If your dog spends all day panting during the summer, the best cooling dog beds can help give them some relief on the warmest days: These beds typically have either breathable designs or are filled with cooling gel, and they’re great for keeping your pup comfortable on hot days. Our top recommendation is the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot, which has an elevated design made from breathable fabric, is intended to provide pressure point relief and can support even the largest dogs.
“Dogs don’t sweat like humans do—they pant to release heat and regulate their body temperature,” explains Alexandra Bassett, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Dog Savvy. “Cooling cots, mats and beds can help a dog cope with the heat.” There are a few different styles of cooling beds, including elevated cots, gel- or water-filled mats and gel-infused foam beds. Some can even be refrigerated to increase their cooling power. No matter which option you prefer, these are the best cooling dog beds available today.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best pet accessories you can buy today. We’ve published dozens of expert-backed roundups on pet products, including the best dog beds, best orthopedic dog beds and more.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- Author of this piece Camryn Rabideau is a regular contributor (and pet owner) with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
- Editor of this piece Emmy Favilla is a dog owner and active dog companion volunteer at Animal Care Centers of NYC. She has been involved in animal welfare for two decades, having volunteered with several rescues and shelters.
- For this article, we gathered key insights from Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a dog training service based in Los Angeles.
How We Chose The Best Cooling Dog Beds
To find the best cooling dog beds for your pet, we researched best-selling models, compared features and asked an industry expert for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on top-rated models from trusted brands and retailers, such as K&H Pet Products and Frisco.
- We analyzed elements including the bed’s materials, weight, size and cooling features to help pet owners find the best product for their needs.
- Using guidance from our expert, we looked for products that were made from breathable materials or used some type of cooling mechanism, such as a gel- or water-filled interior.
- We also read dozens of customer reviews and took each product’s average star rating into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
What To Look For In The Best Cooling Dog Beds
Type
There are multiple styles of cooling dog beds, including elevated cots, cooling mats, and beds with gel-infused foam. “Elevated cots allow cool air to wick heat away from a dog’s body and work especially well if kept near a fan or somewhere shady, away from direct sunlight,” explains Bassett. These beds, like the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot, can generally be used indoors or outdoors, and they’re a good choice for dogs who like chewing, as they have metal frames.
There are also mats like the Green Pet Cool Pet Pad, which are filled with dog-safe gel. “Cooling mats work by absorbing a dog’s body heat and dissipating it back into the surrounding environment, much like tile or concrete floors,” says Bassett. “They don’t require any electricity or freezing and are activated by pressure and weight.” Some of these mats can also be put in the refrigerator for an extra boost of cooling power, and Bassett also notes that they’re easy to clean and transport, if needed.
Finally, there are regular dog beds like the Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed that are made with gel-infused foam—similar to cooling mattresses. These beds don’t necessarily provide a cooling effect, but they allow heat to dissipate to prevent your dog from getting too warm.
Safety
If you opt for a cooling bed that’s filled with some sort of gel, it’s important to carefully monitor your pet while they’re using it. While the materials are typically nontoxic, you’ll still want to make sure your dog doesn’t chew on or dig at the mat, which could pop it and result in leaking.
For dogs who are prone to chewing, you may want to select an elevated cot with a metal frame, which is generally more durable than a foam bed. “If large pieces of the nylon cover are ingested, these could cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, so pet parents must keep an eye on their dog to ensure they don’t claw or chew through the material,” says Bassett.
Size
The majority of cooling dog beds are available in multiple sizes, and you’ll want to select one that’s big enough for your pup. Most brands have size charts that list the breed types and weight range each of their beds can accommodate, but you may also want to compare the dimensions of the bed to the size of your dog. In general, your dog’s bed should be a few inches longer than the length of your pet from nose to the base of their tail.
Do Cooling Beds For Dogs Work?
Cooling dog beds are are an effective option for cooling down your pet on a warm day. If you have a dog who is particularly sensitive to the heat, you might want to consider a cooling dog mat, which is filled with gel or water. “A dog cooling mat should cool for around four to six hours, but this depends on the type of bed and technology within it,” says Bassett. “In very hot conditions—and with a very warm dog—the cooling sensation may only last for a few hours.”
Keep in mind that once the cooling sensation wears off, the bed or mat will need time to revert back to its original state without your pet lying on it. You can often speed up this process by putting the mat in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.
What Is The Best Dog Bed For A Hot Summer?
While the best cooling dog bed ultimately depends on your and your dog’s specific needs, we think the elevated K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot is the best bet for most pups. It’s made with breathable fabric and has bolsters along three sides to keep your dog comfortable and provide them with a place to lie their head. It’s currently available in three sizes, with the largest designed to support 200-plus pounds.
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