Dog cooling pads are an essential item for dog owners because it’s the best way to keep dogs cool. A dog cooling pad can last from 2 – 7 hours, depending on the type, and be used to temporarily reduce a dog’s body temperature.
What exactly is a cooling pad?
A cooling pad is rectangle-shaped, thin cloth or plastic mat with water or gel that helps to keep your dog cool as he lies on top of it.
A dog cooling pad is an affordable solution to keep dogs cool in warm weather. You may see the same item referred to by different names such as:
- dog cooling mat
- cooling bed
- cooling beds that we no longer love
- gel mat
- cooling pet pad
- cold air mat
- chill mat
- colling dog beds
Cooling Pad vs Cooling Mat
There is basically no difference between the two, and the names are often used interchangeably. Both a cooling pad and a cooling mat are flat padded surfaces used to cool down dogs.
In the same way that a cooling pad is a flat, rectangular pad that you put in the freezer for a while before allowing your dog to lay on it, a cooling mat is a similar device. You may find that some have a mesh surface.
A cooling mat may be made of fabric and have a substance inside it that keeps the dog cool. It gives dogs temporary relief from the heat and hot air while they lay on it.
Cooling Pad or Cooling Mat Types
Cooling pads for dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are filled with different cooling agents, such as water, ice, or cooling gel.
The best cooling mats with a gel pad should always have non toxic gel which can be either pressure activated gel or non pressure activated gel.
It is advisable to supervise your dog while they use the pad, to keep them from biting and tearing the pad.
For this reason, you should consider a water fillable pad options and familiarize yourself with the product cooling duration so you know when it’s time to remove the pad from your dog’s area.
Every dog owner should look out for the signs of heat stress
In extreme heat, the reality is heat stroke, dehydration and even fatigue is something all of us pet parents must be wary of, as it can become a serious health concern for our canines.
This is why having the right accessories that can absorb heat and help to help keep your pet cool is essential and the most convenient and practical solution to accomplish this is the dog cooling pad.
Now, it basically does the same job for your pet as any cold floor would, but it is a little bit more sophisticated, as it can keep your doggo cooler for much longer periods of time.
Do Cooling Mats for Dogs Work?
Let’s take a look at some key questions about cooling mats for dogs about their effectiveness, and ability to help with overheating and cool a dog’s temperature.
It can be very alarming when your dog is overheating. If you’re like most dog owners, you try everything to force heat dissipation; move heat away from your dog’s body.
You probably immediately turn on all interal fans in your home and go to solutions that successfully cool you down, such as opening the air vents and turning on cooling fans.
You may even have a set of cooling fans with one big fan and several small fans spread around the house. However, the reality is, what works for you may not work to cool down your dog quickly enough.
Are cooling pads effective?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some people say that cooling mats for dogs work well, while others say that they don’t really do anything to help cool dogs down.
The bottom line is that there is no harm in using a cooling mat if your dog seems to enjoy it and it makes them more comfortable during hot weather.
If you decide to use a cooling mat or chill mat, be sure to read the instructions carefully to ensure that you are using it correctly.
Does a cooling pad help with overheating?
When the weather starts to warm up, many dog owners start to worry about how their furry friend will cope in the heat.
Dogs can’t sweat like humans do, so they often pant excessively in an attempt to cool themselves down. This can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can be dangerous for dogs.
Can a cooling mat for dogs reduce my dog’s body temperature?
A dog cooling mat provides some reief to and overheated dog by drawing excess heat away from the dog’s body. This helps to keep them comfortable and safe in hot weather.
We have, so we did a little research on what you need to know about using a cooling pad and the role it may be able to play in helping to reduce your dog’s body temperature.
Methods to reduce your dog’s body temperature
Have you ever noticed that your pet enjoys lying down on cold concrete and tile floors on hot and humid days?
We discovered that dogs do this because those surfaces are naturally colder than carpets or wooden floors.
Thus allowing your pooch cooling relief and a chance to conveniently cool themselves down.
Dog owners will especially notice that their dog is in need of a cool place to rest or cooling surfaces when they see them panting a lot.
Help Your Dog Stay Cool with a Cooling Pad
One way to help your dog stay cool in the summer heat is to use a cooling mat.
These mats are filled with a gel that absorbs body heat and helps to lower the temperature of the surrounding area.
Many people believe that a self cooling dog mat can help to prevent heatstroke in dogs, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Which dog bed to keep your pup cool at night?
It might be easier to keep your pup cool at night by setting up their sleep are with a self cooling dog mat for dogs or cooling dog bed.
The best cooling dog beds have an elevated design with mesh on the bottom.
This provides the best dog cooling power because it allows natural air flow on your dog’s belly area.
If you don’t have a cooling dog bed then it is essential that you have a dog cooling mat to help keep your dog cool when the temperature in your home is elevated.
A pet cooling mat is important to have on hand because even if the temperature appears chilly to you, it is possible for your dog may need some relief.
It also makes sense to have cooling pads for dogs on hand to put inside the dog crate.
What is the best dog cooling mat to get?
The best cooling mat doesn’t require ice fill up to keep your dog cool. and will keep your pup cool without water, electricity, or refrigeration. Look for a self cooling dog mat that is pressure activated.
Pressure activated dog cooling mats require your dog to lay on the gel pad for the surface to feel cool to the touch.
This means, the only way to feel a cool pet pad, your dog will need to lay on the pad. The weight of your dog will activate the cooling power of the pad.
Cooling mat sizes
Cooling mats are available in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that is suitable for your dog.
- Small dogs up to 10 pounds will have enough space on a 11.5 x 15.5 inches cooling mat
- Medium sized dogs weighing between 9 – 20 lbs will have enough space on a 15.7 x 19.7 inches cooling mat
- Large dogs weighing over 45 – 80 lbs will find that cooling mat dimensions 35 x 23.6 inches is sufficient
- Extra-large dogs weighing over 80 lbs will find that cooling mat dimensions 43.3 x 27.5 inches is sufficient
Where to place your dog cooling mat?
They can be placed on the floor, in their crate, or even in their bed.
Some cooling mats may need to be frozen before use, so be sure to read the chill mat instructions carefully.
If you are using a cooling mat, it’s important to monitor your dog closely. Make sure that they are not panting excessively or showing signs of distress. If you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian.
Hot weather warning
It’s also important to make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, as dehydration can be a serious problem when it is extremely hot weather.
If you are using a cooling mat, be sure to place it in an area where your dog can reach it easily.
Cooling mats can be a great way to help your dog stay cool on a hot summer day. However, they should not be used as a replacement for fresh water and shade.
Pet owners should note that it may take more than 20 minutes of non use before a cooling mat feels chill to the touch after use. The range may be between 22 -30 minutes of non use.
Dog owners with any concerns about their dog’s health in the heat during the hot summer days should consult a veterinarian.
How Long Does a Cooling Pad Last?
Generally speaking, dog cooling pads can last 3-5 years on average.
How long they can keep your dog cool will depend on the type of dog cooling mat you purchase.
This is because while all of them offer the same function, there are different models and sizes for you to choose from. Below are some good options if you want a pad that has gel, ice, or water.
You may find it beneficial to place a cooling mat over your dogs bedding area so it can serve as a cooling dog bed.
Top Dog Cooling Pads
So, do cooling mats for dogs work?
The answer is a resounding yes! Dog cooling mats are an effective way to keep your pup cool, especially during the summer months.
They’re also a great way to help prevent overheating in dogs. When choosing a cooling pad for your dog, be sure to consider the size of the mat and where you will be placing it.
And don’t forget to give your furry friend some water regularly while they’re using the mat – keeping them hydrated is essential when it comes to preventing heatstroke.
Next, let’s take a look at how dog cooling mats work.
How Do Dog Cooling Mats Work
1. Water-Filled Cooling Pad – Last up to seven hours (6-7 hours)
The advantage of water-filled dog cooling pads is that they are often the safest and most affordable type.
These can be a great choice and are also very simple to use, just fill them up with cold water and just like that your little pooch has a comfortable water pad that does well to lower his body temperature.
The only downside with this type of dog cooling pad is that they are susceptible to punctures, leaks or spills, especially if your furry friend is an avid chewer.
2. Ice Cooling Pad – Last up to three hours (2-3 hours)
These dog cooling pads basically come inclusive of ice packs that you will need to freeze overnight before placing them back in the pad.
They are a good choice if the humidity is getting to be a bit too much even for you to handle, in which case a little extra chill may be just what the doctor ordered.
On the other hand, you also do have to keep in mind that your pet may find them a bit too uncomfortable at first.
So, fair warning, it won’t be breaking news that your pooch to spend some time trying to find the best angle to lay on the pad before they get comfortable.
3. Gel Cooling Pad – Last up to four hours (3-4 hours)
This type of cooling dog mat is essentially a self-cooling pad that is made using a gel substance that starts to cool your dog by absorbing its body heat.
They are also pressure-activated, so once your pooch lies down on it, it activates and also re-charges automatically, when not being used.
You also have the option of refrigerating these cool air mats to make them colder. Plus, they are very lightweight and extremely portable allowing you to conveniently bring it along during travel.
Just make sure that before purchase, check to see if the gel contained in the pad is non-toxic, as it can be a health hazard for your furry friend if he/she chews and accidentally digests it.
Also, keep these pads away from any direct sunlight, as the pad may end up absorbing the heat, thus nullifying its effectiveness and cooling performance.
Cooling Pad Roundup
Dogs are loyal companions, and their owners want to make sure they stay healthy and happy during the hot summer months, even when the temperature inside is warmer than usual.
A dog cooling mat or cooling pad is a must-have item for any pet owner to manage heat dissipation. A cooling pad can help keep dogs cool and comfortable when temperatures soar.
Depending on the size of your dog and the type of cooling pad you choose, a pad can last anywhere from 2 to 7 hours.
Now that you know all about the different types of cooling pads and how to use them, it’s time for you to pick up a good option for some extra cooling for your furry friend.
Be sure to check out the cooling pad size chart that we’ve included in this chart so you get the right size for your pup. You want to make sure your pup has a good amount of space to lay on the chill mat.
And don’t forget, these work best and are superior cooling options when used in combination with other methods of keeping dogs cool – like ultra quiet fans, or any combination of cooling fan, water, and ice.
Bookmark this page to keep checking for new updates. We’ll continue to update this page to help you find answers about new dog cooling pad options.
Plus, we’ll link to pages where you can view in depth reviews on efficient cooling options for better performance.
Which cooling pad are you going to buy for your dog? Let me know in the comments below!
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