these size guides will be inaccurate. Alternatively, look at the dimensions of each cooling pad and compare them to the size of your dog. Remember, a too-large cooling pad is always preferable to one that's too small.

Ease of cleaning

Consider how easy your chosen cooling pad is to clean, as you don't want it to get stinky and have no way of thoroughly washing it. Some are made from nonporous wipe-clean materials that don't absorb odors and can simply be washed down with a damp cloth. If your chosen model can't be wiped clean, we'd recommend picking one with a machine-washable cover.

Features

Nonslip base

Cooling pads for dogs without a nonslip base may slide around on hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors, particularly when your dog lies down and gets up. Unless you have carpet throughout your home, a nonslip base is ideal.

Color

Since it might spend a few months in your living room, it's best to choose a dog cooling pad that goes with your décor or has a fairly neutral, inoffensive color or pattern.

Cooling time

Precisely how long will the cooling pad keep your dog comfortable for? The majority list a cooling time of between two and four hours, but this can vary depending on external factors.

"Unfortunately, cooling pads aren't suitable for dogs who are destructive chewers. A cooling vest might be a better option, as they can't be chewed while on a dog's body. "
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Cooling pads for dogs prices

Inexpensive: Basic cooling pads for dogs can cost as little as $5 to $20. Unfortunately, the cheapest models aren't always durable or reliable. Some cooling pads start leaking gel or water within just a few days of use.

Mid-range: For $20 to $40, you can find canine cooling pads that are fairly sturdy and are great for occasional use or for smaller dogs.

Expensive: High-end cooling pads for dogs cost roughly $40 to $80. This includes the largest and the most durable models.

 

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Caution
If your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, she'll need more than just a cooling pad to bring her temperature down. Wrap her in cool wet towels and take her to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.
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Tips

  • Check whether your chosen canine cooling pad has any specific storage instructions. Some can't be folded to avoid splitting the vinyl and causing gel or water to leak. Others might need to be kept in cool spots, out of direct sunlight.
  • Only buy cooling pads for dogs that are made from nontoxic materials. In an ideal world, your dog won't attempt to chew her cooling pad, but if she does, or if there's a split and the contents leak out, you should be safe in the knowledge that it doesn't contain any materials that could harm your four-legged friend.
  • Think about how often your dog will use her cooling pad. If you live in a warm climate, it might be useful eight or nine months out of the year, while people in cooler climes might only get a few months of use each year. Those who'll be using it more often should spend extra on a highly durable model.
  • Don't force your dog to use her new cooling pad. Some dogs love their cooling pad right away, some need a bit of time to get used to it, and others won't be interested at all. If your dog doesn't want to lie on the cooling pad, don't attempt to force it.
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You can also find some dog beds with integrated cooling pads, providing a cool, comfortable place for your pooch to sleep in hot weather.

FAQ

Q. Why is the heat such a big problem for dogs?
A.
It's difficult for dogs to regulate their own temperature when they get too hot, as they can't sweat to cool off in the same way that humans do. Instead, panting is their main self-cooling mechanism, but it actually isn't a particularly effective method of reducing body temperature. Heat stroke in dogs is often fatal, which is why it's important not to allow your dog to overheat in hot weather. A cooling pad can help your four-legged friend cool down her core temperature, however, which is why we'd highly recommend all dog owners have one.

Q. Can cooling pads for dogs be used both indoors and outdoors?
A.
Yes, the vast majority of dog cooling pads are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, when used outside, the cooling effect will be shorter, especially in direct sun. On exceptionally hot days, we wouldn't recommend letting your dog spend too much time outside, even with a cooling pad to help keep her cool. A shaded or air-conditioned room will be much cooler and more comfortable for her.

Q. How will I know when my dog cooling pad is ready to use?
A.
Water cooling pads only need to be filled with cold water before using them, and ice cooling pads simply need to spend time in the freezer first. However, gel cooling pads are a little trickier to gauge, but it's still fairly simple. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes for a gel pad to "recharge" once it's exhausted its cooling capabilities and your dog has moved from it. After this time, it should have radiated the absorbed heat back into your surroundings and will be ready to cool down your pooch again.