The 12 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2024, Including Our Dogs’ Favorites
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For crates, car rides, and long days spent outdoors
People / Carolyn Malcoun
When the weather heats up, the world feels a little less comfortable — especially for dogs.
Dog cooling pads can help them stay cool while providing a cushioned place to lie down, similar to a standard dog bed. However, if you observe signs that your dog is overheating, you should move them to a cooler place; a cooling pad is not enough to prevent serious overheating during summer heat waves.
Experts Say
"Some dogs have a harder time than others keeping cool, especially dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and other dogs with short noses."—Dr. Gary Richter, DVM and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition
To help you keep your pup comfortable in the heat, we set out to find the best cooling pads for dogs. We scoured the market, tested several top-rated options, reviewed customer feedback and evaluated products based on effectiveness, comfort, ease of cleaning, and the all-important "chew-proof" factor.
Best Overall: Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat
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 cooling pad for dogs 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.
We previously tried this mat in a test for cooling dog beds. The coolness lasts for three hours, and the gels fully recharge after just 15 minutes of non-use. Plus, the mat is durable enough to be taken outside, sturdy enough to be portable, and easily wipes clean. It only comes in one size and might be too large for small dogs and puppies. We should note that the pad itself is thin, so you may want to place it on something soft to add some cushioning so your dog is totally comfortable.
What Pet Owners Are Saying
“My senior bulldog has been having trouble cooling off on summer nights,” one reviewer said. “This pad fits right into his bed and keeps him cool all day [and] night. It’s helped a lot. He’s sleeping so much better.”
Dimensions: 27 x 43 x 1 inches | Material: Nylon | Sizes: M | Best For: Medium and large breeds
Related: The 11 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs
Most Durable: Pup Wonders Popocola Densely Woven Ice Vine Dog Cooling Bed
If your furry pals have a knack for digging, clawing, or chewing their beds, you’ll want a cooling dog pad that can withstand some wear and tear. That’s why we love the Pup Wonders Popocola bed — its densely woven fibers create a thick barrier that even one kitty’s claws couldn’t scratch through (and trust us, she tried). The tightly woven material makes it more resistant to ripping or puncturing, and the inner padding feels comfortable and supportive.
This cooling pad doesn’t require any activation because the “cooling” elements are the sweat-wicking mesh, cooling fibers, and honeycomb base that encourages airflow. Though it does feel slightly cool to the touch, we found that the pad felt a little less cool after our tester’s dog spent an hour lying on it (to be expected), so if you’re looking for something super cooling, check out one of the options that use ice or cold water.
Dimensions: 47.2 x 35 x 1.8 inches | Material: Not listed | Sizes: S, M, L | Best for: All dogs
Best for Crates: Hugs Pet Products Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs
Available in three sizes, this cooling pad for dogs from Chillz acts as a body heat-regulating liner for your dog while they're in their dog crate. We previously tested this mat in the same cooling dog beds test mentioned above. Padded in all the right places to provide comfort and support, the mat is filled with pressure-activated cooling beads that kick in as soon as your pup finds their favorite spot to lounge.
This pad can keep them cool for up to three hours and starts 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[s] on this, but it is better than his panting, especially since I know he is comfortable."
Dimensions: 19.5 x 15.5 x 0.75 inches (medium) | Material: Gel | Sizes: M, L, XL | Best For: Dogs of all sizes that use crates
Best Gel: Sun Squad Cooling Mat Cat and Dog Bolster Bed
Powered by a cooling gel that requires no refrigeration to stay chilled to the touch, the Sun Squad Cooling Mat kept our dog comfortable sitting outside in the hot sun. It has a bolster around the edge that dogs can comfortably rest their heads on and is covered in a breathable, eye-catching striped cover (bonus points: it’s machine-washable). One thing to note — our dog snagged some of the cover fabric with her claw, which caused some runs, so frequent diggers might be better suited to our most durable option.
What Pet Owners Are Saying
“This gel seems to work right away. As soon as our pups step onto the mat, it feels cool to the touch and [stays that way] once they get up.”
Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 2.5 inches | Material: Gel | Sizes: One-size | Best for: Small and medium dogs
Best for Small Dogs: The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad
This is one of the few cooling pads for dogs we found that comes in a size suitable for small dog breeds weighing up to 8 pounds. This dog cooling pad is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, and it provides a chill place to lounge when temperatures rise. It scored high when we tested it against cooling dog beds. 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. If you're searching for a more plush option, keep in mind that this mat's material is not very thick.
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."
Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.2 inches (extra-small) | Material: Gel | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Best For: All dogs
Related: The 8 Best Dog Pens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Large Dogs: The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large
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. This is a great choice for dogs that overheat easily as well as dogs that like a comfortable place to sprawl. 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."
Dimensions: 43.4 x 27.6 x 2 inches (extra-large) | Material: Gel | Sizes: XL | Best For: Large breed dogs
Best for Travel: Coleman Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Pet Pad
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 onto 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."
Dimensions: 24 x 30 x 1 inches (medium) | Material: Gel, puncture-resistant nylon | Sizes: M, L | Best For: All dogs for cars, trips, and travel
Best Eco-Friendly: K&H Pet Products Coolin' Dog Mat
If you want a cooling pad for dogs 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). The pad will need to be refilled with water each time, so it's not ideal for those looking for a mat that's ready to use.
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. Plus, K&H products are all made with a polyfill made of recycled materials.
Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 0.25 inches (medium) | Material: Nylon | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Best For: All dogs
Related: The 11 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs
Best Investment: CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad
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. We tested this cooling mat with one tester's small Australian shepherd who loves to dig, but luckily, this mat is so durable that it looked as good as new even after some rough play.
You can buy the mat as a single 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. The pads come with a “flexi-freeze” ice pack that cooled down our tester's canine and still felt cool to the touch after being left out all night, thanks to a foam layer on top that prevented the ice from melting quickly (and also kept our pooch comfy).
What Pet Owners Are Saying
“As soon as I inserted the frozen layer, it felt really cool to the touch; even overnight, the pad still has a slightly cool feeling. It is not showing any signs of wear or tear after the testing period. Just pop the outside cover in the washing machine and tumble dry on low. It [comes] out of the laundry looking brand new," said our tester.
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 0.5 inches (large) | Material: Foam | Sizes: Mini, S/M, L | Best For: All dogs
Best Outdoor: K&H PET PRODUCTS Cool Bed III
If you’re looking for a cooling pad for dogs with a bit more thickness for added comfort, the Cool Bed III from K&H Pet Products may be just what you’re searching for. It has a nylon and vinyl exterior that is durable and long-lasting. It’s ideal for indoor or outdoor use, as long as it's kept out of direct sunlight. There are no gel beads in this product; you simply fill it with the recommended amount of water and knead the bed to help work the water into the Cool Core.
When your dog is finished enjoying the cooling pad, simply open the valve and roll the pad to remove the water. The exterior can be easily cleaned with a damp towel or sponge and mild dishwashing detergent. This may not be the right choice if you're looking for a product that is ready to go immediately without adding water.
What Pet Owners Are Saying
"[It] keeps my dogs cool in summer months and even when they get hot other times during the year. Big enough to fit both my dogs," said one dog parent.
Dimensions: 22 x 32 x 1.5 inches (medium) | Material: Nylon, vinyl | Sizes: S, M, L | Best For: All dogs
People / Jennifer May
Best Long-Term Cooling: TechNiche International Evaporative Cooling Dog Pad
This cooling pad for dogs from TechNiche is the longest-lasting one of the bunch. Just soak the pad in water for one to two minutes, squeeze out the excess, and your pet will stay cool and comfortable for five to 10 hours. The specialized fabric and HyperKewl Plus technology provide an average cooling of 10 to 15 degrees below the ambient temperature.
The pad can be used indoors or outdoors for dogs up to 150 pounds and will continue cooling for up to 150 wet/dry cycles and can be used in a crate, on a bed, or anywhere your dog likes to relax and cool down. If you’re looking for more of a hands-off product, this one might not be ideal, but the long-lasting cool rest area it will provide for your dog may be worth the trade-off.
Dimensions: 36 x 23 x 0.13 inches (large) | Material: Nylon, synthetic fabric | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Best For: All dogs
Best Orthopedic: Dogbed4less Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pet Mat
Combining the benefits of an orthopedic dog bed with the functionality of a dog cooling pad, this mat can keep your pup comfortable 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. The mat is only available in one size (large), which would be too big for tiny pups.
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."
Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 1.2 inches | Material: Memory foam, rubber | Sizes: L | Best For: Large dogs
Related: The 9 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs
Others We Tried
Microcosmos Summer Cooling Mat: We found the mat to be lightweight, bendable, and a great option for travel. Its dual layers provide some cushioning, and it's made without any water or electric components so it’s generally mess-free (not to mention machine-washable). However, because it’s so thin, it feels less sturdy and durable than some of the more expensive options on our list. It’s also not as slip-resistant as advertised. It wasn’t our favorite option that we tested, but the Amazon reviews are still pretty great, so it might be worth a try if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
What to Know About Cooling Pads for Dogs
Cooling Materials
Some cooling pads for dogs 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 cooling pad for dogs with 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 for dogs — like the CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad — that can be rearranged to fit any pet size.
Just like a calming pet bed, the best cooling pad for dogs 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 less than $20 to around $100. Don’t let the cost determine the worth though; our budget pick (Microcosmos Summer Cooling Mat) and investment pick (CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad) both offer cooling pads for dogs that work for all sizes and breeds, depending on your specific needs.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best cooling dog pad, we first consulted Amazon’s list of best-sellers and combed through the review sections to find out what real dog owners thought of each product. Then, we ordered some of the top cooling dog beds to try with our own dogs. We scrutinized each cooling pad, looking at the following qualities:
Durability: Dog owners know that our pups can sometimes play rough with their things, so finding a cooling pad that was able to stand up to our dogs’ digging, scratching, and chewing was a key part of our testing. We let our dogs play rough with each pad and took note of any scuffs or tears in the pads after testing.
Cooling: The primary purpose of the cooling pad is to, well, cool, so we paid close attention to just how cold each pad felt. We put the pads out in the sun and encouraged our dogs to lay on them. We felt the pads with the palms of our hands before and after they were used and took note of how much coolness the pad lost after being exposed to our pet’s warmth and the heat of the sun.
Ease of Use: Each dog pad we tested had slightly different mechanisms for cooling, and a few required some extra setup. We took note of how easy the setup process was — whether it required us to clip together pieces or toss something in the freezer before use.
After testing some of the most popular options, as well as pulling insights from a previous cooling dog beds test, we were left with a comprehensive list of the best cooling dog pads according to real pet owner reviews and our own firsthand experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay for a dog to sleep on a cooling pad?
Cooling pads for dogs may help your pet 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. Also, never leave your dog unsupervised on a cooling pad.
Do cooling pads for dogs 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. Keeping the A/C on or running a ceiling fan can also help keep your dog comfortable indoors.
How long do cooling pads for dogs 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)."
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Emily Belfiore is a writer for Dotdash 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 shopping editor 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 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.
Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE who has covered tons of pet-related topics such as cat toys, cat carriers, and more. For this story, she perused our first-hand testing insights to make some additions to our list of the best cooling pads for dogs of 2024.
Our Expert Panel
Dr. Gary Richter, DVM is the founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition.
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