Are you in search of the best cooling mat for your dog? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested 4 cooling mats for this review, and we’ve also incorporated the opinions of experts. We promise that this article will truly help you! 🙂

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Buying Guide

Why Does Your Dog Need a Cooling Mat?

Imagine it’s a beautiful summer day. The heat makes you think of only one thing: cooling off!

And now imagine how your four-legged friend feels?

Dogs mainly cool themselves by panting. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough when it gets extremely hot and humid. At this point, we need to pay special attention to our furry companions.

Fortunately, there are many cooling mats for dogs that provide relief on the hottest days.

Heat can be extremely stressful for our four-legged friends. When exposed to such heat, it can be dangerous for their health.

Overheating can lead to heatstroke, exhaustion, dehydration, and ultimately, persistent health problems.

On a hot day, your furry friend can benefit greatly from a cooling mat. It wonderfully regulates body temperature.

You can use cooling mats in the garden, at home, or even in the car. Sitting in a hot car is very stressful for dogs in the summer.

Of course, it’s best to avoid subjecting your furry friend to car rides in such conditions. But if it’s unavoidable, a cooling mat comes in handy.

The Advantages Summarized

How Cooling Mats Work

One type consists of materials that absorb the body’s heat. They contain a gel that keeps cool and is activated by pressure when sitting on it.

The gel recharges and cools down again when your pet stands up and the pressure is removed.

The other type of cooling mat is filled with cold water, similar to a waterbed. The cool water absorbs the body’s heat.

Both types have a limited cooling time until they need to be recharged or cooled down again.

Materials Used in the Mats

Effective cooling pads are made of nylon, as they withstand wear and remain breathable.

Most pets need a few days to get used to the pad.

These types of cooling mats can be distinguished as follows:

Water-filled:

You simply fill them with water. Pay special attention to cleaning, as they can easily develop mold. Also, consider the risk of water leakage. If your dog likes to chew on things, it can be risky. Their cooling effect lasts about 5-7 hours.

Pressure-activated:

These products are based on a gel filling. It absorbs the dog’s temperature and cools down due to a chemical in the mat.

Phase Change:

These are filled with cooling pads that remain at a cool 59°F (15°C). They stay cool the longest.
Choosing which mat to use is entirely individual. However, gel mats last a few hours longer than water mats.

Key Features to Consider When Buying

To fulfill the purpose of the cooling mat, the following features are crucial.

Size:

Most of our recommended cooling mats are available in various sizes. Make sure you buy the right size for your dog. If the cooling mat is too small, your pet won’t cool down enough. If it’s too big, it will be less efficient.

Consider where you will place it. Does it need to fit into a kennel or crate? In this case, check the dimensions first to ensure the cooling mat fits.

Portability:

Will the mat be placed in one location only, or do you want to be able to move it easily? Water-filled cooling mats or beds are heavy and consequently difficult to move. A lighter pad folds easily, making it easy to store or transport when traveling.

Ease of Use:

Ease of use is important if you plan to travel with the cooling mat. Regular setup and breakdown can otherwise become a hassle. Look for ones that don’t require water or electricity for cooling.

Easy to Clean and Maintain:

Dog mats collect a lot of hair, dirt, and dust. Therefore, try to choose a mat that is easy to clean. Choose a cooling mat that, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. (Cooling mats suitable for washing machines are rare).

Durability:

Where will your dog use the mat? If it’s outdoors, choose one that is resistant and withstands the elements. Dogs can be rough with objects. They often scratch, chew, and bite things, so a mat made of sturdy material will last longer.

Comfort:

If your dog spends a lot of time on the mat, it should be comfortable enough. Some mats have more padding and a soft outer material than others.

Non-Toxic:

Make sure the chosen mat is suitable for your dog and made of non-toxic materials. Nylon holds up well and is breathable. Avoid materials like latex, plastic, rubber, or foam. They tend to trap sweat and moisture.

How to Extend the Lifespan

Here’s how to ensure your cooling mat lasts long enough:

Cleaning:

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Clean regularly. Most can be quickly wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Groom your dog:

Keep your dog’s nails short to avoid accidental punctures. Regular brushing removes excess hair and prevents fur buildup on the mat.

Check the underside:

Check the surface where you place the mat. There shouldn’t be anything underneath that could cause tears. If there’s dirt or something sharp, it can rub against the mat and wear it down or puncture it.

Regularly check for moisture buildup under the mat. Moisture breeds bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to pets and degrade the mat over time.

Sunlight:

Never place the cooling mat in direct sunlight. The sun’s heat reduces the cooling effect of the mat.

7 Tips for Hot Days

1. Adjust walking times to the temperatures:

Take walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities with your dog early in the morning and late in the evening when the sun isn’t as strong, and temperatures are cooler.

2. Provide shade:

Trees are great, but they’re not always available or may not provide shade depending on the direction of the sun. Portable umbrellas and pop-up canopies are ideal for creating shade in yards.

3. Ensure an adequate supply of fresh water:

Provide your dog with multiple large bowls of fresh drinking water and check them daily.

Place the water where your pet can easily reach it. Don’t forget to place water in shaded areas.

4. Water play for cooling off:

Does your dog enjoy playing in water? A “dog pool” helps them stay safe and cool even in the heat.

5. Keep his weight under control:

Overweight pets have a harder time staying cool in warm weather. There’s an increased risk of overheating. Help your furry friend maintain his ideal weight with a balanced diet.

6. Don’t shave your dog’s coat!

Fur not only insulates and keeps warm in winter, but it can also help regulate temperature in summer. You can regularly brush your furry friend to remove the undercoat from the winter months.

7. Avoid training on hot days:

Even a walk on a hot day can lead to heatstroke. Overweight dogs are more prone to this! Of course, your pet shouldn’t have to completely forgo exercise.

However, it’s advisable to move these activities to the cooler evenings or mornings and not to exert him too much.

Product Reviews in Detail

🥇 Top Recommendation

A gel cooling mat that provides cooling relief in a pleasant way. The cooling mat works through simple body contact and cools for several hours without additional cooling agents. After a short break in use, the mat is quickly ready for use again.

If needed, you can wipe the cooling mat with a damp cloth. Its foldable feature makes it easy to store and transport, saving space. The mat contains a non-toxic gel filling.

Premium Recommendation

This cooling mat from Rywell leaves nothing to be desired. It perfectly meets our quality criteria. The cooling of this product is activated automatically by the weight pressure of the animal. Thus, no electricity or refrigerator is necessary. During the use of the cooling mat, you protect your pet from overheating. Your dog will love this mat because it provides optimal lying comfort and relieves the body. According to the manufacturer, the mat is non-toxic. In our assessment, it has good material properties and quality.

Aside from that, it can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do you enjoy being on the go with your dog? Then it’s no problem to transport this mat.

With Cooling Gel

Coleman dog mat is great for both outdoor and indoor use. You can use it in a dog bed or in the car. The cooling mat can be easily used anywhere, as it does not require water to cool. Simply spread out the mat and after a short time, the cooling effect will be noticeable on its own. It is filled with gel and activated by body pressure.

If the cooling effect diminishes, you just need to place the mat in a cool shade. This allows the cooling mat to recover after some time. The cooler the place, the faster it will be ready for use again. It cools at a pleasant 37.4 °F – 39.2 °F (3 – 4°C) below body temperature and loses its effect if no pressure is applied for 15 minutes. You don’t need to worry about the size either, as it is available in various sizes for every dog.

Best Value Recommendation

The Trixie cooling mat is self-cooling, so you don’t need to freeze it or add water. The product can be purchased from the manufacturer in various sizes. It absorbs body heat and relaxes your dog on hot summer days.

Dogs with joint problems will find it quite comfortable due to the comfortable fabric. The nylon fibers used are non-irritating and breathable.

Conclusion

Your faithful companion deserves the best – and especially on hot summer days, there is nothing more important than cooling off! With a cooling mat for dogs, you can give your dog a small oasis of refreshment. Whether filled with gel or water, the different types of cooling mats are all designed to provide your dog with a comfortable climate.

And the best part: the sturdy nylon cover protects the cooling mats from damage and makes them particularly durable. So what are you waiting for? Place the cooling mat in the shade and let your dog enjoy the refreshing feeling!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog is too hot?

Your pet will feel uncomfortable in the heat just like we humans do.

Observe his behavior!

Is he constantly seeking cooler spots in your home? Does he lie on cool tiles in the bathroom or kitchen? Or even on cool pieces of cement? Then you can be sure that he is bothered by the heat.

Other signs to watch out for include:

Has there been a test conducted by Consumer Reports?

Unfortunately, Consumer Reports has not yet conducted tests on cooling mats for dogs.

What alternatives are there to cooling mats?