The 8 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2023

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8 Best Cooling Mats for Dogs — Photo: Lecia Landis/People

When the weather heats up, suddenly the world feels a little less comfortable. That's true for dogs too, and they have a fur coat to contend with. If you've noticed that your furry friend is always panting and can't settle down, a cooling dog pad can be a game changer. These pads can regulate your dog's body temperature, while providing a cushioned place to lie down.

While every dog doesn't need a cooling pad, some breeds could benefit from one, Dr. Gary Richter, DVM and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition tells PEOPLE. "Some dogs have a harder time than others keeping cool, especially dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and other dogs with short noses."

To help you keep your pup comfortable in the heat, we set out to find the best cooling pads for dogs currently available. We scoured the market, reviewing customer feedback and evaluating products based on effectiveness, comfort, ease of cleaning, and the all-important "chew-proof" factor.

These are the best cooling pads for dogs to keep your pup comfortable this summer.

The 8 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs

Best Overall: Arf Pets Self-Cooling Dog Mat
Best Budget: K&H Pet Products Coolin' Dog Mat
Best Investment: CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad
Best for Crates: Chillz Cooling Mat for Dogs
Best for Small Dogs: The Green Pet Shop Small Dog Cooling Mat
Best for Big Dogs: The Green Pet Shop Extra-Large Dog Cooling Mat
Best Orthopedic: Dogbed4less Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pet Mat
Best for Travel: Coleman Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Pet Pad

Best Overall: Arf Pets Self-Cooling Dog Mat

Buy It! $59.99; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: Dogs under 80 pounds that want to escape the heat indoors, outdoors, in the car and in the crate.

Who It's Not Good For: It's only available for medium and large dogs, so the size might be too big for small dogs or puppies.

The Arf Pets Self-Cooling Dog Mat ticks every box for both you and your pet. Able to support up to 80 pounds, the cushioned dog pad is filled with gel beads that activate as soon as they sense pressure — no batteries, electricity or freezer needed. In other words, your dog will start to cool down the moment they lie down, and you don't have to lift a finger.

The coolness lasts for three hours, and the gels fully recharge after just 15 minutes of nonuse. Plus, the mat is durable enough to be taken outside, sturdy enough to be portable, and easily wipes clean. We should note that the pad is thin, so you may want to place it on something soft to add some cushioning so your dog is totally comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $59.99 (orig. $89.99)

Dimensions: 27 x 43 x 1 inches | Material: Nylon | Best for: Medium and large breeds

Best Budget: K&H Pet Products Coolin' Dog Mat

Buy It! $23.99; chewy.com

Who It's Good For: Those with a lower budget, and dogs who want a comfortable place to lie down without a gel filling.

Who It's Not Good For: Those who don't want to deal with potential water spills.

If you want a cooling pad made without gels, this plastic pad only uses water to help cool off your pup. Simply fill the cooling pad with water, and it's good to go (with no electricity or refrigeration needed). You can bring this cooling pad in the car or use it on top of your dog's bed. It offers an immediate cooling sensation via a tough nylon material that won't succumb to tough chewers (and is machine washable). It comes in all standard sizes, so it can work for all types of dogs.

Price at time of publish: $16.67 (orig. $23.99)

Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 0.25 inches | Material: Nylon | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Best for: All dogs

Best Investment: CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad

Buy It! $89.99; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: It's perfect for households with multiple dogs of different sizes who don't want gel-filled pads.

Who It's Not Good For: It's not super cushioned, so it might not be as comfortable for puppies or senior dogs.

With the cooling equivalent of nearly eight trays of ice, these modular cooling pads are great for families with multiple dogs because you can rearrange them to accommodate different sizes. You can buy the mat as a singular one for a small dog or as a set of two or four to combine the pads for larger dogs. All pads have a ripstop material that's machine-washable. Plus, they're not gel-based — instead they come with a "flexi-freeze" ice pack that will cool down your canine (or canines) instantly.

Price at time of publish: $89.99 (for a set of two)

Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 0.5 inches | Material: Foam | Best for: All dogs

Best for Crates: Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs

Buy It! $24.98; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: Crate-trained dogs that overheat easily and pups that are still getting the hang of things.

Who It's Not Good For: If your dog is past the crate-training stage or doesn't use a crate, you might opt for a thicker mat.

Available in three sizes, this cooling pad from Chillz acts as a body heat-regulating liner for your dog while they're in their crate. Padded in all the right places to provide comfort and support, it's filled with pressure-activated cooling beads that kick in as soon as your pup finds their favorite spot to lounge. This pad will keep them cool for up to three hours and start to recharge on its own once your dog moves around. And if you're crate-training a new puppy, don't worry. The mat is made from scratch-resistant material and wipes clean if any accidents happen.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: "My pup hasn't panted once since I started using this," one dog parent said. "Since the dog crate is right next to my bed, I am aware of the extra noise pup makes when he shifts position on this, but it is better than his panting, especially since I know he is comfortable."

Price at time of publish: $24.98

Dimensions: 19.5 x 15.5 x 0.75 inches | Material: Gel | Sizes: M, L, XL | Best for: Dogs of all sizes that use crates

Best for Small Dogs: The Green Pet Shop Small Dog Cooling Mat

Buy It! $37.99; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: Tiny dogs that need a cool place to chill and find instant relief after long walks or intensive sunbathing.

Who It's Not Good For: It's not designed for large dogs, and doesn't come in a size larger than medium.

Made for small dog breeds weighing up to 20 pounds, this dog cooling mat is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, and it provides a chill place to lounge when temperatures rise. Its rechargeable cooling beads are always ready for action and provide instant relief when needed. Since it's lightweight and foldable, this highly rated pick easily fits in your bag or car, so you can have it handy when you're on the move.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: "Our double-coated [corgi] approves," raved one customer. "He has never slept up on the couch with us; he just gets too hot. Now he's curled up against me on his pad snoozing away."

Price at time of publish: $37.99

Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.2 inches | Material: Gel | Sizes: XS, S, M | Best for: Small dogs

Best for Big Dogs: The Green Pet Shop Extra-Large Dog Cooling Mat

Buy It! $79.98; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: Large dog breeds that overheat easily and need to cool down quickly, as well as dogs that like to sprawl comfortably.

Who It's Not Good For: Since it only comes in large sizes, this cooling pad wouldn't work for tiny dog breeds.

This extra-large dog mat accommodates large dog breeds and is spacious enough that they can sprawl comfortably. Like its small-sized counterpart, the Amazon-favorite pad gets its cooling power from rechargeable gel beads, which recharge within 20 minutes of not being used. It will keep your dog cool for up to three hours at a time and works indoors, outdoors, and on the go.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: "My older [lab mix] has some mild hip issues," one reviewer explained. "I have been taking the mat outside, and she is much more content to lie on it, and doesn't ask to be let in right away like she does without it."

Price at time of publish: $79.98

Dimensions: 43.4 x 27.6 x 2 inches | Material: Gel | Sizes: L, XL | Best for: Large breed dogs

Best Orthopedic: Dogbed4less Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pet Mat

Buy It! $37.95; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: Old dogs and pups with achy joints that can't quite jump onto the couch or bed.

Who It's Not Good For: It's only available in a size large, so it would be too big for tiny dogs.

Combining the benefits of an orthopedic dog bed with the functionality of a dog cooling pad, this mat keeps your pup from overheating while supporting their joints. Inside, orthopedic cooling memory foam cushions your dog to prevent discomfort as it regulates body temperature. Dogs will also enjoy its plush-yet-breathable fleece fabric, no-slip construction, and low profile, which prevents injury. It's also super absorbent to protect your floors from pet messes.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: "Bought this for my 130-pound Newfoundland, [and] I can already see a difference in her; she doesn't get up like she's sore anymore," explained one Amazon reviewer. "She had folded blankets in her crate before but would always shove them aside, [but with] this, she can't. It also seems to keep her cooler than just the crate bottom; she's not panting when I walk in the door."

Price at time of publish: $37.95

Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 1.2 inches | Material: Memory foam, rubber | Best for: Large dogs

Best for Travel: Coleman Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Pet Pad

Buy It! $32.98; amazon.com

Who It's Good For: Long car rides, beach trips, and sleepovers at stuffy places.

Who It's Not Good For: It's not as padded, so it might not work for senior dogs or those who need a little more plush.

Ready to go when you are, the Coleman Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Pet Pad is designed for portability and fast relief from the heat. This cooling dog blanket and pad hybrid begins comforting your pet from the moment they step on to it, courtesy of its pressure-activated cooling gel liner. You can fold it up like a blanket and easily pack it with all of your other pet travel essentials. And if your dog gets overheated during car rides, lay it out on the seat so they can get comfy.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: "It really works as described," one customer said. "Once [my dog] lays on it, she stops panting within a minute or two and is obviously more relaxed. We use this thing everywhere: around the house, in her bed, in the car during summer car rides, even outside… So far, it's been pretty durable."

Price at time of publish: $32.98

Dimensions: 24 x 30 x 1 inches | Material: Gel, puncture-resistant nylon | Best for: Cars, trips, and travel

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cooling Pad for Dogs

Materials

Some dog cooling pads are made with gel beads that are activated by pressure (a.k.a. when the dog steps on it — like the Coleman Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Pet Pad), whereas others are cooled with water and ice. If your dog is a tough chewer, you might opt for a more natural filling like water with a rip-stop exterior material such as nylon (that's more resistant to chewing).

Your Dog's Size

When you consider what type of cooling pad to buy for your dog, you should think about their size. If you have a large dog, you might opt for a size-specific pad like the Green Pet Shop Extra-Large Dog Cooling Mat, and the same goes for small dogs with the Green Pet Shop Small Dog Cooling Mat. Alternatively, if you have multiple dogs, you may consider a modular type of cooling pad — like the CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad — that can be rearranged to fit any pet size.

The best cooling pad will depend on "the situation and the type of dog," according to Dr. Richter. "If people think their dog seems to get hot easily, the best solution is to make sure they have a cool or shady place to lay. If people want to try a cooling pad for their dog, they should get one and let the dog decide if they want to use it."

Price

You should also think about the price because cooling pads for dogs can vary in cost — from $16 to around $90. Don't let the cost determine the worth though; our budget pick (K&H Pet Products Coolin' Dog Mat) and investment pick (CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad) both offer cooling pads that work for all dog sizes and breeds, depending on your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay for a dog to sleep on a cooling pad?

Yes, in fact, dog cooling pads can help them regulate their body temperature so they can sleep better (almost like cooling sheets for humans). "It's fine as long as the dog is able to get up and get off the pad if they get cold," Dr. Richter says.

Do cooling pads work?

"They can work to help keep dogs cool," says Dr. Richter, who warns that "if a dog is overheated, a cooling pad may not be enough to cool them off." He says that "overheated dogs frequently need medical attention." Some signs of overheating to look for include: frantic panting, extreme salivation and labored breathing. So make sure your dog stays comfy as the temperatures rise this summer.

How long do cooling pads stay cool?

That will depend on the specific cooling pad. "If they are using cooled or frozen gel packs, it depends on the size of the dog and number of gel packs," says Dr. Richter. For instance, the Arf Pets Self-Cooling Dog Mat, which uses gel beads lasts for up to three hours. "If they work using circulating cool water, they can keep cool indefinitely (as long as they are on)."

Take Our Word For It

Emily Belfiore is a Buying Guides writer for Meredith brands including InStyle, People, Food & Wine, and more. Always in pursuit of the best reviewer-vouched products, she covers topics spanning across the fashion, beauty, and health and wellness verticals. Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who's tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources. She's previously covered many different pet topics, including training and behavior. For this story, she spoke to Dr. Gary Richter, DVM and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, in addition to heavily researching the market of cooling pads for dogs to determine the best picks for different dogs.

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