Sure, many of you and your dogs enjoy happy and sunny summer days—but what about the heat? Not only does it affect the quality of life for dogs and their owners by being a mood-busting discomfort; extreme heat poses a genuine threat to pets. The dog cooling mat is another of the most popular cool-down methods that has recently gained popularity. But we have to ask: do they work?
How Dog Cooling Mats Work: Gel, Orthopedic, and Ice
To know the “how” of the dog cooling mats, we must first understand how dogs cool themselves. In contrast to people, dogs do not greatly sweat, with just a minor way of it being through their paw. But instead, they pant to radiate heat—or lie on a cooler substrate in the same manner.
Dr. Cutler explains: “In dogs, 70 percent of its capacity is cooling, which relies on how it can shed off body heat when against another surface or the air around it.” This is precisely what these mats offer: a heat sink—a cool surface on which to lose heat.
Dog cooling mats come in various models, such as gel, and orthopedic materials that are water- or ice-based. Various approaches can be useful in multiple ways—and make you feel more or less relaxed.
The popular Green Pet Shop cooling mat.
When the foam base is made of gel, the mats may turn out to be the most convenient ones. No, you will not need electricity, water, ice, or refrigeration to cool these pads down, which means that they’re perfect to bring with you on summer car trips. It is easily noticeable as a chill-like cool linoleum, and it is generally suitable for internal and external usage. Gel mats primarily fit perfectly in the kennel or at the back of the SUV, and they typically collapse excellently for transport.
The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat is an instance of a gel-filled mat; your dog’s weight activates this one. It stays cool for up to 4 hours and then needs about 20 minutes to replenish, after which the cool effect is restored. Rover testers described the mat as at once solid and transportable.
But if your dog requires more cushioning, then such breeds as the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Cooling Bed, which comes with high-density gel memory foam, will effectively pull heat away from your dog. Cooling Orthopedic beds can benefit elderly dogs and puppies with joint pain, but it doesn’t have the cool sensation of gel or icepad beds. They are the perfect choice for summer dog beds but not solutions to summer sunburns. (If you want something cooler, consider an orthopedic hybrid such as the Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad.)
For further details on the best dog cooling mats, see ‘The Best Cooling Mats You Need When Your Hot Dog Needs to Chill.’
The Expert’s Answer: Do Dog Cooling Mats Work?
So what’s the bottom line? Are cooling mats for dogs effective thresholds for helping our dogs? The short answer is yes. Dr. Cutler weighs in.
“Well, no science currently focuses on how the cooling mat influences the temperature in dogs. Subjectively, people stated that they found it much cooler against a cooling mat, and indeed, numerous domestic pets, including cats and dogs, do appear to favor lying on them as the temperature rises.
The most effective way to get the cooler bed to provide the maximum value to your dog is by getting one that fits the pet as recommended by Dr. Cutler. The dog owner must evaluate how and where the mat is going to be used.
For travel purposes, you want a lightweight, automatically activated gel mat that is easy to wipe. Others who chew a lot may benefit from a water-filled mat since they risk ingesting gel, which, while safe, does not feel very nice when ingested in large amounts.
It also helps support joint comfort in dogs, and may even help to alleviate joint pain in some cases. All fully approve of the use of cryotherapy (the use of ice) for pain and inflammation after surgery or an injury. “This is good for dealing with pain since it constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and lightens some nerve signals, ” according to Dr Cutler.
Cooling mats may also have a similar effect, although not as effectively, points out Dr. Cutler. “Thus, a cooling pad is not as cold as applying ice directly on the affected area, therefore, the effect cannot be as great, yet, it might prove useful to try at least, to see if the improvement seems to matter to your dog.”
Conclusion
When it comes to a basic and effective method of cooling your dog down this summer, it might be beneficial to take a look at cooling mats. Specifically, heat-sensitive dogs may benefit from using it. According to Dr. Cutler, these include:
That is the case of brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.
- Young puppies
- Senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Long-legged dogs (fur will often insulate dogs; however, long-haired active breeds such as Finnish sparrows are good examples of dogs who like heat and their double coat)
- Sick dogs with certain diseases make it complicated to control their body temperature.
A concern that dog parents have to note is that even though the cooling pads are comfortable, they are not suitable to use against heat stroke. But just like with any object, some dogs simply will not have any interest in a cooling mat. A cooling mat is perfect for any dog lover who has a dog who does not like the heat or for a dog who already has a favorite napping rug.
Not to worry, though. That said, there are loads of other ways that one can use to rebuke the hotdog than in the microwave. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- Offer plenty of cool water
- Offer shade or an indoor space that has good airflow or an air-conditioned space.
- It’s good to put ice cubes or any other frozen food since we like chewing on it.
- A cold towel can help
- Try a cooling vest or bandana
- In case pool usage is planned, it is wise to use a specifically for dogs swimming pool.
How We Chose
These products have been chosen personally from the items we tested after examining all the feedback available online that we could find, including those found at various outlets, and consulting with veterinarians. The choices of dog cooling mat products feature the effectiveness of cooling primacy, convenience, simple storage, sturdiness, and safety. We are also inspired by the life and gameplay as our favorite and highly judgmental pets do not lack feedback.
