5 of the Top Cooling Mats
The Ultimate Buying Guide - Help Them Cool Down!Our Top Pick
#1 MeiLiMiYu Washable Dog Cooling Mat
- Comfortable and breathable cotton and mesh material.
- Cooling gel activates upon pressure.
- 100% Washable mat – machine-washed or hand washed.
- Easy foldable for easy storage and traveling
It is a well-known fact that dogs don’t sweat. They rely on their primitive panting behavior to help them cool down. But in the summertime, panting may not be enough to release excess heat trapped inside their bodies.
And the fact that they’re covered in fur only makes it worse.
This is why most dog parents rely on cooling mats to help their pet canines cool down. These are mats or beds that contain water or cooling gen inside them, taking away heat from your dog’s body.
If you’ve never bought one for your dogs before, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide and review of the top 5 cooling mats in the market today will provide you with the information you need to buy your dog its first cooling mat, just in time for summer.
Top 5 Product Comparison – Quick Review
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
1. MeiLiMiYu Cooling Pad  [usr 4.4]  | $ |
|
2. Chillz Cooling Mat in Medium Size  [usr 3.6] | $ | |
3. Chillz Cooling Mat Large Size  [usr 3.6] | $$ | |
4. TheGreenPetShop Cooling Mat in Medium Size  [usr 4.1] | $$ | |
5. TheGeenPetShop Cooling Mat in Small Size  [usr 4.1] | $ |
*We reviewed all the products below – jump to review section.
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Why Use a Cooling Mat?
There are many ways a dog lowers its temperature. They can stay in an air conditioned room or lay on a tiled floor. But when air conditioning is not available or you want to save up on your energy consumption, there are other ways that you can help your dog cool down.
Cooling mats are designed for dogs that aim to lower their body temperature. It helps dogs become more comfortable in the summer, on any hot day, or after they play around with other dogs.
If your floors are tiled then that can also help them cool down but if your floors are covered in carpet or you have wooden floors, then you’ll definitely need a cooling mat for your beloved canine.
How Do They Work?
Cooling mats either contain a cooling gel or water. Water-based mats were the original cooling mats manufactured but because the slightest puncture can render them useless, this is why gel-based mats are the more preferred types being sold today. Gel-based mats are also low maintenance and a lot easier to clean.
So how do these mats work?
These mats work in the same way as your kitchen floor lowers your dog’s body temperature. Because the gel is cooler than your dog’s body, it pulls the heat from your dog, lowering your dog’s body temperature.
Once it does this, the gel in the mat now becomes warmer, and it will eventually heat up until both the mat and your dog’s temperature are the same. Once this happens, the mat will become warm, your dog becomes more comfortable, and he’ll eventually get up and do something else.
These gels will eventually recharge themselves and become cooler once again when not in use.
Do They Work?
Yes, cooling mats work to lower your dog’s body temperature. It works through the science of heat transference [1], and the physics behind it works in the very same way as when your dog lies on a tiled floor.
Their efficiency also depends on the material used on the mat. Some gels are cooler than others, and some materials provide more comfort, too. So it really depends on the product you buy for your dog.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Cooling Mat?
So now that you’ve decided to buy your dog a cooling mat, what things do you need to look for when choosing the best one?
Here are 5 factors to consider:
1.The Size
Not all cooling mats come in the same size. There are shapes and sizes available for you to choose from. The bigger your dog the bigger the mat. You also have to consider your dog’s weight and breed.
2. Filling
There are different types of filling inside these cooling mats. There are water-based filling or gel fillings. Some gel fillings require to be frozen while some mats use pressure-activated gels for it to cool. The best filling definitely pressures activation gels because it takes the least work and recharges on their own.
3. Portability
Because your dog is always moving around, it’s best to choose a mat that you can easily fold and take with you when you go traveling or camping with your dog.
4. Durability
The material used on the mat must be durable enough to withstand your dog’s chewing and clawing.
5. Easy to Clean
You will need to clean your cooling mat every now and then especially if your dog has peed on it or chewed on it or brought mud and dirt on the mat. Choose a mat that’s easy to clean, machine washable, or made of waterproof material.
Related: Dog Fans – Keeping Dogs Cool in the Heat and Prevent Heat Stroke
Top 5 Cooling Mats in the Market
To help you narrow down your choices when it comes to choosing the best cooling mat for your dog, here are 5 of the best cooling mats we’ve found in the market:
1. MeiLiMiYu Cooling Pad
Made of premium self-cooling fabric, the mat is cool and comfortable to the touch, which your dog will absolutely enjoy laying down on, and rolling on and off.
It’s also very easy to clean as it’s machine washable, hand washable, easily folds, and doesn’t deform even after multiple washing.
Pros
- Comfortable and breathable cotton and mesh material.
- Cooling gel activates upon pressure.
Cons
- The mat is quite thin. It acts more like a blanket rather than a mat or a bed.
2. Chillz Cooling Mat in Medium Size
The gel technology used in the mat also works with pressure activation. There’s no need to freeze or refrigerate the mat, as it cools when your dog lays on it. You can also use it outdoors over grass or indoors on the floor.
The pressure-activated cool gel pad absorbs heat and provides relief even for joint pain and heat.
It is lightweight, easy to carry around, and the material is puncture resistant.
Pros
- The material is thick enough to be used outdoors.
- Gel technology uses pressure activation.
Cons
- Some users have reported that over time, their dogs have punctured the material.
3. Chillz Cooling Mat Large Size
This is the very same product as the previous cooling mat pad but this one comes in Large size, which is perfect for larger dogs.
It also comes with the pressure-activated cooling gel that recharges itself when not in use. When your dog doesn’t use it, the air cools the pad and it’s ready to use within 20 to 30 minutes.
There’s no need to refrigerate or freeze the mat, too, as the gel instantly cools when you leave it be. It’s also portable, easily folds, and made of durable material that withstands clawing.
Pros
- Thick enough to be used outdoors over grass or soil.
- Large size makes it ideal for larger size dogs.
- Gel-infused mat recharges itself.
Cons
- Some pet owners reported the mat gets punctured after a while since their dogs are very rabid clawers.
4. TheGreenPetShop Cooling Mat in Medium Size
There’s also no need to freeze the gel or recharge it electronically. The gel simply cools on its own when you expose it to cool air. Simply lay it on the floor and your dog will instantly feel comfortable once he lays on it.
It comes in a lightweight material that’s waterproof so cleaning it involves wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
It comes in a medium to a medium-large size which is ideal for dogs between 35 to 65 pounds in weight.
Pros
- Great for pet owners who are always on the go since it’s portable and lightweight.
- Easy to clean with its waterproof material, you simply need to wipe the mat with a damp cloth to clean it.
- Gel technology is patented.
Cons
- Some owners have reported that over time, creases form on the mat and it gets uncomfortable for their dogs to lie in.
5. TheGeenPetShop Cooling Mat in Small Size
It uses a patented gel technology that recharges itself in 15 minutes when left to cool itself out in the open. When the gel absorbs your dog’s body heat, it warms itself so your dog becomes comfortable enough to move along. After a few minutes of non-use, the mat is cool to the touch once again.
It also comes in a waterproof material that’s super easy to clean.
Pros
- Gel technology recharges on its own.
- Lightweight and easily folds.
- The small size makes it super easy to store.
Cons
- Small size is not ideal for bigger dogs. It’s ideal for puppies and smaller breeds.
Conclusion
If you live in a hot and humid climate then buying your dog a cooling mat is a must. You can place it on the floor, on a sofa, on your bed or dog’s regular bed, and even outdoors if the material is thick enough to be placed on grass or soil.
The best material for the filling is definitely pressure activated gel because it’s convenient, recharges itself, and instantly cool pets without much effort from you.
However, the quality of these mats must be taken into consideration because over time, some mats are easily damaged and over time the gel begins to cool lesser and lesser. You will have to replace the mats over a period of time as they don’t really last for years.
Still, they’re a great way to make your dog comfortable without you having to spend too much on air conditioning and other means to lower your dog’s body temperature.