While Australia has a tropical climate throughout the year, the summers can be quite hot. Even though I have lived here my whole life, the heat is sometimes too much to take. High temperatures are never a good idea for pets as they are covered in fur from head to toe.
Every time the temperature starts rising, my pup starts to feel restless and doesn’t want to leave the comfort of an air-conditioned home. But there are situations where I have to take him out.
Instead of sweating like humans, dogs pant when they feel extreme heat. Keep them hydrated, and make sure to watch out for heatstroke signs like panting, drooling, restlessness and anxiety in your dogs. Avoid taking them outside in the afternoon for a walk or an exercise. Try to keep them inside and never leave them locked in a car.
Another way you can ensure that your pup is cool and calm even in extreme temperatures is to use a cooling mat or cooling bed for them. Now I want nothing but the best for my dog, and a cooling mat is not an exception. There are a lot of factors that I needed to consider before choosing a dog cooling mat.
Our Top Recommendation for Dog Cooling Mat Reviews!
The cooling dog bed by Scruffs is comfortable and has a supportive cushioning and base made of foam. The breathable 3D mesh offers improved circulation and airflow that keeps the mat 5-10°C cooler than room temperature. The entire bed is made of 100% polyester, and the sidewall is made of 100% recycled (PET) fill.
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It is better to determine the size of a cooling mat beforehand, depending upon the age and breed of your dog. Another thing that was important to me was the portability of the cooling mat. After all, I am the one who has to carry the cooling mat from one place to another, so the cooling mat must be lightweight and compact.
The one purpose cooling mat serves to keep a pet cool in summers. One of the best ways to determine whether a mat does so or not is to check its cooling power. The cooling power of a cooling mat determines how much colder it will be than the normal air temperature.
Since I will be using the cooling mat for my dog outdoors, it should be easy to clean, and if it comes with a washable cover, that is even better.
The Australian climate remains warm even during winters, and I would be using the cooling mat for my dog throughout the year. So it is important that the cooling mat or the bed I buy for my dog is of high quality and can withstand regular use.
I have tried and tested several different dog cooling mats and cooling beds. And based on their quality and effectiveness, I have shortlisted the top five best dog cooling mats. Let’s dive into a detailed review of all of them.
Table of Contents
Toggle Table of ContentBest Dog Cooling Mats to Buy For Your Pet
Whether you are looking for a cooling mat or cooling dog bed for keeping your pet cool inside your home on a hot summer day, all to help him cool down after a play session outside, I have got you covered.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Scruffs Cooling Dog Bed | • Self-cooling gel core. • Highly comfortable. • Multiple sizes are available. | Check Price |
![]() | Scruffs Pet Cooling Mat | • Self-cooling gel. • Four different sizes. • Versatility. | Check Price |
![]() | Kazoo Daydream Dog Bed | • Elevated design. • Ease of maintenance. • Replaceable covers. | Check Price |
SNOOZA CALMING MAT CHINCHILLA MEDIUM | • Available in a wide range of sizes • Multipurpose • Completely machine washable | Check Price | |
SCREAM COOLING PAD BLUE EXTRA LARGE | • Multipurpose • Suitable for nearly all pets • Perfect for steamy summers | Check Price |
1. Scruffs Cooling Dog Bed
Scruffs is one of the leading brands known for making luxury and premium beds and accessories for pets. They combine practical issues with innovative solutions to offer high-quality products that suit the owner’s home decor and are likable by the pet.
The company started in 2005 and has come up a long way with its coverage in over 80 countries globally. With the quality of the beds they offer, they have less than one in nine thousand global return rates per year. Another best part is that you will get free shipping over the purchase of $59.
The self-cooling dog bed is great for hot summer days as it remains at least 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the air temperature. Using this cooling bed is quite easy, with the bed resetting back to its cool temperature after leaving it unused for an hour.
Let’s take a detailed look at the features of the scruffs cooling dog belt to understand what makes it my top choice.
Cooling Gel Core
This cooling dog bed features a self-cooling gel core which remains approximately 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the room temperature it is kept in. The gel core is non-toxic, making it completely safe for our pets. The coolness of the cooling bed can remain intact for an hour or so; after that, it dissipates.
However, it is self-cooling, so you don’t have to reset it by refrigerating or freezing it. Leaving the bed unused for an hour will reset it back to its cool temperature on its own.
Easy to Maintain
One of the best parts of this bed, in my opinion, is the ease of maintenance. The cover on top of the cooling mat is machine washable, and just make sure to use a mild detergent. The mat itself can be cleaned using a cloth with some soapy water and rinsed with clean water before using. It is recommended not to use bleach or tumble dry on the cooling bed, which can damage the bed.
Comfortable
The bed comes with a supportive and comfortable foam base with questioning, which properly supports a dog’s body. While using this bed for sleeping or resting, dogs will feel comfortable. The top fabric is made up of breathable 3D mesh material, which offers enhanced airflow and circulation, which help keep our pets cool and comfortable.
Portable
The bed is quite light in weight, making it easy to carry around. My dog likes to stay in the area where we are, so during the daytime, when I am cooking, he likes to stay near the kitchen or the dining space, while at night, he likes to sleep by my bedside. Moving a heavy bed used to take a lot of my energy, but since it is portable, I have no trouble carrying it from one place to another.
Multiple Sizes Available
There are three different sizes available in this bed: medium, large and extra-large. The medium-sized bed has a dimension of 75 x 53 cm, and the large and extra-large have 100 x 75 cm. Choose a medium-sized bed if you own a dog belonging to a small size dog breed, and if you own a large dog breed, then the large or extra-large size would be perfect for you.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It has a self-cooling gel core.
- It has a foam base that offers comfort to the dogs.
- The cooling dog bed is portable.
- It is available in 3 different sizes.
- It is easy to maintain.
- The sidewalls of this bed are made of recycled green fibres.
Cons
- It is not suitable for outdoor use.
Also Read: K-Mart Pet Bed Review: Is It the Best in Australia?
2. Scruffs Pet Cooling Mat
My second choice for the best cooling mat for dogs is from the brand scruffs. This cooling mat is a great solution to offer your dog some relief from the heat while playing outside or on a hot summer day. Since it is a mat, it is much more compact than a bed, and carrying it along while you go camping or on a trip is quite easy.
Another great part about this cooling mat is you don’t have to freeze it and keep it in the refrigerator to use it. It also comes with a shelf cooling non-toxic gel. Let’s look at other features of this cooling mat, making it one of the best dog cooling mats.
Self-cooling Feature
This scruff cooling mat features a self-cooling gel which consists of 2% of medical grade non-toxic ingredients, and the rest 98% of it is water. The mat remains at least 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the air temperature, and it can remain cool for about an hour depending upon its use and the environment temperature. Once the coolness dissipates away, all you need to do is keep the mat unused for another hour or so for it to return to its cool self.
Versatile Use
This cooling mat is versatile and can be used in many ways. I could use this cooling mat on its own by just laying it on the floor, or when my dog needed additional comfort, I laid down this mat inside his bed. If you use a pet carrier, you can also place this cooling mat inside.
High-quality Material
The cooling mat is made up of high-quality material, making it extremely durable. The outer layer of the mat is 100% polyester with PVC backing, and polyester is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. I could use this cooling mat indoors and outdoors without any issues.
Ease of Maintenance
One of the best parts about this cooling mat is its easy maintenance. Whenever the mat got dirty, I wiped the cover using a cloth with some soapy water and gave it a clean water rinse before use.
Multiple Sizes
This cooling mat for dogs is available in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large. The small size dimension is 50 x 40 cm, medium 77 x 62 cm, large 92 x 69 cm and extra large 120 x 75 cm.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is made of high-quality material.
- It can be used inside a dog bed or career.
- It is available in four different sizes.
- It consists of self-cooling gel made of non-toxic materials.
- The mat is very easy to clean.
Cons
- I didn’t find any issue with this cooling mat.
3. Kazoo Daydream Dog Bed Classic Zebra Medium
Ever since its start in 2009, Kazoo has made the best products for our pets. The best part about this brand is that they are based in and offer free shipping within Australia, as long as you have purchased products worth their minimum order value.
I found this outdoor bed to be quite handy when we went camping. Having this bed allowed our dog to have his nap after a full day of playing. Let us look at some of the features that make this a great cooling dog bed.
Cooling
Since this is an elevated dog bed, allowing air to pass beneath the bed for proper air circulation. Also, the woven fabric is breathable, which allows for constant airflow. This becomes a perfect place for my dog to rest after playing for hours on a sunny day.
Highly Durable
This bed comprises an extremely strong steel frame, and the double woven fabric is of high quality. The Steel material is resistant to rust and will last you for a lifetime, even with rough use. While the fabric material will last long if it ever got torn or damaged, replacement covers are easily available on Kazoo’s website.
Easy to Maintain
The dog bed is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean. I used a hose to clean off any dirt and then let the bed dry completely under the Sun. If you want, you can easily wipe off the bed if it is not that dirty.
Multiple Sizes
This dog bed is available in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large. The small size has a dimension of 70 x 55 cm, medium 90 x 65 cm large 110 x 80 cm and the extra-large 135 x 87 cm. The small size is best suitable for corgis, Maltese, and other small breeds of dogs, while the extra-large size is best suitable for a bullmastiff, great Dane, and other larger breeds of dogs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The elevated design offers airflow beneath the bed making your dog cool.
- It is made up of high-quality steel and double woven fabric.
- It is available in four different sizes.
- This bed is very easy to clean.
- Its portable size makes it easy to store and carry around.
Cons
- I didn’t have any problem with this bed, but since the padding is thinner, it might not be suitable for dogs with orthopedic issues.
4. SNOOZA CALMING MAT CHINCHILLA MEDIUM
The ideal all-purpose, multipurpose mattress is the Australian-made Calming Multimat by Snooza. As dogs love to nestle into the soft, plush faux fur on this multi mat, its smoothness helps to relax them, making it an excellent option for keeping your pet relaxed.
Available in a Wide Range of Sizes
Almost every dog breed, regardless of size, can use the Snooza Calming mat because it is available in sizes ranging from Small to Extra Extra huge. To find the appropriate size for your furry friend, consult the sizing guide before placing your order.
Perfect For Anxious Pets
It could be difficult to keep the worried animals calm while you’re away. The Snooza Calming mat, as the name implies, saves the day with its calming feature. As they curl up in the bedding, your pet is kept calm and at ease by the faux fur’s velvety fibres.
Multipurpose
Numerous dog owners appreciate this calming mat, which they attribute in part to its versatility. This mat is suitable for use on elevated beds, crates, and even the floor. To accommodate raised beds, it has additional hook & loop tabs at each corner, which prevent it from slipping. This mattress can be readily moved if you’re moving or taking a trip, and it may also be utilised for puppy training.
Sturdy And Eco-Friendly
The Snooza mat is strong and long-lasting, and it will probably last you a decade. The plush fabric is wrapped with thick padding made of recycled PET on the inside, which is then grooved to ensure that it stays put. This mattress, hence, also reduces your carbon footprint and aims for a greener planet.
Completely Machine-Washable
This brand is a blessing considering all the crud our animal pals might bring to their beds. The Snooza mattress is fully machine washable, saving you the trouble of coming up with novel ways to get rid of an odd stain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Perfect for anxious pets
- Multipurpose
- Sturdy
- Machine-washable
Cons
- A little pricey
5. SCREAM COOLING PAD BLUE EXTRA LARGE
If you’re searching for a practical solution to keep your pet cool and relaxed on those sweltering summer days, the Scream Cooling Pad is another fantastic option to take into consideration. This mattress enables your pet to maintain their body temperature even during the hottest weeks.
Multipurpose
There are numerous uses for the Scream Cooling Pad. They can be used to chill your pet’s kennel, interior space, or even crate. If you’re considering moving, this product is also effortlessly transportable to a new location and can even be brought along on vacation.
Suitable For Nearly all Pets
You don’t need to bother about obtaining a different kind of cooling pad for each animal if you have many at home. The Scream can be used worry-free for all of your pets because it is appropriate for use by dogs, cats, and tiny animals.
Perfect For Steamy Summers
This unique mattress functions by absorbing heat and letting it escape through the unoccupied portions of the surface through evaporation. As a result, it’s a great option to take into account and keeps your furry pals cool in the summer.
Prevents Joint Pain
When compared to letting your pet rest on the chilly, hard floor, our cooling mat offers ample airflow. As your pet ages, lying on the chilly floor could result in joint and muscular discomfort, which can be easily avoided by utilizing this mat.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Suitable for all pets
- Perfect for steamy summers
- Prevents joint pains
Cons
- Not suitable for usage for long periods of time
Things to Consider Before Buying Dog Cooling Mat
When choosing the finest cooling mattress, there are a few factors to consider before deciding:
1. Size
When searching for any form of mattress for your animal pet, size is a crucial consideration. Getting a bedding that can readily support your canine partner when they roll over again and stretch throughout their naps is important, whereas a cooling mat provides additional relief from warmth.
2. Materials
Mesh or foam can be used for cooling pads. If the mattress is located outdoors, think about mesh since these mattresses are more transportable and simpler to maintain.
For domestic use and for pets with medical needs who require additional assistance and comfort, memory foam is the best choice. Avoid mattresses that contain gel pads or gel beads if your canine is a chewer, as these substances could cause an upset stomach.
3. Ease of Use
Consider the ease of setup before making your choice. Choose a memory foam bed or a mattress that is ready to go without any installation if you’re not skilful or do not want to need any equipment to set it up. Consider purchasing a mattress that can be transported easily if you frequently relocate.
4. Easy to Maintain And Clean
Having a conditioning mat that can be quickly and easily cleaned without the use of additional cleansers or tools is a godsend, considering all the locations our furry friends may have been. Ensure that the dog mattress you choose has a washable, removable cover. This will increase how long the mattress lasts.
FAQ’s
ARE COOLING BEDS EFFECTIVE?
Cooling beds function by having an interior layer of cooling gel or water. Many people advise cooling gels over water as the more efficacious of the layered kinds. Make certain to purchase a cooling mattress that is suitable for the size of your dog because certain cooling beds are totally packed with water.
DO THE COOLING MATS NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?
Your cooling pad doesn’t have to be kept in the refrigerator. However, if your cooling mat is gel-or water-based, you may hasten the cooling process by briefly chilling the bed.
ARE DOG COOLING MATS SAFE?
Most often, cooling mats are a great and secure option for dog owners to maintain their dog’s body temperature on hot days. However, if shredded and consumed by dogs, anything can be dangerous. So, keep an eye on your furry friend and make sure to talk to your veterinarian if you feel hesitant.
HOW LONG DO COOLING MATS WORK FOR?
It primarily relies on the kind of cooling pad you possess. A cooling pad typically operates for 3–4 hours. Nevertheless, you could always figure out the precise work time by consulting the handbook or getting in touch with the store where you bought it.
Conclusion
Living in Australia and dealing with extremely hot temperatures during the summers is quite common, while it is difficult for us humans, it impacts our pet even more. Depending upon their breed and age, some dogs are even more sensitive to high temperatures that using measures to cool them down becomes necessary. Other than keeping them inside the house away from the Sun and hydrated all the time, I have learned that using cooling mats helps a lot.
With the variety of dog cooling mats and cooling dog beds available in the market, the choice can be difficult. I have personally tested the ones discussed in the article above with my dog, and they have been a great success. However, every dog is different, and as a pet parent, you know your fur baby well. With that being said, you can surely give these products a try to keep your dog cool during summers.