If your dog spends all day panting during the summer, the best cooling dog beds can help give them some relief on the warmest days: These beds typically have either breathable designs or are filled with cooling gel, and they’re great for keeping your pup comfortable on hot days. Our top recommendation is the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot, which has an elevated design made from breathable fabric, is intended to provide pressure point relief and can support even the largest dogs.
The best dog cooling beds can help your pups cool down on the warmest days.
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“Dogs don’t sweat like humans do—they pant to release heat and regulate their body temperature,” explains Alexandra Bassett, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Dog Savvy. “Cooling cots, mats and beds can help a dog cope with the heat.” There are a few different styles of cooling beds, including elevated cots, gel- or water-filled mats and gel-infused foam beds. Some can even be refrigerated to increase their cooling power. No matter which option you prefer, these are the best cooling dog beds available today.
- Best Overall Cooling Dog Bed: K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot
- Best Value Cooling Dog Bed: Top Paw Cooling Pad
- Best Cooling Dog Mat: Green Pet Cool Pet Pad
- Best Cooling Dog Bed For Small Breeds: Arf Pets Cooling Dog Bed
- Best Cooling Dog Bed For Large Breeds: Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Best Cooling Dog Bed For Crates: EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat
- Best Outdoor Cooling Dog Bed: K&H Coolin’ Comfort Bed
- Best Chew-Resistant Cooling Dog Bed: Coolaroo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
Type: Elevated cot with bolsters | Size options: Small, medium, large | Materials: Nylon with steel frame | Colors: Chocolate or charcoal
Pros:
- Breathable elevated design
- Bolsters for added support
- Tool-free assembly
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Frame may occasionally creak
As a dog bed that’s both cooling and comfortable, the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot is a top pick. The elevated design keeps your pup 7 inches above the ground and is made with a mesh fabric that cushions your dog’s joints; it also allows better airflow to keep them cool in warm weather. Plus, there are padded bolsters around three of the sides, giving your pup somewhere to rest their head as they snooze.
While it does require assembly, this bed can be put together without any tools, and there are replacement parts available if the fabric ever rips. The cover and bolsters are machine-washable, but you can also just spray the whole thing down with a hose for quick and easy cleaning.
Type: Refrigerated pad | Size options: Large | Materials: Polyester with cooling microbeads | Color: Blue
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Cools quickly in the refrigerator
- Bolstered edges for comfort
Cons:
- Only one size available
- Spot clean only
- Can leak if beads are popped
This budget-friendly dog bed is filled with cooling microbeads that will keep your pup comfortable in warm weather. The inner mat can be removed from the liner for chilling—you can place the mat in the refrigerator for five to 10 minutes to activate its cooling abilities, then reassemble the bed for your dog to lie on.
The bed is available in only one size—36 by 23 inches—and it has a polyester cover outfitted with a cute paw-print pattern. There are small bolsters around the edges for dogs to rest their head, but it can leak if the beads are popped, so you’ll want to supervise your dog while they’re using it.
Type: Cooling mat | Size options: Extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large | Materials: Non-toxic gel | Color(s): Blue
Pros:
- Pressure-activated cooling
- Recharges quickly
- Can be refrigerated
Cons:
- Keep out of direct sunlight
The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pet Pad is a good choice for particularly hot days, as it’s filled with a nontoxic cooling gel. When your dog lies on the mat, the pressure activates its cooling power, helping to lower their temperature. You can also put the mat in the refrigerator to make it even more refreshing.
This mat can be folded up for storage, and while its cooling abilities only last for a few hours, it “recharges” within around 20 minutes of non-use. Just keep in mind that it’s meant to be used in shady locations—direct sunlight will minimize its effectiveness.
Type: Cooling mat | Size options: Small/medium, medium/large | Materials: Nylon with nontoxic gel | Color(s): Gray/blue
Pros:
- Pressure-activated cooling
- Foam base for added support
- Recharges in 15 minutes
Cons:
This compact cooling mat from Arf Pets is the perfect size for small dog breeds. It has a solid cooling gel layer that’s supported by a foam base, and there are small bolsters around the edges of the mat where your dog can lay their head. The gel top layer will absorb your dog’s body heat for up to three hours, providing a cooling effect, and it “recharges” in just 15 minutes; the materials are all dog-safe. Note that the cover isn’t removable and can only be spot cleaned.
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Type: Orthopedic mat | Size options: Large, extra-large, XX-large | Materials: Polyester with gel-infused memory foam | Color(s): Gray or blue
Pros:
- Orthopedic foam supports larger dogs
- Gel-infused memory foam dissipates heat
- Sizes available for extra-large breeds
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not as cooling as other options
The Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed is a supportive mat-style bed that comes in extra-large sizes for bigger dogs—the largest option is a whopping 48 inches long, giving your pup plenty of room to stretch out. The bed is made up of two layers: a top layer with cooling gel memory foam that helps regulate your dog’s temperature, and a supportive orthopedic foam base that provides cushioning for their joints. Together, the foam layers provide 3 inches of padding for your pet. The foam is wrapped in a machine-washable cover that comes in two colors, and the bed can be used year-round, especially for dogs with thicker coats.
Type: Orthopedic crate mat | Size options: Extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large, XX-large | Materials: Water-resistant fabric with orthopedic foam | Color(s): Gray
Pros:
- Fits most standard crate sizes
- Cool-to-the-touch, water-resistant fabric
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not as cooling as other options
For dogs that sleep in crates, the EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Crate Mat is a comfortable and cooling option that comes in six sizes to fit in most standard-size dog crates. The mat-style bed is crafted from a thick layer of orthopedic foam that provides cushioning and support, and it’s covered with fabric that stays cool to the touch, making it more comfortable in warm weather. The cover is water-resistant to protect the inner foam in case of accidents, and it can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Type: Water-filled mat | Size options: Small, medium, large | Materials: Nylon, memory foam, and vinyl | Color(s): Blue
Pros:
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Bed fills with water for cooling
- Orthopedic foam for added comfort
Cons:
If your dog likes to nap outdoors during the summer, the K&H Coolin’ Comfort Bed will help keep them at a comfortable temperature. The durable bed is made from thick nylon, and it has a layer of orthopedic foam in the bottom for comfort. The bed also has an outlet that lets you fill up its inner chamber with cold water, creating a cooling effect that will last for several hours.
Because it’s filled with water, there’s always a chance of leaking, so this bed is best-suited for outdoor use. It will work best in a shady area, and you may need to empty and refill it if the inner water gets too warm.
Type: Elevated cot | Size options: Small, medium, large | Materials: Metal frame with HDPE | Color(s): Blue, green, tan, gray, navy blue, nutmeg, terracotta, turquoise
Pros:
- Breathable elevated design
- Chew-resistant frame
- Replacement parts available
Cons:
The Coolaroo Cooling Elevated Bed is a top choice for dogs who like to chew on their beds when they get bored. The bed is constructed with a metal frame (which isn’t the most satisfying material to chew on), and it’s covered with a breathable mesh fabric that comes in a variety of colors. There’s very limited area for pups to sink their teeth into, and the elevated design will keep them cool on hot days. Plus, if your dog does ever rip the fabric cover, the brand sells replacement parts, saving you from having to purchase a whole new bed.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best pet accessories you can buy today. We’ve published dozens of expert-backed roundups on pet products, including the best dog beds, best orthopedic dog beds and more.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- Author of this piece Camryn Rabideau is a regular contributor (and pet owner) with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
- Editor of this piece Emmy Favilla is a dog owner and active dog companion volunteer at Animal Care Centers of NYC. She has been involved in animal welfare for two decades, having volunteered with several rescues and shelters.
- For this article, we gathered key insights from Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a dog training service based in Los Angeles.
How We Chose The Best Cooling Dog Beds
To find the best cooling dog beds for your pet, we researched best-selling models, compared features and asked an industry expert for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on top-rated models from trusted brands and retailers, such as K&H Pet Products and Frisco.
- We analyzed elements including the bed’s materials, weight, size and cooling features to help pet owners find the best product for their needs.
- Using guidance from our expert, we looked for products that were made from breathable materials or used some type of cooling mechanism, such as a gel- or water-filled interior.
- We also read dozens of customer reviews and took each product’s average star rating into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
What To Look For In The Best Cooling Dog Beds
Type
There are multiple styles of cooling dog beds, including elevated cots, cooling mats, and beds with gel-infused foam. “Elevated cots allow cool air to wick heat away from a dog’s body and work especially well if kept near a fan or somewhere shady, away from direct sunlight,” explains Bassett. These beds, like the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot, can generally be used indoors or outdoors, and they’re a good choice for dogs who like chewing, as they have metal frames.
There are also mats like the Green Pet Cool Pet Pad, which are filled with dog-safe gel. “Cooling mats work by absorbing a dog’s body heat and dissipating it back into the surrounding environment, much like tile or concrete floors,” says Bassett. “They don’t require any electricity or freezing and are activated by pressure and weight.” Some of these mats can also be put in the refrigerator for an extra boost of cooling power, and Bassett also notes that they’re easy to clean and transport, if needed.
Finally, there are regular dog beds like the Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed that are made with gel-infused foam—similar to cooling mattresses. These beds don’t necessarily provide a cooling effect, but they allow heat to dissipate to prevent your dog from getting too warm.
Safety
If you opt for a cooling bed that’s filled with some sort of gel, it’s important to carefully monitor your pet while they’re using it. While the materials are typically nontoxic, you’ll still want to make sure your dog doesn’t chew on or dig at the mat, which could pop it and result in leaking.
For dogs who are prone to chewing, you may want to select an elevated cot with a metal frame, which is generally more durable than a foam bed. “If large pieces of the nylon cover are ingested, these could cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, so pet parents must keep an eye on their dog to ensure they don’t claw or chew through the material,” says Bassett.
Size
The majority of cooling dog beds are available in multiple sizes, and you’ll want to select one that’s big enough for your pup. Most brands have size charts that list the breed types and weight range each of their beds can accommodate, but you may also want to compare the dimensions of the bed to the size of your dog. In general, your dog’s bed should be a few inches longer than the length of your pet from nose to the base of their tail.
Do Cooling Beds For Dogs Work?
Cooling dog beds are are an effective option for cooling down your pet on a warm day. If you have a dog who is particularly sensitive to the heat, you might want to consider a cooling dog mat, which is filled with gel or water. “A dog cooling mat should cool for around four to six hours, but this depends on the type of bed and technology within it,” says Bassett. “In very hot conditions—and with a very warm dog—the cooling sensation may only last for a few hours.”
Keep in mind that once the cooling sensation wears off, the bed or mat will need time to revert back to its original state without your pet lying on it. You can often speed up this process by putting the mat in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.
What Is The Best Dog Bed For A Hot Summer?
While the best cooling dog bed ultimately depends on your and your dog’s specific needs, we think the elevated K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot is the best bet for most pups. It’s made with breathable fabric and has bolsters along three sides to keep your dog comfortable and provide them with a place to lie their head. It’s currently available in three sizes, with the largest designed to support 200-plus pounds.
