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Cooling dog beds

Cozy spots for long naps.

22 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.

A dog curled up asleep in a bedTheir favorite place in the house.
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All cooling dog beds

Little essentials. Lots of love.

22 products

Shop cooling dog beds for summer and for dogs that run hot: raised mesh cots that let air flow underneath, canopy cots that add shade outdoors, portable cooling mats and pads for crates and floors, and a breathable cooling lounger big enough to share. This page is for owners of large, thick-coated and flat-faced dogs, and anyone in a hot climate. Below is how each type cools, which suits indoors or out, and the signs that a dog is getting too hot.

Why some dogs need a cooling bed

Dogs cool mainly by panting and through their paw pads, which is much less efficient than sweating. Thick-coated breeds, large dogs, seniors, overweight dogs and flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs struggle most in heat. A cooling bed gives them a place to dump heat while they rest.

A dog seeking out tile, bathroom floors or the shade under a deck is telling you it is warm. A cooling bed or mat puts that cool surface where you want your dog to rest, including inside a crate or on the patio.

Elevated mesh cots

Most of this range is raised cots. A taut mesh sleeping surface sits several inches off the ground, so air reaches your dog's belly from below and hot ground never touches it. They are the coolest option for patios, decks and yards, and they hose clean and dry fast.

Canopy cots add a removable UV shade cover, useful in sunny yards and at campsites. XL models with steel or aluminum frames suit large breeds. Shade is not the same as cooling, so on very hot days your dog still needs indoor air or cool shade and water.

Cooling mats and pads

Cooling mats lie flat on the floor, in a crate or on top of a regular bed. The AKC describes pressure-activated gel mats that absorb heat and recharge when the dog gets off, and simpler mats that are chilled before use. They suit indoor use and travel.

Mats are less durable than cots. The AKC warns that a chewed gel mat can leave a mess, and recommends tough materials for heavy chewers and teething puppies. Supervise a dog with a new mat until you know it will lie on it rather than chew it.

Choosing size and setting it up

Measure your dog lying stretched out and add a few inches, so it can sprawl, which is how hot dogs lie. For cots, check the weight rating and that the fabric is taut. For mats, check it fits the crate floor or bed you plan to put it on.

Put the bed in the coolest spot you have: shade outdoors, or away from sunny windows indoors. Keep fresh water nearby. Many dogs need to be shown the bed with a treat the first time, then use it on their own.

Recognizing overheating

No bed prevents heatstroke on its own. The AKC lists heavy panting and excessive drooling among the warning signs, and notes that a body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to organ failure. Other signs include bright red gums, weakness, vomiting and collapse.

If your dog shows signs of overheating, stop all activity, move it somewhere cool, offer water and call your vet right away. On dangerously hot days, walk only early in the morning or after dusk, and never leave a dog in a parked car.

Do cooling dog beds really work?

They help. Raised mesh cots keep dogs off hot ground and let air circulate, and gel cooling mats absorb body heat. They support other cooling steps such as shade, water and air conditioning, rather than replacing them.

Is a cot or a cooling mat better?

A cot is better outdoors and for large dogs, because airflow underneath keeps it cool without recharging. A cooling mat is better indoors, in crates and for travel, where a cot will not fit.

Are cooling mats safe for dogs?

Yes, for dogs that lie on them rather than chew them. Supervise at first, and remove a damaged gel mat. Heavy chewers and puppies do better on a durable raised cot.

Can a cooling bed be used in a crate?

A flat cooling mat sized to the crate floor works well. Check it fits without folding at the edges, and keep the crate in a cool, well-ventilated spot out of direct sun.

Which dogs need a cooling bed the most?

Flat-faced breeds, thick-coated breeds, large and overweight dogs, and seniors are most at risk in heat. Dogs in hot climates or homes without air conditioning benefit most.