Elevated dog beds have shown to be beneficial in the heat. However, for this guide, we sought out cooling mats that will keep dogs at ease in their crates, outside in the backyard, or while camping.
I wasn’t convinced cooling mats would make much of a difference, but Krista Miller, a veterinarian who goes by the online handle Dope Black Vet, spoke with me about the benefits of these mats. She suggested that cooling mats could be very beneficial for pets who become overheated, particularly after exercising and relaxing outdoors or even at the beach. They might also help brachycephalic breeds like your French and English bulldogs, which are prone to overheating. “.
During some of the hottest summer weeks we had in the Pacific Northwest, I put five of the most popular cooling mats to the test with my dogs. Sherman, my nearly 15-year-old beagle mix, and Walter, my 9-year-old dachshund, are two senior hounds who occasionally have trouble with the heat.
You should watch over your dog the first few times they use one of these, just like you would with any mat or bed. Either water or a non-toxic heat-absorbing gel is used in these mats. Miller emphasized how crucial it is to prevent dogs from ingesting the contents of the gel, which can result in gastrointestinal distress and other problems. Despite the fact that you might believe you can use a cooling mat in the sun, you cannot leave these mats in the sun. It impacts their performance, which their user guides note.
Each mat’s manufacturer provided a sample for editorial review. I assessed them based on their effectiveness, design, and intended use. Check out our testing methodology slide for additional details.
Benefits of Getting Your Dog a Cooling Pad
A dog cooling pad might be the ideal addition to your home if you reside somewhere with hot summers or a year-round warm climate. These straightforward but useful mats can benefit your pet in the following ways, to name just a few:
Additionally, cooling pads provide all of the standard advantages of a good dog mat. This includes keeping your dog off the ground and away from dirt and germs, as well as providing your dog with a clean, comfortable place to nap and unwind.
What Are Dog Cooling Pads?
Dog cooling pads are unique mats that work in a variety of ways to provide a cool surface for your canine companion to lay down on (and they’re great for cats too!).
Unlike many heating pads, cooling pads are not electric. As an alternative, they use non-toxic gels or water to remove heat from your dog’s body. Because of this, they are lightweight and portable, and your dog can stay on them for as long as they like without fear. When your dog stands up, the material will “recharge,” dispersing any heat into the atmosphere and providing your dog with a cool surface to rest on.
Utilizing a dog cooling pad doesn’t raise many safety issues, but you should periodically inspect the material for any damage. In case your dog prefers to rest without a cooling pad, you should also make sure that they have that option. Dedicated chewers may be able to tear holes that render the cooling pad ineffective and/or release the inner gel or water, despite the fact that they are designed to be puncture-resistant.
Do You Put Dog Cooling Mats In The Fridge?
Your cooling mat does not need to be placed in the refrigerator. However, if you have a cooling mat that is made of gel or water, you can put it in the refrigerator to make it colder more quickly.
Most often, cooling pads are a great and secure way for dog owners to keep their dogs cool on hot days. Having said that, anything can be harmful to dogs if it is chewed and consumed. It is advised to keep an eye on your dog at first, and if you have any questions, it would be best to consult your veterinarian or a dog trainer.
Dog cooling mats are typically non-toxic, but like many objects, if your dog chews and digests them, they could become toxic.
FAQ
Are cooling mats safe for dogs?
Unlike many heating pads, cooling pads are not electric. As an alternative, they use non-toxic gels or water to remove heat from your dog’s body. Because of this, they are lightweight and portable, and your dog can stay on them for as long as they like without fear.
Do dogs need cooling pads?
Dogs and cats are susceptible to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, so it’s crucial to give them the resources they need to stay cool. Using a cooling mat is one way to provide your pet with protection. These goods are particularly created to reduce the body temperature of your dog or cat and prevent overheating.
Can dogs sleep all night on a cooling mat?
Create a cool surface for your dog to sleep on that is away from any sources of excessive heat if you know they are having trouble with the heat. Here, investing in a cooling mat can be wise and is a great way to guarantee your dog’s safety on a hot night.
Are gel cooling mats good for dogs?
Gel mats are a popular option because they are “self-cooling. “Your dog’s weight is all that is required to activate the cooling mechanism. They are convenient for traveling with your dog because they provide a gentle chill for long periods of time and are typically portable and simple to clean.