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The 8 Best Cooling Dog Beds To Give Pups Relief In Summer Heat

The dog days of summer are here—along with record-high temperatures and the increasingly difficult task of keeping your pup cool. Cooling dog beds offer a welcome reprieve: The best ones use special features like breathable fabrics and cooling gels to keep dogs comfortable. The K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot is our pick for the best cooling dog bed overall, thanks to its elevated design and airy mesh fabric. The portable Green Pet Shop Pet Pad is our favorite cooling dog mat; it uses a pressure-activated, nontoxic gel to help lower your pup’s temperature.

Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat. Instead, “they pant to release heat and regulate their body temperature,” says Alexandra Bassett, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Los Angeles-based pet training business Dog Savvy. Cooling beds and mats give dogs an extra tool to cope with the heat. Some popular styles include elevated cots, gel- or water-filled mats, and gel-infused foam beds. We selected the best cooling dog bed in eight categories below, based on in-depth research, expert feedback, and pup and owner preferences.

Best Cooling Dog Bed Overall

Bolstered And Elevated For Breathability And Comfort

K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot

Dimensions: 30 x 42 x 7 inches (large) | Type: Elevated, bolstered | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Materials: Waterproof nylon, mesh, steel | Colors: 2 total, Chocolate and Charcoal

Pros:

  • Elevated design makes it breathable and easy to clean
  • Plush bolsters offer added support
  • Breaks down for storage

Cons:

  • May need a rug underneath to prevent sliding

The K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot is our top pick due to its balance of cooling and comfort. The elevated design keeps your pup 7 inches above the ground, and its mesh fabric cushions their joints. These features allow for better airflow to keep your dog cool in hot weather. Plus, the padded bolsters around three of the sides give your pooch somewhere to rest their head.

While it does require assembly, you don’t need any tools, and replacement parts are available if the fabric ever rips. The cover and bolsters are machine-washable, or you can spray the bed down with a hose in a pinch.


Best Cooling Dog Mat

Uses A Pressure-Activated, Nontoxic Cooling Gel

Green Pet Cool Pet Pad

Dimensions: 27.5 x 43.3 x 0.2 inches (XL) | Type: Pressure-activated cooling mat | Sizes: XS, small, medium, large, XL | Materials: Vinyl, patented nontoxic gel | Colors: 2 total, Blue and Sage Gray

Pros:

  • Pressure-activated cooling
  • Portable and multi-use
  • Can be refrigerated

Cons:

  • Direct sunlight might worsen its performance
  • Casing isn’t the most durable

The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pet Pad is a good choice for particularly hot days outside with your pup. The mat is filled with a nontoxic gel that cools through pressure activation—without the need for water or electricity. You can also put it in the refrigerator to make it even more refreshing for your dog to rest on. At less than half an inch thick, it’s nice that the mat is portable and can be folded up for storage. 

While its cooling abilities only last for a few hours, it “recharges” within around 20 minutes of non-use. Just try to keep the pad in the shade—direct sunlight will minimize its effectiveness. And if you’re worried about the durability of the pad’s exterior (some users reported their pet accidentally ripping the casing), you can use any pillowcase or purchase a dedicated cover.


Best Cooling Dog Bed For Small Breeds

A Comfy Foam-And-Gel Pick That’s Sized Just Right

Arf Pets Cooling Bed

Dimensions: 26 x 40 x 1 inches (large) | Type: Pressure-activated cooling mat, bolstered | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Materials: Nylon, nontoxic gel, memory foam | Colors: 1 total, Gray-Blue

Pros:

  • Pressure-activated cooling
  • Memory foam base and bolsters add support
  • No assembly required

Cons:

  • Spot-clean only
  • Actual weight capacity may be too low for larger breeds

This compact cooling mat from Arf Pets is the perfect size for small dog breeds; its largest size maxes out at 26 by 40 inches, which will probably be most comfortable for dogs no more than 75 pounds. (This is based on our analysis of verified reviews, as opposed to the listed max capacity of 100 pounds.) 

The Arf Pets Cooling Bed is made of all dog-safe materials. The pad is topped with a solid gel layer supported by a memory foam base, and there are small bolsters around its edges for your dog to lay their head. The gel layer is pressure activated, at which point it creates a cooling effect by absorbing your dog’s body heat for up to three hours. Once it’s done cooling, recharging only takes about 15 minutes. Note that the cover isn’t removable and can only be spot-cleaned.


Best Cooling Dog Bed For Large Breeds

Oversized, Extra-Cushiony And Can Cool The Thickest-Coated Pups

Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed With Removable Cover

Dimensions: 48 x 36 x 4 inches (XXL) | Type: Orthopedic cooling bed | Sizes: Large, XL, XXL | Materials: Polyester, gel foam, memory foam | Colors: 2 total, Gray and Blue

Pros:

  • Orthopedic foam supports giant and senior dogs
  • Gel-infused memory foam dissipates heat
  • Cooling enough for double-coated dogs
  • Removable, machine-washable cover

Cons:

  • Not chew- or scratch-resistant, nor waterproof

The Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed is a supportive mat-style bed that comes in extra-large sizes for bigger dogs—the largest option is a whopping 48 inches long, giving your pup plenty of room to stretch out. The bed is made up of two layers: The top layer features cooling gel memory foam with breathable holes to help regulate your dog’s temperature, and the supportive orthopedic foam base properly cushions their joints and muscles. Together, the foam layers provide 3 to 4 inches of padding for your pet. 

The foam bed is wrapped in a soft, cooling cover that reviewers highlight for being removable and easily machine washable. Others also say that, since both the casing and foam layers are cooling, even double-coated and long-coated dogs can benefit from the bed year-round.


Best Value Cooling Dog Bed

Quickly Cools Down In The Fridge (Or Freezer)

Top Paw Blue Paw Print Cooling Pad

Dimensions: 36 x 23 inches | Type: Refrigerated pad, bolstered | Sizes: Large | Materials: Polyester, cooling microbeads | Colors: 1 total, Blue

Pros:

  • Durable materials and easy to wipe clean
  • Already cool out of the box 
  • Insert is easy to remove and chills quickly
  • Bolstered edges for comfort

Cons:

  • Only one size available
  • Can leak if beads are popped

This under-$25 dog bed is filled with a cooling microbead insert that keeps your pup comfortable in warm weather. While pet owners say the insert already feels nicely cool right out of the box, it can be easily removed from the liner for chilling in the refrigerator to cool it further (or the freezer if you’re pressed for time). Pro tip from dog parents: Leave it overnight in the fridge so the extra-cooling effect lasts longer the next day. This feature is especially handy during heatwaves—particularly if your pup likes to lie outdoors or if they have long or thick fur. 

While te bed is available in only one size, it’s not small at 36 by 23 inches (though some reviewers do wish it came in larger sizes, so they can cuddle and cool down on the bed with their pet). There are bolsters around the edges for extra head support—but it can leak if the beads are popped, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your dog while they’re using it.


Best Outdoor Cooling Dog Bed

A Durable Mat You Can Fill With Water

K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Comfort Bed

Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 2 inches (large) | Type: Water-filled mat | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Materials: Nylon, memory foam, vinyl | Colors: 1 total, Blue

Pros:

  • Sturdy and supportive enough for larger breeds
  • Effectively cooling design
  • Orthopedic foam gives senior dogs added comfort

Cons:

  • Surface is a bit slippery 

If your dog likes to nap outdoors during the summer, the K&H Coolin’ Comfort Bed will help keep them at a comfortable temperature. The durable bed is made from thick nylon, and it has a layer of orthopedic foam in the bottom for comfort. The bed also has an outlet that lets you fill up its inner chamber with cold water, creating a cooling effect that will last for several hours. 

Because it’s filled with water, there’s always a chance of leaking, so this bed is best suited for outdoor use. It will work best in a shady area, and you may need to empty and refill it if the inner water gets too warm. 


Best Cooling Dog Bed For Crates

A Wide Size Range That Fits In Standard Dog Crates

EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat

Dimensions: 46.5 x 28 x 3 inches (XXL) | Type: Orthopedic crate mat | Sizes: XS, small, medium, large, XL, XXL | Materials: Water-resistant fabric, orthopedic foam | Colors: 2 total, Gray and Teal

Pros:

  • Fits most standard crate sizes
  • Cool-to-touch, water-resistant fabric
  • Just firm enough not to sink down in a crate
  • Removable, machine-washable cover

Cons:

  • Might be too firm for some dogs

The EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Crate Mat is both a cozy cooling option and one that comes in six sizes to fit most standard-sized dog crates. The mat-style bed is crafted with a thick layer of orthopedic foam that provides firm-enough support, while the egg-crate texture on top adds the right amount of comfort. 

The foam is covered with a fabric that stays cool to the touch, making it comfortable in warm weather. The cover is also water-resistant to protect the inner foam in case of accidents, and it can be tossed into the washing machine for easy cleaning.


Best Chew-Resistant Cooling Dog Bed

A Raised Bed With Breathable, UV-Resistant Fabric

Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed

Dimensions: 51 x 31.5 x 8 inches (large) | Type: Elevated cot | Size options: Small, medium, large, XL | Materials: Powder-coated alloy steel, HDPE fabric, | Colors: 9 total, including Tan, Navy Blue, Nutmeg and Terracotta

Pros:

  • Breathable and joint-friendly elevated design
  • UV-resistant, Greenguard Gold–certified fabric
  • Chew-resistant frame
  • Fabric covered against UV degradation for 1 year

Cons:

  • Not the most comfortable

The Coolaroo Cooling Elevated Bed is a top choice for dogs who like to chew on their beds when they get bored. The bed is constructed with an alloy metal frame (not the most satisfying material to chew on). It’s covered with a breathable synthetic mesh fabric that not only comes in a variety of colors, but is also UV-resistant, pest-resistant and easy to clean.There’s a very limited area for pups to sink their teeth into, and the durable frame and fabric both discourage chewing. 

Plus, the bed’s raised design and breathable fabric cover (which is Greenguard certified and also mold- and pest-resistant) make the cot supportive enough for your dog’s joints, in addition to keeping them cool on hot days. Dog-owning reviewers say the Coolaro is well-constructed—but if your dog does end up ripping the fabric cover, the brand sells replacement parts, so you won’t have to purchase a whole new bed.


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