Summer heat is tough. For us, it means shorts and t-shirts. For our dogs, it’s like wearing a fur coat all year long, no breaks. They can’t just cool down easily. This is where dog cooling mats come in. They help your pet chill out when temperatures rise.
These mats use special gels or cold water to pull heat away from your dog’s body. Your dog just lies down, and the mat gets to work. When panting isn’t enough, a cooling mat offers quick relief. It helps your dog stay comfy and safe in the warmth.
Top Dog Cooling Mats
We’ve looked at many options to find the best cooling mats in the UK. Here’s what we found to help your furry friend beat the heat.
Pecute Dog Cooling Mat
The Pecute Dog Mat is an excellent choice for bigger dogs. This mat is waterproof and cools itself down. It contains a non-toxic gel that draws heat away from your dog. It’s simple to wipe clean and easy to move around.
You can use it indoors, outdoors, or in your car. This mat can be a standalone spot or a comfy pad on top of another bed. It offers good performance and value.
Features
- Made from durable 300D Oxford composite PVC, resists scratches and wear.
- Comes with a 1-year guarantee.
- Folds up easily for quick storage or travel.
- Works well indoors, outdoors, and in vehicles.
- Can be used alone or as an addition to a bed.
GoPetee Dog Cooling Mat
This cooling mat is a good size, about 50 x 90cm. It works when your pet steps on it; the pressure activates its cooling power. It’s made from a non-toxic gel and soft sponge, so it’s safe and comfortable for your dog.
The mat also cools itself down automatically once your pet moves off it. This means it’s always ready for the next cool-down session. It’s easy to fold up, great for travel, and simple to clean by hand.
Features
- Constructed from non-toxic gel and sponge materials.
- Easy to fold and store, handy for travel.
- Re-cools on its own when not in use.
- Suitable for travel, indoor, and outdoor settings.
- Hand-washable for easy cleaning.
ALL FOR PAWS Chill Out Fresh Breeze Dog Mat
This mat is a good option for medium-sized dogs. The All For Paws Dog Mat comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Its cooling function comes from air moving through a “plastic noodle” design.
This noodle structure helps air flow really well, keeping the mat cool. It also gives the mat a nice, springy feel, making it comfortable. Plus, it’s quite affordable.
Features
- Comes with a washable cover.
- Available in small, medium, and large sizes.
- Doubles as a fun playmat.
- Includes a handle for easy carrying.
- Made from quick-drying material.
ADEPTNA Self Cooling Gel Mat
The Adeptna cooling mat gives your pet a cool, fresh spot to rest. It works great on its own or inside your dog’s bed. It’s sized well for medium dogs, and even cats might enjoy it.
This mat is non-toxic and gets colder from pressure, so it cools when your pet lies on it. You can use it inside your house or outdoors. It can also be frozen for extra coolness if needed.
Features
- Folds up easily for transport and storage.
- Contains non-toxic gel, safe for pets.
- Cools itself, but you can also put it in the freezer.
- Made from polyester and PVC for durability.
- Good for dogs with sensitive skin.
Scruffs Self-Cooling Mat (L) Blue
The Scruffs dog mat is big, good for large dogs or a group of puppies. Like other mats here, it cools itself and has non-toxic gel inside. It gets about 5-10 degrees cooler than the room. It also recharges its cooling power in about an hour.
A small downside is that it can tear easily. You might want to cover it with a sheet to keep it protected. It’s simple to keep clean and dries fast.
Features
- Sized well for extra-large dog breeds.
- Does not need refrigeration to work.
- Contains non-toxic cooling gel.
- Simple to clean and dries quickly.
- Resets to cooling temperatures after one hour of non-use.
Mega_Jumble Self Cooling Gel Pet Mat
This dog mat is good for smaller dogs. Like most others, it gets cold when your pet lies on it. What makes this one special is its design for dogs recovering from surgery. Mega Jumble made it very safe to use.
It’s also great for dogs with sensitive skin. If you use it outside, keep it in the shade. Direct sun might make it less effective. It’s simple to clean too.
Features
- Filled with safe, non-toxic gel.
- Resistant to scratches and built to last.
- Very easy to keep clean.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Helpful for dogs recovering from surgery or with sensitive skin.
RSPCA Pet Cooling Mat
This mat is quite big, measuring 80 x 95cm. It’s made from polyester and PVC, with non-toxic gel inside. Your pet activates the gel simply by lying down on it, which starts the cooling.
The RSPCA mat works well as a stand-alone mat or as a cool topper for your pet’s regular bed. This can make nap time even more comfortable for your dog, especially on hot days.
Features
- Simple to clean.
- Contains non-toxic gel for safe cooling.
- Cooling feature activates with pressure.
- Good for use both outdoors and indoors.
- Folds for easy storage and carrying.
Branger Dog Cooling Mat
This mat is different; it doesn’t use gel for cooling. Instead, it relies on a breathable mesh, good quality cotton, and FreeCool ice silk. It’s a good choice if your dog likes to chew on gel mats.
However, some users say it loses its cool pretty fast. So, try to keep it in a cooler spot. It’s gentle on older pets and can even help soothe their sore joints.
Features
- Easy to clean with just soap and water.
- Made from natural, quality materials, so it’s non-toxic.
- Can be used on its own or inside dog crates.
- Excellent for older pets to help with aching, arthritic joints.
- Humans can even use it as a comfy seat cushion.
What To Consider When Buying a Dog Cooling Mat
Buying a dog cooling mat might not be on your everyday shopping list. It’s okay to feel a bit unsure about what to look for. We’re here to help you pick the right one.
Here are the most important things to think about when you’re looking for a cooling mat:
Easy to Clean
Dogs might pant or drool on their mats. You’ll want a mat made from material that’s simple to clean. Look for something you can wipe down with water and that dries quickly. Nylon or vinyl are usually good choices.
Try to avoid fabrics that soak up too much moisture, like cotton. These can be hard to dry and might even make your dog too warm, which defeats the purpose of the mat.
Portability
You might want to take your cooling mat with you when you go out with your dog. So, pick one that folds up easily and fits into your car boot or back seat. It should also be light. You don’t want to carry a heavy, awkward mat everywhere you go.
Versatility
A good cooling mat can be used in many places. Look for one you can use at home, outside, and when you travel. A mat that works well in the car is a smart buy. That way, you won’t need to get one for the house and another just for car rides.
Size
Dogs come in all sizes, and so do cooling mats. Make sure you get a mat that’s the correct size for your dog. A mat that’s too small won’t effectively cool down a larger dog. Measure your dog and compare it to the mat dimensions.
Durability
The mat material should be strong and able to handle lots of use. Many dogs like to chew on things, and a cooling mat is no different. Your mat should resist chewing. Most cooling mats use gel to cool. This gel should be non-toxic. If your dog’s sharp teeth somehow cause a leak, you don’t want them exposed to anything harmful.
Benefits of Dog Cooling Mats
Getting a cooling mat for your dog is a good move. There are several reasons why this purchase is a smart one for your pet’s comfort and health.
They keep your dog cool
This is the most clear benefit, of course. Even on hot and humid summer days, these mats will help keep your dear pet cool and happy. It’s especially useful if you pick a mat you can use in the car for summer trips.
Provides relief for painful joints
Some cooling mats also offer comfort for sore joints. If your pet has arthritis, had surgery, or has tender spots, this mat can bring much-needed relief. The coolness can help ease swelling, much like ice helps us with a mild injury.
Promotes better quality of sleep
Just like people, dogs don’t sleep well when they’re too warm. A good cooling mat will help control your pet’s body temperature. Many people who use these mats, especially the Adeptna one, say their dogs love sleeping on them.
Combat heat stress
Too much heat can cause heatstroke, which is very dangerous for dogs. A cooling mat can help keep heat stress away, even if just for 20 minutes. It helps keep your pet feeling good and safe.
Great for older dogs
Older dogs handle heat less well than younger ones. A cooling mat is ideal for keeping their temperature stable. It’s also good for any joint aches or skin sensitivity that comes with age.
Conclusion
A cooling mat helps your dog stay comfortable, but it’s not a magic shield. You can’t leave your pet in a hot car, thinking the mat will fix everything. A mat won’t stop heatstroke. It just helps keep it at bay.
Cooling mats stay cold for a while, then need your dog to move off them to recharge. They might not work as well if it’s too hot around them. Still, buying a cooling mat for your dog is a responsible choice for any pet owner. It will add to their happiness on warm summer days and help prevent them from getting too hot.
So, go on and make this worthwhile purchase. If your dog doesn’t take to it right away, try putting it in their favorite lounging spots. Soon enough, your furry friend will probably realize the mat is way better at cooling them down than the bare floor.