The 11 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2024

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. 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.

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 in the heat.

Best Overall

Arf Pets Self-Cooling Dog Mat

Amazon

Who It's Good For

• This cooling pad is ideal for dogs up to 80 pounds who want to escape the heat indoors, outdoors, in the car, and in the crate.

Who It’s Not Good For

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.

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

Best Budget

Microcosmos Summer Cooling Mat

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

This cooling fiber pad can help keep your dog cool for a fraction of the cost of other mats. This waterproof mat has dual layers to provide some cushioning yet still is breathable. The budget-friendly option is made without any water or electric components, so it’s generally mess-free (no water spills) and can easily be thrown in the washing machine with some laundry detergent. It’s also quite lightweight, so it’s portable, making it ideal for car trips, a day out on your patio, or even a day at the beach. If you're searching for a thicker and more cushioned mat, this may not be the ideal choice.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: “The mat came today, and my dog took to it instantly,” wrote one reviewer. “Yes, it’s thin, not padded as other reviewers noted, but in searching for cool spots my dog usually lies directly on the floor, so that wasn’t an issue. I put it on the floor, and he went right to it and lay down, where he miraculously stayed for almost an hour. …This product is worth its weight in gold as far as we are concerned!”

Dimensions: 28 x 22 x 0.5 inches (large) | Material: Rubber, cotton | Sizes: S, L, XL, XXL | Best For: All dogs

Best for Crates

Hugs Pet Products Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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. 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 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 for Small Dogs

The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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. 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

Best for Large Dogs

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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: L, XL | Best For: Large breed dogs

Best Orthopedic

Dogbed4less Pet Mat

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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

Best for Travel

Coleman Pet Pad

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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. This is a great choice for anyone who needs a sturdy cooling pad for dogs made with puncture-resistant material, but it might not be ideal for senior dogs or those who need a mat with a little more cushioning.

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

Chewy

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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. 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. 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

Best Investment

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad

Amazon

Who It's Good For Who It’s Not Good For

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 a mini mat for a small dog or a set of two or four large mats for households with two or more combined larger dogs. All pads have a ripstop material that's machine-washable. The material is sturdy, but. not super cushioned, so it might not be comfortable for puppies or senior dogs. The pad is not gel-based — instead, it comes with a "flexi-freeze" ice pack that will cool down your canine (or canines) instantly.

What Pet Owners Are Saying: “At first, [my dog] wasn’t sure about laying on the mat directly,” said one dog parent, “but once I covered it with a towel, he couldn't get enough of it!” The reviewer also said they “bring it on the boat, too! It’s easy to pack up and throw the ice pack in the cooler.”

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

Walmart

Who It's Good For Who It's Not Good For

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™.

It comes in small, medium, and large for all different-sized pups. 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

Best Long-Term Cooling

TechNiche International Evaporative Cooling Dog Pad

Chewy

Who It's Good For Who It's Not Good For

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. The pad comes in royal blue and silver in sizes small to XXL 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

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cooling Pad for Dogs

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.

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)."

Take Our Word For It

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 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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