What is the Best Cooling Dog Bed?

Below is our best cooling dog beds summary with top picks and reviews.

Dogs, like most other animals, have a natural coping mechanism to adjust to the changing weather. Nonetheless, sometimes you have to help your doggo along – especially when the scorching sun sends temperatures soaring. 

Not to mention, dogs don’t sweat a lot – instead, they maintain their body temperature by panting. And excessive panting can sometimes contribute to dehydration. 

If you’re looking to keep your pooch comfortable and safe throughout the hot summer days – then investing in a top-quality cooling dog bed is highly recommended. 

Our Top Pick

We’ve made a comprehensive list of 10 of the best cooling dog beds on the market to save you the trouble of scouring through the internet. Before we get to the compilation though, let us introduce you to our top pick. 

Furhaven Pet’s Plush Orthopedic Sofa is considered one of the best Amazon dog beds, and it’s easy to see why. The dog bed design includes bolsters and medical-grade foam to ensure your dog’s comfort. It also offers the luxury of a cooling gel foam that wicks away heat – so you don’t have to worry about your dog’s body temperature. 

Why Use a Cooling Dog Bed?

dog cooling bed

If you’re still not sold on the idea of a cooling dog bed, then you might want to pay attention here as we list out the product’s benefits. 

First off, pet cooling beds, unlike regular pet beds, are specifically created to help keep dogs peaceful during hot summer days. 

Cooling pads (or beds) mostly come outfitted with a body-heat regulating gel memory foam that can draw away your dog’s body heat to keep away problems like overheating and heat strokes. 

Additionally, if your doggo suffers from joint problems, allowing it to sleep on a hard surface to cool off can end up causing your furbaby harm. However, if you purchase an orthopedic cooling dog bed, you don’t have to worry about such issues. 

Finally, dog beds and cooling mats on the market are super-portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. Some cooling beds even have canopies that are perfect for a day at the beach.

How Do Cooling Beds Work? The Different Types of Dog Cooling Beds 

When it comes to the types of cooling dog beds available at large, you’re likely to run into three types:

  • Elevated cooling beds
  • Gel memory foam cooling beds (or cooling gel)
  • Water filled cooling mats

Each type of cooling bed has its own benefits. For instance, elevated dog cooling beds are raised off the ground to allow for better ventilation – which helps keep your dog cool.

On the other hand, a water filled cooling mat is filled with chilled water to help your pup keep the heat at bay. Gel memory foam beds utilize a cooling gel to absorb the heat coming off your pooch’s body. 

What Should I Look for in a Cooling Dog Bed?

cooling dog bed

If you’re thinking of investing in a cooling bed (or cooling mat) to keep your dog cool and comfortable, here are some factors you should pay special attention to:

Size

As it is with most pet products – size always matters. To ensure you get your hands on a dog cooling bed (or cooling pad) that’s ideal for your pup, you need to be extra careful when it comes to size specifications.

Although most dog owners tend to rely on a product’s label to get the right-sized bed, it’s still best to measure your dog’s weight and height before you go shopping.

Additionally, a dog bed’s specifications will also include info about whether it can accommodate a particular breed. For instance, a dog bed for large dog is meant for dogs that weigh over 50 pounds and measure at least 25 inches. 

Portability

To make sure any dog bed or cooling pad you purchase is worth your money, it needs to be portable. None of us live stationary lives, and generally, summertime means going out – be it to the beach or your back-yard for a dip in your portable swimming pool.

Additionally, if your pup likes to follow you around and be wherever you are, it’s best to buy a portable cooling bed so you can place it where you want in your home. 

Durability

To ensure any dog cooling bed you buy lasts a while, it’s best to look for products made with high-quality materials. 

Some dog owners are partial to cooling pads, and if you’re leaning towards the same, look for a cooling pad with a nylon vinyl exterior because it’s a pretty durable fabric. 

If you’re on the lookout for an elevated pet bed, look for products made from steel or iron for long-lasting durability. Textilene mesh and PVC are both ideal fabric choices in terms of ventilation and resilience. 

Finally, look for a CertiPUR-US Certified gel memory foam bed if you’re interested in the cooling gel options. 

Washability

Opting for a machine-washable cooling dog bed cover can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to hygiene. 

If your pet happens to be a senior dog or has joint issues, there’s always the chance of a doggy accident. That’s why buying a cooling dog bed with a removable (or zippered) cover that’s washing machine friendly is always a plus. 

Cooling Power

There’s no exact method of measuring the intensity of cooling a dog bed has, and not all dog bed manufacturers mention the temperature a cooling bed’s surface will provide. 

However, the best cooling dog beds will generally offer a cooling capability that promises to be at least 15 degrees lower than the surrounding temperature. Also, water filled dog beds can keep your pet cool for up to three hours.

The Best Cooling Dog Beds Reviewed

Keeping your dog cool is about to become a whole lot easier, thanks to our top-ten cooling dog beds list. Not only have we rounded up some of the best dog cooling bed options at large, but we’ve also paid special attention to diversity – in terms of cooling type, easy to clean features, and flexible price levels. 

Furhaven Pet – Plush Orthopedic Sofa

Furhaven’s Plush Sofa Pet Bed features two layers of padding – the bottom includes a CertiPUR-US certified medical grade foam. In contrast, the top layer consists of a cooling gel foam that can keep the surface at least 1 to 2 Fahrenheit cooler. 

The sleep surface is made from luxuriant sherpa fleece (and is probably not suited for a pooch with destructive tendencies). The zippered cover is machine washable, and the product features a 90-day limited coverage. Overall, this pet bed is ideal for canine body temperature regulation.

Petlinks Soothing Gel Memory Foam Pet Beds

If you’re on the lookout for a bed for your pooch, that has an easy to clean fabric and will likely provide year round comfort – then look no further than the gel memory foam pet bed by Petlinks.

The product features a removable and machine washable cover – so it’s undoubtedly easy to use and maintain. There’s also the perfectly efficient cooling gel memory foam for keeping your dog cool. However, this pet bed is only suitable for medium and large size dogs.

Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

It takes a lot to be featured in our best dog beds list, but being an Amazon Basics product certainly helps. The Cooling Elevated Pet Bed is perfect for pet owners looking to enhance the air flow around their dog or pup. 

Additionally, this elevated dog bed is at least 7-inches off the ground to ensure your dog’s body remains cool and airy and is available in five varying sizes. 

The product is easy to clean and easy to use – thanks to its simple assembly and mesh PVC fabric. The iron frame is well-suited for all types of dogs, and your pup will no doubt find this elevated bed more suitable than your tile floor!

Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed

The Veeho Elevated Dog Bed is easily one of the best dog cooling beds available on the market. Meant for both indoor and outdoor use, this bed will not only help your pooch with its cooling effect (thanks to the durable and breathable Textilene fabric), but it’ll hold your dog s weight adequately because of its steel construction. 

The product also features non-skid rubber feet and curved edges to avoid injuries and is highly-suited for year round use by your pet.

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

Available in up to 5 different sizes, the Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat may not qualify as a dog bed, but it’s no less brilliant when it comes to the cooling effect. 

The cooling gel is pressure activated and provides your pup cooling comfort for up to three hours. Aside from that, the cooling mat recharges itself after 20 minutes of inactivity. This mat by Green Pet Shop is perfect for use on the floor, a crate, or even the car. You can utilize this mat for your existing pet sofa, bed and turn it into a dog cooling product in no time.

Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad Mat

Another esteemed option from the Amazon’s Choice list – the Coleman Pressure Activated Gel Pet Mat can stay up to 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the room temperature, and it needs no refrigeration or electricity to work its pet magic either. 

The cooling gel is also non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about your pup (or dogs) biting into it. The dog cooling mat also includes divided gel sections to make the product easy to use. We think you couldn’t land a better cooling pad, even if you were to commission one. 

YEP HHO Large Elevated Folding Pet Bed

When it comes to the best dog cooling beds, the YEP HHO Folding Bed is one of a kind. The entire steel frame of the elevated bed can be wrapped up to move in minutes, and putting it to use again is just as easy. 

This elevated dog bed measures a whopping 9.2 inches off the ground and a luxuriant 24 inches from side to side. The fabric is a mix of Teslin mesh combined with Oxford cloth to offer greater breathability, comfort, and durability. 

All in all, YEP HHO elevated bed qualifies for the best cooling dog beds list with passing colors.

Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat 

The Self Cooling Mat Pad from ARF Pets is constructed from sturdy nylon fabric that’s wear-and-tear resistant. The mat is quite flexible, thanks to the nylon and the divided gel sections. 

The dog cooling mat is also non-toxic, latex-free, and completely safe for animals and kids to be around. It can provide cooling relief for up to three hours and is perfect for traveling and storage.

K&H PET PRODUCTS Cool Bed III

The K&H Cool Bed iii comes equipped with a water-saturated Cool Core that absorbs heat from your dog’s body and helps your pooch cool down. Unlike the Green Pet Shop Bed – at 80°F room temperature, this self cooling bed is 22 degrees cooler than your dog’s body temperature. 

The Cool Bed iii by K&H is available in three different sizes and comes with a two-year limited warranty. Make sure to add water to the bed, and some grapefruit seed extract to the water to keep bacterial growth at bay.

All things considered, the Cool Bed iii has enough features to give it a place of honor as far as the best cooling beds are concerned. 

Fit Choice The Elevated Dog Bed with Canopy

If you’re looking for a dog cooling bed with a little something extra, then Fit Choice’s cooling pet bed is sure to appeal to you. 

This dog cooling pad might look all delicate, but don’t let that fool you. The canopy is constructed from 210D polyester, and cooling mat fabric is a sturdy mixture of 600D PVC and Textilene material. 

The product is available in three sizes, with the medium size measuring 28.3 inches in length and side measurements of 24 inches. Best of all, this cooling pad for dogs requires no screws or tools for assembly.

Best Cooling Beds: Our Final Thoughts

We’ve done what we set out to do – give you a rundown of the top ten cooling pet products. We hope that our list helps you land the best dog cooling beds for your majestic little canines. 

Whatever you decide to buy, be it beds, mats, or cooling pads, make sure you remember the important factors we’ve highlighted here, and we’re sure anything product you pick out will be worth your and your dog’s while. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to check our FAQ section for some quick answers to queries that most dog parents have about the best dog cooling pads, mats, and beds. 

What is the best cooling bed for dogs?

Our top pick for the best cooling dog bed is Furhaven Pet’s Plush Orthopedic Sofa for combining memory foam features with cooling gel to produce a top-notch dog cooling bed. 

However, other noteworthy products for the best dog beds category include Petlink’s Soothing Gel Memory Foam Bed and Amazon Basic’s Elevated Pet Bed. Last but not least, dogs will also appreciate cooling gel mats for snoozing during summertime.

Are cooling beds good for dogs?

Dogs expel excess body heat via panting and by sweating through their paws. But, generally, your pooch will need some help to keep cool on hot summer days. 

That’s where dog cooling pads and beds come in. These products are specifically designed to help dogs control their body temperature and avoid dehydration and heat strokes through different mechanisms. Some products feature breathable fabric, while others offer the comfort of a cooling gel. 

Do pet cooling mats actually work?

Dog cooling mats include a pressure-activated cooling gel that works to keep your pet cool. The gel is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any danger to your dogs health. Additionally, some self cooling mats like the ones from K&H and Green Pet Shop have received rave reviews from buyers.