The best dog cooling mats and pads, tested with our own pups

Like people, dogs can overheat when temperatures rise. To help keep your dog safe, it's important to give them plenty of drinking water and time indoors in a cool place. Beyond basic safety, though, many dogs gravitate toward cooler surfaces to get more relief from the heat, and one of the best dog cooling mats or pads can help keep them comfortable.

Cooling mats for dogs come in several designs, including ice or water-filled mats and pressure-activated gel pads. For this guide, I tested nine popular options with my pitbull mix, Marty McFly. My editor's senior hound, Homer, tried several. Altogether, we've tested 21 cooling pads, crate mats, and blankets. Both of our dogs are ideal testers, since they naturally stretch out on cooler surfaces like tile and hardwood floors when temperatures spike.

Our best overall pick is the Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat. It offers the longest-lasting and strongest cooling performance, both inside and outdoors, and features light cushioning for added comfort. With its extra-durable construction and materials, it's also the priciest mat in this guide. If you're looking for something more affordable, the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad has strong cooling powers and is a longtime favorite of Homer.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog cooling mats and pads

Best overall: Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat - See at Amazon

Best budget: Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad - See at Chewy

Best for large dogs: Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Pad - See at Chewy

Best for crates: EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat - See at Amazon

Best water mat: K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III - See at Chewy

Best for travel: Bedsure Cooling Mat - See at Amazon

Best for the sofa: Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket - See at Amazon

Best overall

The Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat can be used indoors or outside and cools longer than any other mat we tested. Lisa Sabatini, Business Insider Reviews senior pets editor, left the mat in a 95-degree sunroom where it stayed cold for seven hours, far surpassing other cooling mats. In more moderate temperatures, Sabatini's senior pup, Homer, sunbathed on the mat and took a long snooze.

The Hydro Cooling Mat consists of four parts: a machine-washable cover with three interior pockets. The top pocket holds a pre-filled water cushion, the middle pocket holds the included ice sheet, and the bottom pocket houses a heat-repelling, insulated layer. The cover and interior pockets are outfitted with durable velcro closures so you can easily remove the components before washing the mat.

This mat differs from other options in that it only comes in two sizes: mini (18 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, 1.25 inches thick) and regular (23.5 inches long, 18 inches wide, 2 inches thick). If you have a larger dog, you can purchase multiple regular-sized mats and attach them together with snaps along the edges of each mat. However, that means you'll pay significantly more. In fact, this is the priciest mat we recommend, at $50 for the regular size.

Two mats were just the right size for a 45-pound beagle-basset mix. The half-inch-thick ice sheets were easy to fold up and place in a top freezer. Sabatini also liked that the covers were easy to clean in the washer before air-drying. Some condensation may form on the cover when it's particularly hot, so make sure it's completely dry before storing it.

This mat also replaces our top pick for the best outdoor mat: the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III. Once filled with cold water, the Cool Bed III wicks heat away from your dog and maintains a surface temperature similar to the air temperature. It's still a great option, especially if you have a smaller budget.

Best budget

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad earned high points in all of our tests for excellent indoor cooling. Its cooling powers lie in the pressure-activated gel, which absorbs a dog's body heat for up to three hours.

This mat is a longtime favorite of Sabatini's pup Homer, and he stretches out on it year-round. As soon as I unpacked it, Marty didn't hesitate to flop down in his preferred resting position: a full-bodied splay. Dogs who prefer a bit of padding may also like the cushioning of the thin, solid gel-filled interior.

In my testing, I measured only 2.8 degrees of heat transfer, considerably less than I observed with most mats. The manufacturer says that after three hours of continuous use, you'll need to "recharge" it by setting it aside for 20 minutes so the gel can regain its cooling abilities.

The mat's nylon exterior is super durable, and my dog's nails never left any scratches behind. It's easy to wipe clean, but oily smudges like those from peanut butter may leave faint stains. If that's a concern, machine-washable covers in several pastel colors are sold separately. The manufacturer says they don't impact cooling performance, but we haven't tested one yet. We'll be doing so for a later update. Right now, you can also get a limited edition Disney print (Mickey and Friends or Stitch).

While the Cool Pet Pad comes in a wide range of sizes, there isn't an option for giant breed dogs.

Read our full review of the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad.

Best for large dogs

If you have a giant breed dog or two pups who like to share, the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad might not be big enough for them, or the Hydro Cooling mat might bust your budget. If that's the case, consider the 33-inch-by-55-inch Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Pad.

This pad cools just as well as the Green Pet Shop mat and is less expensive. However, it provides less cushioning and has a more slippery surface, which isn't ideal for dogs prone to instability. Still, it's an excellent choice for many extra-large pups and multi-dog households.

My 55-pound Marty had plenty of room to stretch out on this mat. In fact, two Martys could easily fit on it. I sat on it, too, and although it's a firmer surface than the Cool Pet Pad, I found it comfortable.

The mat stayed in place Marty ran across it, but his longer nails did slide a bit. So, if your dog is prone to sliding and instability, this isn't a good option for them.

That said, I liked how easy it was to wipe the smooth material clean, and its darker color hides stains well.

Best for crates

Most cooling mats are thin and not ideal for long snoozes in a crate. A thick cooling crate pad with added foam support, however, ups the comfort quotient for pups. The EveryYay mat has a 3-inch egg-crate foam core that molds to a dog's body for extra comfort. Its cover is a cool, silky, mesh-like fabric that provides refreshing relief on hot days. The mat comes in several sizes to match the dimensions of most of the best dog crates. In addition to neutral gray, it is available in a teal fabric.

My dog tends to be picky about beds, but it took very little persuasion to get him to lie down on the mat and sink into the cushy egg-crate foam. After Marty lay on it for 30 minutes, the bed's surface temperature increased by 4 degrees. While there was some heat transfer, it remained well below his body temperature. Sabatini sat on the bed herself for 20 minutes and could feel the cooling sensation the entire time.

It's durable and waterproof, and the ability to toss the removable cover in the washer and dryer is a big bonus. If you have an older or arthritic dog who could use a little more support, the Bedsure Cooling Dog Bed comes in a few crate-compatible sizes and is made of the same egg-crate foam, but the channeled cover provides more cushion. "I was really impressed by the extra comfort provided by the polyester-filled quilted cover, and it cools just as well as the EveryYay mat," Sabatini says of the 35-inch-by-22-inch bed that fits perfectly inside her dog's crate.

Best water mat

If your dog loves the great outdoors, the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III is perfect for chilling outside. The water-filled bed wicks heat away from your dog while maintaining a surface temperature close to the surrounding environment.

The directions say to place it in the shade, but Sabatini also set it out on a sunny deck where it worked surprisingly well. After Marty lay on it for half an hour indoors, its surface temperature rose by only 3.6 degrees. Outdoors on the deck, sans dog, its surface temperature rose by 3 degrees over the course of an hour.

With a thin foam insert and adjustable firmness (just add more water), the bed has a squishy, pillowy feel. Marty liked to burrow his nose into it. Dogs who like a firmer bed might hesitate, though. The sturdy cover is puncture-resistant, but you should still place it on a smooth surface free of sharp debris.

Filling the bed with water takes several minutes, and it's awkward to move after that. The good news is that you don't have to empty it between uses. If you need to recharge it, leave it inside an air-conditioned space until it cools down. Be sure to read the manufacturer's directions for how to prevent the foam insert from bunching up when moving it.

Best for travel

The best cooling mat for travel is actually a lightweight, heat-absorbing mat with a nonslip bottom. While it won't cool as effectively as an ice, gel, or water-filled pad, Sabatini says the Bedsure Dog Cooling Mat has a luxurious, silky cover that is very cool to the touch.

Over two weeks of testing, her dog often rotated between this mat and the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad. She sat on the mat for 10 minutes and found the temperature increased from 75.8 degrees to 84.4 degrees during that time. That said, it returned to room temperature in just five minutes.

The mat is easy to fold, roll, and tuck into small spaces. Should you take your dog on a road trip and find yourself dealing with a jam-packed trunk, it won't take up any valuable vehicular real estate. You can also lay the smaller-sized mats across the back seat or inside a dog car seat. Even more, the mat comes in five sizes that are compatible with many dog crates.

Although the material feels quite delicate, Sabatini used a fork to simulate a dog's nails, and the fabric did not snag. It also came out of the washing machine in great shape and air-dried within a few hours.

Best for sofas

Editor's note: The Lesure Pet Cooling Blanket is temporarily out of stock.

If your pup loves to lounge with you on the sofa or in bed, a regular cooling mat won't cut it. Gel mats perform best on hard floors, and our travel pick doesn't cover as much area as the heat-wicking Lesure Pet Cooling Blanket, which comes in a range of sizes up to a twin bed.

I was immediately impressed by the fabric's cool feel, its appealing silkiness, and its cute quilted cloud pattern. My dog always enjoys being rolled into a blanket burrito, so this blanket was an easy sell. He stayed in his blanket cocoon for a full 30 minutes.

The material's starting temperature was 77.9 degrees, and after, it measured 80.8 degrees. I then draped it over my lap. While some of Marty's residual body heat carried over and took away from the cooling sensation, I still enjoyed the blanket's breathability and softness of the fabric.

I machine-washed the blanket and didn't notice any difference in its texture or durability. However, some reviewers say that repeated washes can take a toll on the blanket's quality over time. It is labeled air or line-dry only, and its light weight helps it dry within a few hours.

What to look for in the best dog cooling mats

I asked two veterinarians what's important to consider when shopping for a cooling mat. There are a few key things to consider, including your dog's size, where you plan to use it, and what materials are best.

Size: Dr. Sam Meisler, veterinarian and founder of PetWell Clinic, says size is your first priority. You'll want to choose a mat that allows your dog to rest its entire body on it so it's not hanging off the sides. In terms of length and width, leave a bit of extra space so that your dog can remain cool even if it shifts around on the mat.

Use: My experts say that gel mats, water mats, and cooling blankets all achieve the same goal of wicking heat away from the body, but different types of mats can work better in different contexts. Gel mats are recommended for indoor use only, as extended time outdoors may compromise the gel's effectiveness. Water mats work well both indoors and outdoors. While they require some setup, they don't need to be recharged and can be used continuously. Blankets are lightweight, portable, and easier to introduce to dogs who don't gravitate toward mats.

Materials: Meisler and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, veterinarian and author of The Forever Dog Life, say that anyone considering a gel mat must make sure it's labeled as nontoxic. "Beds that contain gel pose a risk because they're made with a variety of different chemicals that aren't meant for consumption," Becker says. While no dog should ingest large quantities of nontoxic gel, that designation from a reputable, well-known brand indicates that the gel won't present major health concerns if a small amount is consumed. As for the cover materials, I found nylon, vinyl, and polyethylene durable, comfortable, and cool.

Warranty: K&H Pet Products and Green Pet Shop offer limited warranties, while other brands provide none. Whether a warranty is worth narrowing your pool of potential mats depends on how much you value the peace of mind it offers.

How we tested the best dog cooling mats

I evaluated the best dog cooling mats with my trusty accomplice, Marty McFly, my 55-pound pitbull mix. I ran all tests indoors for maximum temperature control and set my thermostat to 78 degrees. I conducted the following tests to compare how each mat measured up to the competition.

Cooling abilities: I first placed my hands on each mat to gauge its coolness. I then measured its surface temperature with an infrared thermometer. Next, I had Marty lie on the mat for 30 minutes and sat beside him on the mat during that time. Afterward, I measured the temperature again to see whether the mat retained heat from our bodies.

Safety of materials: Before testing, I checked each mat to ensure its materials were labeled nontoxic. Exterior materials like nylon, vinyl, and polyethylene are strong enough to withstand nail scraping and minor chewing. They're also nontoxic unless they're consumed in large quantities.

Comfort: After Marty settled down on each mat, I evaluated how comfortable he seemed. I observed whether he was happy to rest there for an extended time or immediately got back up. I also sat on each mat to evaluate its softness, its moldability to the body, how easy it was to get on and off, and its ability to accommodate bodies in different positions, such as seated and lying down.

Durability: After Marty spent time on each mat and moved around, I examined the materials for wear and tear. I also ran a fork over the surface of each mat 20 times to see if the materials tore or incurred any damage.

Skid resistance: I put Marty on a leash and ran him across each mat 10 times as it was laid on a laminate floor. I observed whether the mats slid on the ground and whether Marty's feet slipped on them.

Ease of cleaning: I smeared a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of mud onto each mat, then let them sit for 24 hours. I cleaned each mat according to the manufacturer's instructions. I recorded how long the process took, whether I needed any special equipment or supplies, the overall ease of the experience, and how effectively it removed the mud and peanut butter, along with any organic materials left behind after testing, such as drool and hair.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Lisa Sabatini, pets editor: I first bought a cooling mat for one of my dogs in 2018. After adopting Homer and becoming keenly aware of his tendency to overheat, I knew I needed to get another mat and chose the well-reviewed Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad. It became one of Homer's go-to resting spots, including during winter months when the radiator gives off too much heat. I've since tested every pick in this guide with Homer, among many other mats.

Dog cooling mats FAQs

Do cooling mats actually work for dogs?

The short answer is yes, but even the best dog cooling mats have their limitations. "By using gel, water, and/or special fabrics, the mats absorb heat from a dog's body, which makes them feel cooler," Meisler says. There are, however, a few caveats that could reduce a cooling mat's effectiveness. Becker says a mat might be a waste of money if your dog doesn't typically use mats or beds. It's also important to remember that a cooling mat is intended to provide added comfort. Proper hydration and a cool environment are the most important things to provide your dog. "If the ambient temperature is excessive, a cooling mat alone is not enough to prevent heat stroke or overheating," says Becker.

Are cooling mats safe for dogs?

Meisler and Becker agree that cooling mats are generally safe for dogs, but it's important to do your research before ordering a mat. Above all else, Becker says to pay attention to the quality of a mat's construction and the types of materials and coatings. Look for brands that use puncture-resistant materials like nylon, and always choose materials labeled as nontoxic. Most importantly, closely supervise your dog when introducing new items. "If you have a dog that tends to chew or eat their toys and/or bedding, all mats could be a choking or GI obstruction risk," Becker says. If you know your dog is inclined to chew on things, never leave them alone with a cooling mat.

Can dogs sleep on cooling mats overnight?

Meisler says that while pets can sleep on a cooling mat, it doesn't mean they should. While nothing about the mats themselves makes them unsafe for sleeping, Meisler encourages people to pay attention to their dog's preferences, as they have keen instincts for what makes them feel comfortable and happy. "Just like humans, some dogs may prefer a cooler surface for shorter periods versus a prolonged amount of time," he says. "While prolonged use might be safe, it isn't always advisable or necessary. Dogs regulate their body temperature through various means. It is essential they have access to normal temperatures to prevent muscle stiffness or other issues." Becker says many cooling mats, especially gel-filled ones, have limits on how long they can sustain their cooling properties before needing to be recharged. "Don't assume that the mat will continue to cool your pup past about 4 hours, and never rely on any mat or bed to prevent overheating or heat stroke," she says. Providing your dog with alternative places to rest, like one of the best orthopedic dog beds, is a good idea.

How should cooling mats be stored for maximum longevity?

Always follow a manufacturer's instructions for storing a mat. In general, avoid storing cooling mats in direct sunlight, in high-temperature areas, or in places where they could get wet.

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