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Top 6 Best Dog Cooling Pads
Unlike humans, dogs don’t perspire. They rely on a primitive panting mechanism to expel excess heat confined within their fur-covered bodies. Thin-coated pets also experience discomforts related to excessive heat as panting doesn’t cool their bodies as efficiently as possible, especially on a very hot day.
Although you can place your pet in an air-conditioned room or simply aerate his kennel, you may end up using a lot of electricity every month. The most efficient way to help him stay cool during those hot days is by using a cooling mat.
A dog-cooling mat cools your pet’s body while saving you hundreds of dollars off your electricity bill. Not all mats have the exact same design. There are mats at your local pet store that do a perfect job. However, you do not have to go through all the mats just to find the one that works for you. We have prepared a guide on the benefits of dog mats, things to look for when buying one and a review of the most recommended dog cooling mats today. Read on to find out more.
1. Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad
Arf is slowly revolutionizing the pet accessory industry. This is another of their high-end dog product. It doesn’t need electricity as an automatic cooling mat and recharges automatically every three hours. It fits most pet kennels or crates or your pet can convert it into a cooling bed on its own. It is considerably lightweight, Easy to keep clean and safe for your pet.
Your pet can use it outside or indoors. It features a nylon construction, which is ideal for pet parents who are conscious of the environment. It is also an easy to keep clean product that you can move from one place to another.
Pets that are constantly panting to cool down will enjoy the cooling power of Arf self-cooling mat for crates, kennels, and beds. The gel within the bed offers additional comfort because it acts as a cushion. However, as with other pet products, you need to supervise your dog whenever he is lying on this mat outside. While it is quite difficult to puncture this mat, it is not impossible, especially if your pet has sharp claws. In addition, if your pet is a pup, ensure you don’t leave him to his devices while on this mat. Pups tend to chew things, so they can damage the mat by chewing and biting it.
Pros
- Does not need electricity, water or refrigeration
- Cooling lasts for more than 3 hours
- Your pet can use it indoors or outside
Cons
- Not suited for pups or adult pets that with a chewing habit
2. The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad
Manufactured by the Green Pet Shop, this cooling mat does not require water, refrigeration or electricity to offer cooling to your pet. It provides up to 3 hours of constant cooling, requires just 20 minutes of recharge and it is activated by your pet’s weight. Once your pet lies on it, cooling starts immediately.
This mat can fold, which makes it easy for you to store or transport each time you go out for an adventure with your pet. Cleaning it is also a breeze because of its vinyl casing. This dog-cooling mat is non-toxic, meaning both of you are safe.
Most pet parents love the fact that it does not need a messy process to get it activated, which makes it easy to use. Actually, the mat is ready to use the moment you unpack it.
If you have a pet that tends to chew things, you should not leave this mat to his mercy. It will be torn up easily by a pet that is feeling bored.
Some pet parents claim it does not work since they expect it to feel ice cold when touched. That was not the manufacture’s goal. Some pet parents also find that the gel in the mat shrinks once it is stored.
Although it does not get as cold as the stuff in your freezer, it is one of the best boils down to convenience and continuous cooling.
Pros
- No need for electricity, water or refrigeration
- Works for up to 3 hours
- Recharges in 15 to 20 minutes
- Folds easily
- Vinyl cover makes it easy to keep clean
Cons
- Not appropriate for pets that chew accessories
- The gel in the mat tends to shrink with time
3. The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Pad
This is another great product from the Green pet shop. Like the other products on our list, this mold-resistant, waterproof, durable mat activates when your pet lies on it. Its most amazing feature is that based on your pet’s core temperature and body size, the mat’s effect can last for up to 4 hours when compared to other mats.
This mat is designed in your pet’s best interest, and it works without the need for water, electricity, or refrigeration. This mat features a weight, motion, and pressure-activated gel. The gel transfers heat from your pet’s body, reducing his body temperature the moment he encounters the mat. That is not all. The mat recharges automatically after about 20 minutes of not using. This allows your pet to enjoy cooling as much as he wants throughout the day with minimal effort from you.
The pad features a specially developed gel that is also non-toxic, making it safe for humans, pets, and our environment. Both comforting and soothing, this mat helps to relieve swelling, pain, stress, discomfort, and many other canine health problems.
It is ideal for senior pets as their bodies tend to heat up too much, and their body mechanism is inefficient at cooling temperatures down.
It is highly portable, convenient, and folds easily. It also wipes effortlessly with water and mild soap. It can be placed on his bed, on the floor, in your car or outside. Be sure not to leave it outside in the sun, as heat affects its performance.
Pros
- Convenient and portable
- Easy to keep clean
- Recharges within a short time
Cons
- Heat or hot air interferes with performance
4. Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad 19 X 35
Arf’s self-cooling mat is pocket-friendly yet incredibly effective where pet cooling mats are concerned. This mat meets all your pet’s needs. It provides your pet with cooling for up to 3 hours, and there is no need to refrigerate since it recharges when your pet is not using it.
Another interesting feature is its versatility. It can prevent overheating or dehydration in dogs, and the inside is latex-free and non-toxic. The gel absorbs your pet’s body heat, which keeps him cool for a long time.
It can be used outside and indoors and features a nylon material that is both environmentally friendly and easy to keep clean. It is also flexible and folds completely flat for ease of travel or storage. It has a puncture-resistant surface that can withstand tearing, making it suitable for pets that like chewing or tearing things.
Pros
- Latex-free
- Easy to keep clean
- Foldable for easy transportation or storage
Cons
- Not suitable for pets that enjoy chewing or tearing things
5. Hugs Pet Products Chillz Pressure Activated Pet Cooling Gel Pad
Chillz pad is a pressure-activated mat that cools your pet without the need for water, refrigeration or electricity. This mat comes in three different sizes: extra-large, large, and medium. It works just as well when placed in your pet’s bed as it would in his kennel.
As an outstanding product from Hugs pet products, it is lightweight, making it portable. Your pet can use it in the house or outside.
It features a non-toxic gel, so it is safe for a pet that likes to chew everything it encounters. If you have a pet suffering from joint pain, Chillz pad is able to provide him with as much comfort as possible.
The mat looks flimsy and has a thickness that might make you doubt its strength and durability. It looks like a blanket instead of a mat.
However, its gel technology ensures that you won’t need to chill or freeze it to cool your pet. In addition, the mat is resistant to puncturing, although repetitive abuse causes it to puncture eventually.
Pros
- Has non-toxic pressure activated gel
- Does not require refrigeration, electricity or water to cool
- Easily portable and lightweight
- Can be used indoors and outdoor
- Material is puncture resistant
Cons
- Some pet parents found that it doesn’t stay cool long enough
6. K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Cooling Dog Bed
Of all the mats we have reviewed here, this one has a unique design. It is water-filled, meaning you will have to freeze it for it to cool your pet. The idea here is straightforward. You simply add water to this mat so that your pet cools down.
The mat does not need electricity since the cooling core diverts water in order to cause cooling. This mat also features a tough nylon/vinyl surface on the outside. Your pet can use it outside and indoors.
However, if you choose to take it outside, be sure you place it in a shaded area since it uses ambient temperature to cause cooling.
K&H cool bed III is durable, lasting a considerable number of years. However, it is quite heavy because it uses water. For that reason, it is best to buy more than one, rather than having to move one around. Also, ensure your pet is supervised whenever he is using it.
Pros
- Does not require electricity to work
- Has an easy to keep clean vinyl/nylon exterior
- Lasts for a long time
Cons
- Needs water to cause cooling
- Quite heavy when fully filled with water
Benefits of Dog Cooling Mats
Although dog beds are warm and soft, you may have noticed that your pet prefers to lie on a concrete or tiled floor during a hot day. Why? Well, during a hot season, dogs are predisposed to stress and illness caused by excessive heat.
Their body fur traps heat, which leads to a heat stroke when the body temperature is too high, and panting is not able to bring it down. Make sure you provide your pet with plenty of water, possibly from a dog water fountain. A cooling mat provides your pet with a surface to lie on and cool down, which brings down his body temperature to a comfortable level.
Also, the cooling mats are ideal if you stay in a small space or in a home without air conditioning. It is particularly important to provide a mat if your pet comes from a cool region or has long hair. It is best for pet parents with polar pets to provide a cooling mat rather than shaving off their hair.
Strangely enough, his long hair is an important component as far as regulating body heat is concerned. So shaving his hair off does more harm than good.
What to look for in Cooling Mats For Your Dog
Once you are set on buying a cooling mat for your pet, there are a few things you should consider before you make a purchase.
Cooling Mat Size
Cooling mats come in a variety of sizes. Ensure you understand how big your pet is before you find him a cooling mat. If the mat is too small, your pet won’t cool down properly. An oversize mat may not be effective either. Another thing to consider is whether you will place it inside a crate or kennel. If that is the case, be sure to check the dimensions to ensure it will fit.
Cooling Mat Portability
Will the mat stay in one place throughout, or would you prefer to move it around occasionally? There are different types of mats. Water-filled mats are usually bulky and a little difficult to move.
On the other hand, a lightweight mat can fold easily, and moving it around won’t be a problem at all.
Easy to use
An easy to use mat is important, especially if you frequently travel with it and you want something that you can set up and dismantle within a short time. For that reason, find a mat that does not require water, refrigeration, or electricity.
Easy to keep clean and maintain dog cooling mats
Dog mats pick up dirt fast. So, find one that you can clean easily. Most mats manufactured today can be cleaned using cloth and detergent.
Conclusion
Advances in technology have provided pet parents with different ways to keep their dogs cool, such as cooling mats. Today there are different types of cooling mats and they help to cool your pet by transferring heat away from their bodies. When choosing a mat for your pet, be sure to look at the size, ease of maintenance, and portability. If you are searching for a mat, consider the Arf Pet Self-Cooling Mat for Kennels, Crates, and Beds. It is light, portable, adequately sized, and fairly priced.