5 Best Cooling Dog Beds That Help Your Pup Beat the Heat

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Best overall cooling dog bed

Furhaven Cooling Memory Foam Dog Bed

A top-selling Amazon dog bed with over 97,000, 5-star ratings, the Furhaven Cooling Bed gets the job done—and then some. In five sizes (from tiny to jumbo-plus) it suits both small and large dog breeds. The bed features supportive foam, which is ideal for young or old dogs alike in need of a plush area to relax. The gel-infused memory foam cushion wicks heat away, claiming to lower the ambient temperature by one to two degrees. Luxurious faux fur covers the sleeping surface, while the upholstery-covered bolsters contain recycled materials. And for the cherry on top, the removable cover is machine-washable.

“My 100-pound German shepherd fits on this no problem and loves his bed so much!” writes Amazon reviewer Alexxis. “He usually lays on the cold floor because he gets too hot and this cooling bed has been a game changer. He’s seven years old and starting to have hip issues and this bed keeps him off the ground no problem. My other 100-pound shepherd gets on there with him. It’s a tight fit so I am buying another one, but I couldn’t recommend this enough!”

Pros

• Cooling memory foam and comfy design make this the best cooling dog bed
• Machine-washable cover
• Two bed styles and five sizes available
• Comes in 13 fabrics and colors
• 90-day warranty coverage for material defects

Cons

• Some reviewers have found that the memory foam compresses over time
• Not ideal for tough chewers

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Best splurge dog bed

Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed

The Sealy Lux Pet bed offers a luxurious look, and the prestige of the Sealy name. The memory foam conforms to your dog’s shape, which is ideal for support and comfort. It also contains orthopedic foam to support achy joints, and a layer of cooling energy gel to refresh your pup during warmer temps. Plus, charcoal infused in the bed’s foam base fights unpleasant pet odors. A waterproof liner prevents staining of the interior cushion from accidents, while the machine-washable cover makes regular cleanup a breeze. The bed also has a nonskid bottom that keeps the bed in place when dogs hop on and off.

“A+++ to Sealy!” writes happy Amazon shopper Tina Owens. “This is the best dog bed I’ve ever bought, hands down!!!”

Pros

• Luxurious orthopedic foam supports pups while keeping them cool
• Fights odor
• Nonskid base
• Hidden zipper to discourage chewing
• Waterproof liner
• Machine-washable cover
• Comes in four sizes and four colors

Cons

• Some reviewers find this bed hard to assemble
• On the pricier side

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Best cooling dog mat

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

Not all dogs like super-squishy beds, and a few have trouble climbing up on an elevated cushion. This award-winning Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat works for every dog, is easily transportable and is a fantastic option for outdoor use, too. Lay it flat on the floor, spread it on an existing dog bed, lay it across a dog car hammock or roll it out on the grass to provide a cool resting spot anywhere your pup goes.

The pressure activated gel claims to stay cool for up to three hours—no water, electricity or refrigeration required. The patented gel “reactivates” after about 20 minutes without use, so your dog always has a cool spot to rest between bouts of play. Place it out of direct sunlight, as this will affect the performance of the gel.

Amazon reviewer Annie gives it 5 stars, writing: “I live in south Florida with my active outdoorsy pup, so any relief he can get after a day in the sun and humidity, I’ll try it. I opened the package, slid it under him and he didn’t move for a half hour. I felt the pad myself and sure enough, it was cool to the touch.”

Pros

• Provides a portable resting spot
• Stays cool for up to three hours
• Two sizes available
• Foldable for travel
• Wipes clean with damp cloth

Cons

• You should supervise your pup to prevent chewing, as some reviewers find their dog gnaws at it

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Best cooling dog bed for big dogs

Microcosmos Pet Cooling Mat

For large dogs that need extra room to stretch out, consider this cooling mat from Amazon. It’s bigger than most standard large size dog beds, with the XXL measuring 59 inches by 40 inches.

Made from a cooling fiber that wicks away heat, the mat purports to lower the temperature by two to four degrees. It features light padding for extra comfort and travels from the floor to the bed, into the car or on the grass for a picnic with your canine friend. The mat is machine-washable for easy cleaning.

Pros

• XXL size accommodates the largest breeds
• Versatile use indoors and out
• Portable
• Six colors available
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not plush for dogs who prefer more padding

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Best cooling dog bed for small dogs

Chillz Dog Cooling Mat

While small dogs easily fit on pretty much any size cooling dog bed, the Chillz Cooling Mat is ideal for the little guys. Its (oddly named) medium size measures 19.5 inches by 15.7 Inches, offering a compact option for puppies and toy breed dogs.

A cooling, non-toxic gel “activates” when your dog lies on it—no need to chill or freeze the mat. Cooling lasts up to three hours, so your pup will have a relaxing, cool spot to hang out whether they’re in the car, playing outside or returning indoors after hours in the heat. It also comes in large and extra-large sizes to accommodate bigger pups.

Pros

• Compact size for puppies and small breeds
• Pressure-activated cooling gel
• Portable
• Three sizes available
• Easy to clean by hosing off and laying flat to dry

Cons

• Some reviewers find their dog chews on the mat, so this option isn’t ideal for tough chewers

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Are cooling beds good for dogs?

Dogs don’t have as efficient of a cooling system as humans. Instead of sweating, they pant as a way to reduce their body temperature. But when the outside temp reaches a dog’s normal body temperature, which is 99.5 to 102 degrees, panting alone won’t do the job. A cooling dog bed is ideal because it helps them regulate their body temperature during extreme heat.

But dogs don’t sleep or rest all day—for times when they’re active in the summer heat, consider one of these dog cooling vests or bandanas.

Finally, make sure you keep them hydrated wherever your summer adventures take you with a specially designed dog water bottle.

What to look for when buying a cooling dog bed

Cooling dog beds features a cooling gel within the bed pad or cushion to lower the dog’s temperature. The best dog beds for cooling your pup down come in various styles to accommodate most dog sizes and weights.

Older dogs with arthritis benefit from extra padding and beds that are lower to the ground, but some senior pups can have accidents when they sleep and need a bed that cleans easily.

Dogs that love to chew can easily destroy beds, so look for designs that prevent or reduce the risk of damage.

How we found the best cooling dog beds

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

We chose the best cooling dog beds based on high user reviews, durability and a consideration of special features. We considered:

• Quality of materials
• Durability
• Ease of use
• Chew-resistance
• Washable or easy-to-clean features
• Price

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