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As the weather heats up, it's important to make sure your dog is cool and comfortable all season long. Even if you have air conditioning or an abundance of fans in your home, dog can get hot very quickly (a surefire way to know if they're heating up is if they're panting!), and it's a good idea to make sure they have access to water and a place to cool down if need be. That's why we love dog cooling mats: they're a convenient, easy way to provide an extra layer of protection for your pup during the hottest months of the year.
There are some options when it comes to materials and types, but as far as we're concerned, there's only one kind of dog cooling mat you need to know about: a self-activated gel option. These cooling mats roll up easily so they're easy to take with you in the car (and they'll work in the car, too!) and they don't need refrigeration, water, or ice to get them working. It doesn't get any easier than that. The gel is non-toxic, so they are safe for any accidental ingestions (which shouldn't happen, as these are sturdy and scratch-proof), and begin to work when they're activated by pressure. When your dog lays on the mat, it begins to cool them for hours on end — and it only needs a few minutes without any pressure on it to recharge again. These mats are not meant to be used outside, but they're great to use on a bed, a couch, or a kennel because they won't get wet. If your dog loves being outdoors, make sure to keep him hydrated and out of the direct sun for long periods of time — and afterwards, these are the perfect solution post-walk or after some fun out in the yard. They can even be put in the refrigerator for a few minutes if you need an extra-cold option, and they can all be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Sometimes air conditioning is not enough to keep your furry friend cool on very hot days, especially if you live in an area where it consistently hits 100 degrees or more. Cooling pads add an extra layer of protection in the heat, and here our our favorite picks below. All of these mats are self-cooling gel options and have the same qualities, so we broke them down by weight, as it's imperative to purchase one that can handle your dog's pressure in order for it to activate:
1. The Best Option for Small Dogs
The Green Pet Shop Gel Cooling Mat for Small Dogs - Amazon, $37.99
This small gel self-activated cooling mat will last up to three hours, recharges after 15 minutes, and supports dogs up to 20 pounds.
2. The Best Option for Medium-Sized Dogs
Arf Pets Self Cooling Mat (25" by 35") - Amazon, $49.99
This medium-sized option will last up to three hours, recharges after 15 minutes, and supports dogs up to 50 pounds.
3. The Best Option for Large Dogs
Arf Pets Self Cooling Mat (27" by 43") - Amazon, $59.99
This large option will last up to three hours, recharges after 15 minutes, and supports dogs up to 80 pounds.
4. The Best Option for Extra-Large Dogs
The Green Pet Shop Gel Cooling Mat for Extra-Large Dogs - Amazon, $84.99
This extra-large option will last up to three hours, recharges after 15 minutes, and supports dogs over 80 pounds.
This piece was published on May 6, 2021. It has been updated by Alida Nugent.
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