The Best Cooling Dog Beds 2022 | Reader's Digest

2023-01-05 16:24:10 By : Mr. Julian Pang

A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

RD.COM Pets & Animals Dogs

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

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.

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.

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.

We chose the best cooling dog beds based on high user reviews, durability and a consideration of special features. We considered:

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Stop hunting for the best products and deals—get our expert scoop on secret sales and discounts, gift ideas for everyone, and can’t-miss products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.

We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.

We recommend our users to update the browser.