7 Best Cooling Dog Beds That Help Your Pup Beat the Heat
Updated: Dec. 02, 2022We found the best cooling dog beds to keep your pup cool, happy and relaxed during hot summer days.
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Whether your pup is one of the biggest dog breeds or a toy dog breed, they need a restful night’s sleep. But with raging summer temperatures, it’s difficult to find comfort during hot summer nights. Though the best window air conditioners and cooling fans are certainly a solution, a cooling dog bed really makes their tail wag. We found the best cooling dog bed options to keep your pup comfortable all day (and night) long.
Are cooling beds good for dogs?
Dogs cool off by panting. When the outside temperature 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.
Dogs love cooling beds when they get too hot. They easily overheat when the weather temperature rises. Not only does a cooling dog bed keep them comfortable indoors and out, it prevents them from suffering a heatstroke.
What to look for when buying a cooling dog bed
Cooling dog beds come in two designs. The first type elevates like a hammock to increase airflow. The second 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. Calm dog breeds and pets that curl up will do well with a smaller size bed. Big dogs require extra wiggle room, especially if they stretch out. 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.
Evaluation criteria
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
Best overall cooling dog bed
Furhaven Cooling Memory Foam Dog Bed
A top-selling Amazon dog bed with over 67,000 five-star ratings, this Furhaven Cooling Bed gets the job done—and then some. From tiny to jumbo-plus, it suits both small and large dog breeds. Choose between two styles: An L-shaped chaise bed with a bolster on two sides or a kilim bed with three bolsters.
The bed features medical grade support foam, which is ideal for old dogs or pets in need of a plush area to relax. The gel-infused memory foam cushion wicks heat away, lowering the ambient temperature 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.
Pros
- Cooling memory foam keeps pups cool and comfortable
- Machine washable cover
- Two bed styles and five sizes available
- Comes in 11 fabrics and colors
- 90-day coverage for material defects
Cons
- Some reviewers have found that the memory foam compresses over time
- Not ideal for tough chewers
Best budget cooling dog bed
Love’s Cabin Elevated Dog Bed with Canopy
Dogs get sunburns, too, and offering them a shady spot helps beat the heat while protecting their skin. At about $40, this elevated dog bed is ideal for indoor and outdoor use thanks to a removable canopy. Durable, non-toxic Teslin mesh keeps air flowing while the canopy blocks heat and harmful rays. Pups of all sizes will love having their very own spot in the backyard—or inside—with this versatile cooling dog bed. Pair it with a cooling dog mat for an extra-chill lounging session, or use it after a walk in a pet stroller.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Elevated
- Blocks heat and rays
- Removable canopy
- Two sizes and three colors available
- 30-day return guarantee
Cons
- Dogs with joint issues may have a hard time hopping onto this bed
- Not a plush cooling dog bed option
Best splurge cooling dog bed
Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed
The Sealy Lux Pet Dog 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 that cools down your pup when their temperature is high. A waterproof liner keeps the interior cushion clean, while the machine washable cover makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, Pro Charcoal in the bed base fights unwanted odors. The bed also has a nonskid bottom that keeps the bed in place when dogs hop on and off.
Pros
- Orthopedic foam supports pups while keeping them cool
- Fights odor
- Nonskid base
- Hidden zipper to discourage chewing
- Waterproof liner
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some reviewers find this bed hard to assemble
- One size available, though it fits most dog sizes
- Because it offers high quality support, this cooling dog bed is on the pricier side
Best cooling dog mat
The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
Not all dogs like plush beds, and a few have trouble climbing up on an elevated pillow. This award-winning Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat works for every dog 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 stays cool for up to three hours—no water, electricity or refrigeration required. The patented gel formula 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. For faster, more direct cooling, place the mat in the refrigerator before use. Get one for you and as a gift for dog lovers.
Verified Amazon reviewer, Annie, writes, “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 cool resting spot in various locations
- Stays cool for up to three hours
- Two sizes available
- Foldable for travel
- Wipes clean with damp cloth
- Non-toxic materials
Cons
- Supervise your pup to prevent chewing, as some reviewers find that their dog gnaws at it
Best cooling dog bed for big dogs
Microcosmos Pet Cooling Mat
For large dogs that need extra room to stretch out, consider the Microcosmos Pet Cooling Mat. Available in large and extra-large sizes, it’s bigger than most standard large size beds. The XXL measures 59 inches by 40 inches to accommodate big dogs or multiple mid-size breeds. Made from a cooling fiber that wicks away heat, the mat lowers 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
- Affordable price point
- Versatile use indoors and out
- Portable
- Five sizes and six colors available
- Machine washable
Cons
- Somewhat flat; not ideal for pet parents looking for a plush option
Best cooling dog bed for small dogs
Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs
While small dogs easily fit on pretty much any size cooling dog bed, the Chillz Cooling Mat is ideal for the little guys. It’s a compact option for puppies and toy breed dogs that’s got over 9,000 Amazon ratings. It’s even available in large and extra-large sizes to accommodate bigger pups. A cooling, non-toxic gel activates when your dog lays on it—no need to chill or freeze the mat. Cooling lasts up to three hours, so your pup will have a relaxing, chill spot to hang out whether they’re in the car, playing outside or return indoors after hours in the heat. It’s one of many top pet products on Amazon.
Pros
- Pressure-activated gel
- Portable and compact
- Affordable price point
- Three sizes available
- Easy to clean by hosing off and laying flat to dry
Cons
- Some reviewers find that their dog chews on the mat, so this option isn’t ideal for tough chewers
Best outdoor cooling dog bed
Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed
Treat your pup to their own shady, cool spot in the backyard with the Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot. Perfect for any size pup up to 90 pounds, it’s ideal for the backyard, patio, deck or while camping and traveling. Fabric stretches over the frame to keep dogs elevated while the mesh base circulates airflow to keep pets cool. The curved panels at the front and back provide support for snoozing, so Fido won’t roll off while chasing the dream bunny. The beautiful blue color matches your pup’s pretty toys, too.
Pros
- Elevated
- Mesh material circulates air
- Water-resistant
- Rust-proof steel frame
- Snaps together for easy assembly
Cons
- Dogs with joint trouble may have a hard time getting into this cooling dog bed
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