Best Dog Cooling Mats: Keep Your Pet Comfortable in Hot Weather

Keeping your dog cool and comfortable on hot days is easy with the best dog cooling mats. Whether your dog has a thick double coat or no coat at all, a cooling mat is a simple and easy-to-use tool to help your dog regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.

If you are wondering if your dog needs a cooling mat, then this post is for you.

Dogs regulate body temperature in a couple of key ways. They pant to release body heat and draw in cool air, and they sweat through their paws. But when this isn't enough, an external method to help them cool may be needed.

Dog cooling mats are a tool that can aid in temperature regulation and can encourage calm, relaxed behaviour. Choosing the right design for your dog's needs, environment, and activities.

Beyond keeping them cool, they can offer a self-directed retreat for heat-sensitive breeds, and serve as a practical complement to other hot weather strategies like cooling vests and shade.

Double-coated breeds, brachycephalic dogs, seniors, and overweight dogs tend to benefit most, but any dog dealing with summer heat can use one.

How Do Dog Cooling Mats Work?

Can a simple mat really keep your dog cool? While cooling mats aren't the only cooling solution you should consider, they can be an effective way to help your dog regulate their temperature when used properly.

Different cooling mats will cool your dog in different ways, so make sure the one you choose is effective for your dog. Understanding the three types of dog cooling mats can help you make the best choice.

Gel Cooling Mats

For a versatile, durable, and low-maintenance dog cooling mat, consider a pressure-activated gel mat. These mats are filled with a gel substance that will absorb some of your dog's body heat to help them regulate their internal body temperature.

They are one of the most popular options because they require no water, no electricity, and no freezing. The gel filling is activated when your dog lies on it, allowing it to slowly draw out body heat and disperse it.

They are also a great option for indoor use, as they won't damage furniture or floors. Simply place the mat in a spot your dog likes to relax, and leave it.

Evaporative Water Mats

Evaporation is one of the most effective cooling methods. It works the same way as sweating and may be a preferred option for dogs with thick coats that traditional gel mats may not work as well for.

They work by simply pouring water over the mat. As your dog lies on it, the water will evaporate in the heat, which draws out body heat. The mat can be rehydrated as often as is needed to offer a long lasting cooling effect.

The nature of a water based cooling mat makes them better suited to outdoor activities, like backyard hangouts, campsites, and even beach days.

Frozen Cooling Mats

A less common but still effective cooling mat style is one that holds a re-freezable insert. These will offer quicker relief from hot temperatures, as the frozen mat will feel cooler to the touch immediately than other styles.

As the frozen insert melts, it can pull body heat from your dog faster and more effectively than gel mats.

These can be used for indoor or outdoor use, but the warmer the environment, the faster the inserts will melt. It's recommended to have back up inserts to reduce time in between uses.

Cooling Mat Comparison

Every style is going to have pros and cons, and best use cases. Here is a quick comparison chart of the three different dog cooling mat types to help to make an informed decision:

Best Dog Cooling Mats

Now that you know which types of cooling mats might work for your dog, here is a list of the best dog cooling mats available at Homes Alive Pets to help you choose.

Our list shows off our best selling cooling mats based on the cooling technology they use. Compare out water-based, frozen, and gel cooling mats to find the style that best suits your dog.

Gel Cooling Mats

Goo-eez Cooling Mat

The Goo-eez Cooling Mat is a fuss-free gel mat that activates the moment your dog lies down. No prep, no refrigeration, no mess. It's a solid everyday option for dogs who spend most of their time indoors.

• • Pressure-activated gel cooling that doesn't require water or electricity
  • Lightweight and portable, works at home, in the car, or outdoors
  • Available in three sizes from small/medium up to XX-large
  • Easy to hand wash and air dry

GF Pet Ice Mat Cooling Mat

A gel mat with a fun, rounded design that works for both dogs and cats. The GF Pet Ice Mat can be refrigerated for an extra boost on particularly hot days. It's a nice option for households that want flexibility between passive and active cooling.

• • Non-toxic gel fill keeps pets cooler than ambient temperature
  • Can be refrigerated before use for enhanced cooling
  • Available in two sizes and three colour patterns
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Ideal for post-exercise recovery

Water-Based Cooling Mats

K&H Coolin' Pet Pad

The K&H Coolin' Pet Pad is a water-filled pad that wicks heat away from your dog and releases it into the air, which is particularly useful for dogs dealing with sore joints or muscles, where staying cool during rest matters beyond just comfort. Simply add water before use.

• • Water-activated evaporative cooling, no gels or chemicals
  • Stays soft and flexible over time, unlike some pads that harden
  • Available in four sizes up to X-large
  • Recommended for use in temperatures below 38°C (100°F)
  • Best used on hard surfaces like wood or tile as carpet reduces effectiveness

Canada Pooch Chill Out Cooling Mat

The Canada Pooch Chill Out Cooling Mat is a premium water-based mat with a breathable polyester shell and a water-absorbing core that cools through evaporation. The removable, machine-washable cover is a practical differentiator for households that prioritize easy maintenance.

• • Chemical-free evaporative cooling, just add water
  • Machine-washable cover with a rinseable inner mattress
  • Non-slip base keeps it in place on hard floors
  • One size only (81 x 61 cm), best suited for medium to large dogs

Frozen Cooling Mats

Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat

A three-layer system that combines a waterbed cushion, a reusable FlexiFreeze ice sheet, and an insulating foam layer. The most intensive cooling option of the three types. The Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat is best for dogs who overheat quickly or need prolonged relief on very hot days. The trade-off is that the insert needs to be refrozen between uses.

The FlexiFreeze ice sheet holds the equivalent of nearly 8 trays of ice cubes, making it long lasting and more effective than gel filled mats. You can also buy extra sheets so you can keep a back up in the freezer.

• • Three-layer design: waterbed cushion + FlexiFreeze ice sheet + insulating foam
  • Gel-free and chemical-free, uses only pure water
  • Machine washable outer layer
  • One size only (approximately 46 x 58 cm), but mats can be connected for larger dogs
  • Veterinarian approved for safe, effective cooling

Dog Cooling Mat Tips

To make sure your dog gets the maximum cooling effect of their mat, follow these simple tips:

Keep it Shaded: Place your dog cooling mat out of direct sunlight. Natural shade from trees or placing it away from windows can help maximize the bed' cooling effect. If shade isn't available, consider bringing an umbrella or a shaded dog enclosure for your dog to rest in.

Keep it Cool: Choose surfaces that don't retain heat. Carpet and other fabrics indoors are not ideal. When using outside, stick to grass or wood decks in shaded areas. Concrete and stones can absorb heat throughout the day, making them too hot for the mats to do their job. Another great options is to pair it with a breathable, raised dog bed or cot that allows air flow to cool the air underneath the mat.

Keep it Optional: You want the cooling mat to be a choice, so keep the mat separate from your dog's regular bed or napping spots. Most dogs will use the mat for as long as they need it and then move. Don't force them to use by placing it in a crate or on top of their own bed.

Keep it the Right Size: Cooling mats come in different shapes and sizes, so make sure you choose one that covers your dog's full torso as their core is the most important part to cool. Unlike a bed, a cooling mat doesn't need to fit their fully stretched body, but shoulder to hips is ideal.

Keep it Supervised: Always supervise your dog with their cooling mat. Dogs that dig, scratch, or chew can easily damage the bed. This is particularly important when using gel mats that, although usually non-toxic, is still not good to eat.

Keep it Clean: A clean dog bed is more appealing to use for your dog, but can also help prolong the mats life. Check for tears, loose threads, or other damage that may indicate the bed needs to be replaced.

Keep it Balanced: Cooling mats alone are not the solution to prevent overheating. Limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, providing plenty of fresh water, using dog cooling vests during exercise, frozen treats, and regular grooming are all key factors in hot weather safety.

Learn more cooling tips and techniques in How to Cool Down a Dog.

Best Dog Cooling Mat FAQs

Do cooling mats actually work for dogs?

Yes, cooling mats are effective for most dogs when used properly and in the right environments. By drawing out body heat naturally, dogs can better regulate their temperature and stay safe in hot and humid climates.

Are cooling mats safe for dogs?

Yes, they are generally safe, but make sure you monitor your dog during use. Gel mats, in particular, can be chewed or scratched, exposing the gel filling. Though typically non-toxic, consuming gel products can upset digestion.

Can cooling mats be used outside?

Yes, cooling mats can be effective outdoors, but should be kept in shaded areas away from hot surfaces to remain effective. They can be a useful tool to bring camping with your dog to help provide relief during long days in hot climates.

Can cooling mats help dogs with joint pain or arthritis?

Cooling mats aren't a treatment for joint pain, but a cool surface can help dogs that are already stiff or uncomfortable settle more easily during rest. For dogs with arthritis or joint issues, a cooling mat can be a simple way to make downtime more comfortable.