The 12 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2024, Including Our Dogs’ Favorites

Best Overall

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat

$50 at Amazon $74 at Target $30 at Walmart

The Arf Pets Self-Cooling Dog Mat ticks every box for both you and your pet. Able to support up to 80 pounds, the cushioned cooling pad for dogs is filled with gel beads that activate as soon as they sense pressure — no batteries, electricity, or freezer needed. In other words, your dog will start to cool down the moment they lie down, and you don't have to lift a finger.

We previously tried this mat in a test for cooling dog beds. The coolness lasts for three hours, and the gels fully recharge after just 15 minutes of non-use. Plus, the mat is durable enough to be taken outside, sturdy enough to be portable, and easily wipes clean. It only comes in one size and might be too large for small dogs and puppies. We should note that the pad itself is thin, so you may want to place it on something soft to add some cushioning so your dog is totally comfortable.

Dimensions: 27 x 43 x 1 inches | Material: Nylon | Sizes: M | Best For: Medium and large breeds

Most Durable

Pup Wonders Dog Cooling Bed

View on Pupwonders.com

If your furry pals have a knack for digging, clawing, or chewing their beds, you’ll want a cooling dog pad that can withstand some wear and tear. That’s why we love the Pup Wonders Popocola bed — its densely woven fibers create a thick barrier that even one kitty’s claws couldn’t scratch through (and trust us, she tried). The tightly woven material makes it more resistant to ripping or puncturing, and the inner padding feels comfortable and supportive. 

This cooling pad doesn’t require any activation because the “cooling” elements are the sweat-wicking mesh, cooling fibers, and honeycomb base that encourages airflow. Though it does feel slightly cool to the touch, we found that the pad felt a little less cool after our tester’s dog spent an hour lying on it (to be expected), so if you’re looking for something super cooling, check out one of the options that use ice or cold water. 

Dimensions: 47.2 x 35 x 1.8 inches | Material: Not listed | Sizes: S, M, L | Best for: All dogs

Best for Crates

Hugs Pet Products Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs

$50 at Amazon

Available in three sizes, this cooling pad for dogs from Chillz acts as a body heat-regulating liner for your dog while they're in their dog crate. We previously tested this mat in the same cooling dog beds test mentioned above. Padded in all the right places to provide comfort and support, the mat is filled with pressure-activated cooling beads that kick in as soon as your pup finds their favorite spot to lounge.

This pad can keep them cool for up to three hours and starts to recharge on its own once your dog moves around. And if you're crate-training a new puppy, don't worry. The mat is made from scratch-resistant material and wipes clean if any accidents happen.

Dimensions: 19.5 x 15.5 x 0.75 inches (medium) | Material: Gel | Sizes: M, L, XL | Best For: Dogs of all sizes that use crates

Best Gel

Sun Squad Cooling Mat Cat and Dog Bolster Bed

$25 at Target

Powered by a cooling gel that requires no refrigeration to stay chilled to the touch, the Sun Squad Cooling Mat kept our dog comfortable sitting outside in the hot sun. It has a bolster around the edge that dogs can comfortably rest their heads on and is covered in a breathable, eye-catching striped cover (bonus points: it’s machine-washable). One thing to note — our dog snagged some of the cover fabric with her claw, which caused some runs, so frequent diggers might be better suited to our most durable option. 

Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 2.5 inches | Material: Gel | Sizes: One-size | Best for: Small and medium dogs

Best for Small Dogs

The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat

$38 at Amazon $60 at Chewy View on Thegreenpetshop.com

This is one of the few cooling pads for dogs we found that comes in a size suitable for small dog breeds weighing up to 8 pounds. This dog cooling pad is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, and it provides a chill place to lounge when temperatures rise. It scored high when we tested it against cooling dog beds. Its rechargeable cooling beads are always ready for action and provide instant relief when needed. Since it's lightweight and foldable, this highly-rated pick easily fits in your bag or car, so you can have it handy when you're on the move. If you're searching for a more plush option, keep in mind that this mat's material is not very thick.

Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.2 inches (extra-small) | Material: Gel | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Best For: All dogs

Best for Large Dogs

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat, Extra Large

$80 at Amazon $95 at Walmart View on Chewy

This extra-large dog mat accommodates large dog breeds and is spacious enough that they can sprawl comfortably. Like its small-sized counterpart, the Amazon-favorite pad gets its cooling power from rechargeable gel beads, which recharge within 20 minutes of not being used. This is a great choice for dogs that overheat easily as well as dogs that like a comfortable place to sprawl. It will keep your dog cool for up to three hours at a time and works indoors, outdoors, and on the go.

Dimensions: 43.4 x 27.6 x 2 inches (extra-large) | Material: Gel | Sizes: XL | Best For: Large breed dogs

Best for Travel

Coleman Pet Pad

$27 at Amazon

Ready to go when you are, the Coleman Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Pet Pad is designed for portability and fast relief from the heat.

This cooling dog blanket and pad hybrid begins comforting your pet from the moment they step onto it, courtesy of its pressure-activated cooling gel liner. You can fold it up like a blanket and easily pack it with all of your other pet travel essentials. And if your dog gets overheated during car rides, lay it out on the seat so they can get comfy.

Dimensions: 24 x 30 x 1 inches (medium) | Material: Gel, puncture-resistant nylon | Sizes: M, L | Best For: All dogs for cars, trips, and travel

Best Eco-Friendly

K&H Pet Products Coolin' Dog Mat

$15 at Chewy View on Zoro.com $15 at Tractor Supply Co.

If you want a cooling pad for dogs made without gels, this plastic pad only uses water to help cool off your pup. Simply fill the cooling pad with water, and it’s good to go (with no electricity or refrigeration needed). The pad will need to be refilled with water each time, so it's not ideal for those looking for a mat that's ready to use.

Bring this cooling pad in the car or use it on top of your dog’s bed. It offers an immediate cooling sensation via a tough nylon material that won’t succumb to tough chewers (and is machine-washable). It comes in all standard sizes, so it can work for all types of dogs. Plus, K&H products are all made with a polyfill made of recycled materials.

Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 0.25 inches (medium) | Material: Nylon | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Best For: All dogs

Best Investment

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Pad

$90 at Amazon View on Coolerdog.com View on Hossanddukespetfood.com

With the cooling equivalent of nearly eight trays of ice, these modular cooling pads are great for families with multiple dogs because you can rearrange them to accommodate different sizes. We tested this cooling mat with one tester's small Australian shepherd who loves to dig, but luckily, this mat is so durable that it looked as good as new even after some rough play.

You can buy the mat as a single one for a small dog or as a set of two or four to combine the pads for larger dogs. All pads have a ripstop material that’s machine-washable. The pads come with a “flexi-freeze” ice pack that cooled down our tester's canine and still felt cool to the touch after being left out all night, thanks to a foam layer on top that prevented the ice from melting quickly (and also kept our pooch comfy).

Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 0.5 inches (large) | Material: Foam | Sizes: Mini, S/M, L | Best For: All dogs

Best Outdoor

K&H PET PRODUCTS Cool Bed III

$39 at Amazon $65 at Walmart $30 at Chewy

If you’re looking for a cooling pad for dogs with a bit more thickness for added comfort, the Cool Bed III from K&H Pet Products may be just what you’re searching for. It has a nylon and vinyl exterior that is durable and long-lasting. It’s ideal for indoor or outdoor use, as long as it's kept out of direct sunlight. There are no gel beads in this product; you simply fill it with the recommended amount of water and knead the bed to help work the water into the Cool Core.

When your dog is finished enjoying the cooling pad, simply open the valve and roll the pad to remove the water. The exterior can be easily cleaned with a damp towel or sponge and mild dishwashing detergent. This may not be the right choice if you're looking for a product that is ready to go immediately without adding water.

Dimensions: 22 x 32 x 1.5 inches (medium) | Material: Nylon, vinyl | Sizes: S, M, L | Best For: All dogs

Best Long-Term Cooling

TechNiche International Evaporative Cooling Dog Pad

$45 at Chewy

This cooling pad for dogs from TechNiche is the longest-lasting one of the bunch. Just soak the pad in water for one to two minutes, squeeze out the excess, and your pet will stay cool and comfortable for five to 10 hours. The specialized fabric and HyperKewl Plus technology provide an average cooling of 10 to 15 degrees below the ambient temperature.

The pad can be used indoors or outdoors for dogs up to 150 pounds and will continue cooling for up to 150 wet/dry cycles and can be used in a crate, on a bed, or anywhere your dog likes to relax and cool down. If you’re looking for more of a hands-off product, this one might not be ideal, but the long-lasting cool rest area it will provide for your dog may be worth the trade-off.

Dimensions: 36 x 23 x 0.13 inches (large) | Material: Nylon, synthetic fabric | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Best For: All dogs

Best Orthopedic

Dogbed4less Pet Mat

$40 at Amazon $40 at Walmart View on Dogbed4less.com

Combining the benefits of an orthopedic dog bed with the functionality of a dog cooling pad, this mat can keep your pup comfortable while supporting their joints. Inside, orthopedic cooling memory foam cushions your dog to prevent discomfort as it regulates body temperature. Dogs will also enjoy its plush-yet-breathable fleece fabric, no-slip construction, and low profile, which prevents injury. It's also super absorbent to protect your floors from pet messes. The mat is only available in one size (large), which would be too big for tiny pups.

Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 1.2 inches | Material: Memory foam, rubber | Sizes: L | Best For: Large dogs