Dog Cooling Mats Buying Guide: Comfort Comes First

Our furry friends are a vital part of our lives, being our loyal companions and protectors in a lot of different situations. That’s why we should never stop taking care of their well-being and always give them our unconditional love, just like they do to us.

Taking care of our beloved puppies mostly means making sure that the space where they spend most of their time is dog-friendly and comfortable. And when it comes to ensuring their comfort, the special cooling beds are some of the essential pet accessories, especially in the summer days when the sun is blasting and the air and ground are super hot.

How Do Cooling Dog Beds Work?

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The market nowadays offers a variety of these convenient dog cooling mats you can choose from. However, one of the best cooling dog bed you can get for your furry pal is the self-cooling type. These beds don’t look like regular beds where the dog will sink in upon laying down. In fact, they’re essentially pads made from gels that absorb the heat from your dog. When your dog leaves the pad, the gel recharges and cools down by making the absorbed heat evaporate in the air, without having to be plugged in or put in the fridge.

On the other hand, other types of dog cool pads need to be filled with cool water, which also absorbs the heat from your dog’s body once it lays down on the mat. Because water heats up faster than gel, this type of bed requires to be cooled down more frequently, so it can;t be used for a long period of time, unlike the self-cooling type.

The Benefits of Cooling Mats

Not only resting on a cooling dog bed is a comfy solution for your furry friend, but there’re plenty of other benefits as well, regardless if you go for the gel-filled or water-filled variety.

Prevents Overheating

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If you thought you’re the only one tossing around your bed and trying to find a comfortable position to fall asleep on the hot summer days, know that you’re wrong. Dogs can also struggle to fall asleep when being hot. On top of that, some breeds with longer furs or double coats can struggle more with overheating which increases the risk of dehydration and heatstroke that can be very hazardous for your pup.

Keeps Your Dog Clean

Getting your dog out for a walk means bringing the dirt and great amounts of germs inside the house. You probably don’t want your lovely dog to lay down and rest from the long-lasting walk in nature on such a dirty floor. For this purpose, a dog cooling mat will provide a clean and elevated surface for your puppy to take its afternoon nap after its adventurous wandering in nature.

Very Beneficial for Senior Dogs

Same as humans, older dogs can also suffer from several diseases and conditions such as arthritis. This condition causes inflammation of the joints and muscles in dogs, which feels painful and uncomfortable. In such situations, getting your dog a cooling pad can help to prevent the swellings and offer its fragile body convenient orthopaedic support.

How to Choose the Best Cooling Pad for Your Dog?

When choosing a cooling pad for your beloved friend, there’re some factors you should take into consideration.

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The Size

The cooling pads for dogs come in a variety of sizes, and it’s important to get the right size for your dog. Just like humans, dogs can assume a variety of sleeping positions. At this point, you probably noticed how your dog loves to sleep – whether places its belly on the mat with its legs out in front or lays on its side. So, make sure to pick a bed that can conveniently fit the dog, without its legs dangling outside. But have in mind that it’s not always good to get a very big pad either. Not only will it take up more space in your home, but it also will cool the dog less efficiently. That said, measure your dog before you purchase!

The Material

The cooling mats for dogs tend to be made of different materials, and it’s vital to choose the right one. For this purpose, you should aim for getting a mat that’s made of hypoallergenic, non-toxic and breathable materials, such as nylon and PVC fabrics are. Also, make sure you avoid materials such as latex, plastics and rubbers since they tend to cause sweat and trap moisture.

Durability

If you want to spare yourself from getting a new dog cool pad anytime soon, take into consideration the durability of the mat according to your dog’s needs. The first thing to consider is your dog’s weight. Have in mind that dogs love to “throw themselves” on their comfortable, soft mats, so make sure you get the one that won’t “collapse” after a couple of weeks of using it.

On the other hand, if your dog is a chewer, make sure you choose a mat that’s though to chew and scratch to make it last longer. And finally, determine the area where you’re going to place it. If you want to set your puppy’s resting area outside, make sure you pick the one that will stand up to the outside elements and conditions.

Portability

Is your dog’s cooling mat going to be stationed in one spot of your home, or you’re planning your next trip together with your dog? If latter, you probably want to get an easy portable mat for your dog, which means a lightweight and foldable mat that won’t take any of your baggage space. This means avoiding the water-filled cooling mats since they’re heavy and difficult to move.

How to Maintain Your Dog’s Cooling Pad?

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Proper maintenance will ensure that the cooling pad can serve your dog for a longer period, even after the warranty expires. For this purpose, you should:

Clean It Regularly

Making sure that your dog’s laying down on a clean surface will not only make its cooling pad last longer, but it’s recommended for its health too. For this purpose, clean the pad with a quick wipe or a damp cloth. If you spot stains, make sure you don’t use any bleach or abrasive solutions, but clean them with mild detergents or soaps instead.

Groom Your Dog

Regularly brushing your dog’s fur and trimming its nails will prevent your dog’s excess hair from staying on the surface when shedding and the accidental punctures that can cause the pad to get scratched or ripped down. Also, have in mind that grooming your dog is essential for its well-being and its purpose is far beyond keeping the mat in good shape.

Always Check Underneath

Before “throwing” the mat on the floor, make sure you carefully check that there isn’t any dirt that can stain the mat or something sharp on the ground that can rub on the mat to cause rips and tears. Also, make sure you check the mat regularly for moisture buildup since moisture breeds bacteria and mould that are harmful both for your dog and for its mat.

Keep It Away From the Sun

Remember that it’s always recommended to keep the dog cooling mats in shade. If you expose them to direct sun rays, the sun will reduce the cooling effects of the mat by absorbing the heat from the sun, instead of your dog’s body.