As a dog owner, I’ve found that keeping my dog comfortable during hot summer days is crucial. The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad stands out as the best overall cooling mat for dogs.

The mat is currently on Amazon and you can get it here.

This pressure-activated gel pad provides a cool surface for up to three hours and recharges automatically after 15-20 minutes of non-use.

It’s available in five sizes to accommodate dogs of all breeds and doesn’t require refrigeration or electricity.

For outdoor use, the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III excels. This water-filled mat uses the principle of heat transfer to keep your dog cool.

You can get the Outdoor Cooling mat on Amazon here.

Simply fill it with water, and the cool core absorbs your dog’s body heat, providing a refreshing spot for lounging.

The durable nylon/vinyl exterior resists punctures and tears, making it ideal for outdoor environments.

Budget-conscious pet owners will appreciate the Green Pet Shop Hugs Chillz Gel Mat. This affordable option offers similar cooling technology to more expensive mats but at a fraction of the price.

The non-toxic gel inside activates with your dog’s body weight and cools for up to three hours.

For crate comfort, the EveryYay Teal Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat is an excellent choice. This mat combines cooling properties with orthopedic support, making it perfect for older dogs or those with joint issues.

The reversible design features a cooling gel side for warm days and a plush side for cooler weather.

When it comes to travel, the Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket offers versatility and portability. This lightweight blanket can be used in the car, at the park, or even as a bed cover at home.

It’s moisture-wicking fabric helps regulate your dog’s body temperature and can be easily folded for storage.

Comparing Cooling Effectiveness

Click on any of the mats in the spreadsheet to see the product on Amazon.

To better understand how these cooling mats perform, let’s compare their cooling effectiveness:

Product	Cooling Method	Duration of Cooling	Recharge Time
Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad	Pressure-activated gel	Up to 3 hours	15-20 minutes
K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III	Water-filled	Continuous	N/A (maintains temperature)
Green Pet Shop Hugs Chillz Gel Mat	Pressure-activated gel	Up to 3 hours	15-20 minutes
EveryYay Teal Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat	Cooling gel layer	Varies	N/A (maintains temperature)
Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket	Moisture-wicking fabric	Continuous	N/A (maintains temperature)

Durability and Maintenance

When investing in a cooling mat for your dog, durability and ease of maintenance are important factors to consider. The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad and it’s budget counterpart, the Hugs Chillz Gel Mat, both feature a sturdy construction that can withstand regular use.

These mats are also easy to clean with a damp cloth, making them low-maintenance options.

The K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III, while highly durable for outdoor use, needs a bit more maintenance. You’ll need to periodically check the water level and refill as needed. However, it’s puncture-resistant exterior ensures longevity even with rough play.

The EveryYay Teal Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat offers good durability with it’s dual-sided design. The cooling gel side is resistant to wear, while the plush side provides comfort.

This mat is machine washable, which is a significant advantage for easy cleaning.

The Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket, being fabric-based, may not be as durable as the gel or water-filled options. However, it makes up for this with it’s machine-washable nature, allowing for frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene.

Size and Portability

Choosing the right size cooling mat is crucial for your dog’s comfort. The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad offers the most variety, with five sizes ranging from small to extra-large.

This makes it suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

The K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III comes in three sizes, catering to medium to large dogs. It’s water-filled design makes it less portable than other options, but it’s ideal for creating a permanent cool spot in your yard or on your patio.

The Green Pet Shop Hugs Chillz Gel Mat and the EveryYay Teal Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat both come in multiple sizes to fit different crates and dog breeds. Their lightweight design makes them easy to move around the house or take on trips.

The Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket stands out in terms of portability. It’s flexible, fabric design allows it to be easily folded and packed for travel, making it the most versatile option for on-the-go cooling.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount when choosing a cooling mat for your dog. All the products reviewed here use non-toxic materials in their cooling mechanisms.

The gel-based mats from Green Pet Shop and the EveryYay crate mat are designed to be safe even if punctured, though it’s always best to supervise your dog, especially if they’re prone to chewing.

The water-based K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III is safe and non-toxic, but it’s important to confirm it’s properly filled to prevent your dog from ingesting any water if they manage to puncture it.

The Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket, being fabric-based, poses the least risk in terms of ingestion but should still be monitored for any signs of wear and tear.

Value for Money

When it comes to value, each cooling mat offers something unique. The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad, while more expensive, provides excellent cooling performance and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term use.

The K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III offers great value for outdoor use, especially considering it’s durability and continuous cooling properties.

The Green Pet Shop Hugs Chillz Gel Mat provides the best budget option, offering similar technology to more expensive models at a lower price point.

The EveryYay Teal Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat offers dual functionality with it’s cooling and orthopedic properties, providing good value for dogs that need extra joint support.

The Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket, while not the most powerful cooling option, offers excellent value in terms of versatility and portability.

The best cooling mat for your dog depends on your specific needs. For overall performance and versatility, the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad is hard to beat. However, each option has it’s strengths, whether it’s outdoor durability, budget-friendliness, crate compatibility, or travel convenience.

By considering factors such as your dog’s size, your intended use, and your budget, you can choose the cooling mat that will keep your dog comfortable all summer long.

7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to confirm our dogs stay cool and comfortable. Heat stress in dogs can lead to serious health issues, but with the right strategies, you can help your dog beat the heat.

Here are seven effective ways to keep your dog cool when the mercury soars.

1. Provide Plenty of Fresh, Cool Water

Hydration is key to keeping your dog’s body temperature regulated. Always confirm your dog has access to clean, cool water, both indoors and outdoors. Consider using a large, tip-proof water bowl and refill it frequently throughout the day.

For outdoor areas, you might want to invest in a pet water fountain that keeps water circulating and cool.

Some dogs may not drink enough water on their own, so you can encourage hydration by adding a bit of low-sodium chicken broth to their water or offering ice cubes as a refreshing treat. Remember to bring water and a portable bowl when going for walks or outings.

2. Create Shaded Areas

If your dog spends time outdoors, it’s essential to provide lots of shade. Trees offer natural shade, but you can also create artificial shade using canopies, umbrellas, or specially designed dog tents.

These shaded areas give your pet a cool retreat from the sun’s intense rays.

For indoor dogs, confirm they have access to cooler areas of the house. Basements, tiled floors, or rooms with good air circulation can provide relief from the heat.

You might also consider closing curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day to keep indoor temperatures down.

3. Adjust Exercise Routines

While regular exercise is important for your dog’s health, it’s crucial to modify your routine during hot weather. Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.

Instead, opt for early morning or late evening walks when temperatures are cooler.

Be mindful of surface temperatures, especially on asphalt or concrete, which can burn your dog’s paw pads. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Consider walking on grass or in shaded areas instead.

4. Use Cooling Products

There are numerous products designed to help keep dogs cool. Cooling mats, like the ones reviewed earlier, can provide a refreshing spot for your dog to rest.

These mats use gel or water to absorb body heat and offer a cool surface for your pet.

Cooling vests or bandanas are another excellent option. These products work by evaporative cooling – you soak them in water, wring them out, and put them on your dog.

As the water evaporates, it helps to lower your dog’s body temperature.

Here’s a quick comparison of different cooling products:

Product Type	How It Works	Best For
Cooling Mat	Gel or water-filled mat absorbs body heat	Indoor use, crates, car trips
Cooling Vest	Evaporative cooling through wet fabric	Outdoor activities, walks
Cooling Bandana	Evaporative cooling around neck area	Quick relief, less coverage than vest
Cooling Toys	Frozen or water-filled toys for play	Mental stimulation and cooling

5. Provide Cooling Treats

Frozen treats can be a delicious way to help your dog cool down. You can make simple popsicles by freezing low-sodium chicken broth or dog-safe fruits like watermelon (without seeds) in ice cube trays.

Always supervise your dog when giving frozen treats to prevent choking.

Another option is to stuff a Kong toy with dog-friendly foods like peanut butter (xylitol-free), mashed banana, or wet dog food, and freeze it. This helps cool your dog and provides mental stimulation as they work to get the frozen treat out.

6. Groom Regularly

Proper grooming can help your dog stay cooler in hot weather. Regular brushing removes loose fur that can trap heat.

However, be cautious about shaving double-coated breeds, as their coat actually helps regulate their body temperature and protects them from sunburn.

For long-haired breeds, consider a trim to help them stay cool, but avoid shaving too close to the skin. Always ask with a professional groomer to confirm you’re not compromising your dog’s natural heat regulation system.

7. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

This point cannot be stressed enough: never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, even on mild days, leading to heatstroke or death within minutes.

If you need to run errands, it’s best to leave your dog at home in a cool, comfortable environment.

Recognizing Heat Stress in Dogs

While these strategies can help keep your dog cool, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of heat stress. Symptoms include:

Excessive panting or drooling
Difficulty breathing
Increased heart rate
Glazed eyes
Weakness or collapse
Seizures
Vomiting or diarrhea

If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a cool area immediately, offer water, and contact your veterinarian. In severe cases, you can use cool (not cold) water to wet your dog’s body, focusing on the neck, armpits, and groin areas.

My Experience with the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

I was fortunate enough to receive a Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad to test out, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this cooling mat for dogs. As a pet owner living in a warm climate, I’m always on the lookout for ways to keep my dog comfortable during the hot summer months.

First Impressions

When I first unpacked the Cool Pet Pad, I was impressed by it’s sleek design and sturdy construction. The mat is lightweight yet feels durable, and I appreciated that it didn’t require any setup or preparation.

I chose the large size for my Golden Retriever, and it provided enough space for him to stretch out comfortably.

Cooling Performance

The real test came when I introduced the mat to my dog, Max. Initially curious, he quickly took to the cool surface, especially after our afternoon walks.

I noticed that the pressure-activated gel technology worked as advertised, providing a noticeably cool spot for Max to relax.

The cooling effect seemed to last for about 2-3 hours, which was perfect for those post-walk cool-downs.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the mat’s ability to recharge itself after about 15-20 minutes of non-use. This meant that Max could return to a cool surface throughout the day without any intervention from me.

Versatility and Convenience

The Cool Pet Pad’s versatility quickly became obvious. I found myself moving it from room to room, depending on where Max was spending his time.

It worked well on tile floors, carpet, and even in his crate.

For outdoor use, I placed it under a shaded area on our patio, which gave Max a cool retreat during backyard playtime.

The ease of cleaning was another plus. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth was usually enough to keep the mat clean and hygienic.

For more thorough cleaning, mild soap and water did the trick without damaging the mat’s surface.

Durability

After several weeks of regular use, I’m pleased to report that the Cool Pet Pad has held up well. Despite Max’s occasional scratching and attempts to “nest,” the mat hasn’t shown any signs of punctures or tears.

The non-toxic gel inside remains safely contained, giving me peace of mind about Max’s safety.

Energy Efficiency

One of the standout features of the Cool Pet Pad is it’s energy efficiency. Unlike electric cooling mats or fans, this pad doesn’t require any power source.

This saves on electricity costs and makes it an eco-friendly option for keeping pets cool.

Size Options

The Green Pet Shop offers the Cool Pet Pad in five different sizes, which I found to be a significant advantage. This range confirms that whether you have a small Chihuahua or a large Great Dane, there’s a suitable size available.

I opted for the large size for Max, but I can see how the smaller sizes would be perfect for crate use or for smaller breeds.

Travel-Friendly

While I primarily used the Cool Pet Pad at home, I did take it on a weekend trip to visit family. The mat’s lightweight design made it easy to pack, and it provided a familiar, cool spot for Max in a new environment.

This portability is a definite plus for pet owners who travel frequently with their dogs.

Pros

Effective cooling for up to 3 hours
Self-recharging, no electricity required
Durable and puncture-resistant
Easy to clean
Available in many sizes
Portable and travel-friendly
Non-toxic materials

Cons

May not be cool enough for extremely hot climates
Some dogs might take time to get used to the texture
Not suitable for aggressive chewers
Higher price point compared to basic cooling mats

Overall

After several weeks of use, I can confidently say that the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad has been a valuable addition to our home. It’s provided Max with a comfortable spot to cool down, especially after walks or play sessions.

While it’s not a secret solution for extremely hot days, it definitely helps in managing my dog’s comfort during warmer weather.

The mat’s durability, ease of use, and self-recharging feature make it a convenient option for busy pet owners. Although it’s priced higher than some basic cooling mats, I believe the quality and effectiveness justify the investment, especially if you live in a warm climate or have a dog that struggles with heat.

In my experience, the Cool Pet Pad has lived up to it’s promises.

Dog Wellness World

Dog Cooling Mats