We all want the best for our pets, so when we see them struggling to cope with things like discomfort or heat, we want to do whatever we can to fix it.
As we move into summer, your pet will most likely be spending more time on cold floors or in the shade, attempting to cool themselves down. As dogs and cats are at risk of overheating, it's important to have a way for them to find solace from the heat.
One way to do this is by using a pet cooling mat or bed which gives them their very own place to chill out. Not only are these portable mats good for hot weather, but they're also great for travelling if your pet tends to overheat in the car.
Related: Best dog beds under £50
Furthermore, if your pet has aching leg joints or swelling, it can be a nice form of relief for them.
Which pet cooling mat should you choose?
There are a few things you'll need to look out for when choosing a pet cooling mat:
Durability
As you know, our furry friends have teeth and claws, so it would be wise to find a mat that's hard-wearing and high quality.
Non-toxic
Some mats contain a gel substance that cools down when activated - similar to the gel pads you might see in a first aid kit. Most (if not all) products made for pets will contain non-toxic gels, but it's always best to check just in case.
The right size
Naturally, there's no point in getting your pet a cooling mat if they can only fit their tail on it!
If in doubt, get the tape measure out. Most brands have the sizing available so you can measure exactly how much space your pet wants and needs.
Now that you know exactly what you're looking for, let's take a look at some of the best-rated pet cooling mats available right now.
Pet cooling mats
1 of 7Pecute Dog Cooling Mat
This mat is durable, high-quality and packs away nicely, so it's perfect for travelling. It's activated by your pet's body heat, so it will get to work as soon as your pet lays down on it. It wipes clean and is non-toxic, so safe for all pets. Sizes available: XS / 40x30cmSmall / 50x40 cmMedium/ 65x50 cmLarge/ 90x50 cmXL/ 90x50 cmXXL / 140cmx90cm
2 of 7Volwco Dog Cooling Mat Pad
Ideal for your pet's bed, this stylish mat is a little easier on the eyes than some of the gel ones. As it's made of fabric, some pet owners might feel more comfortable as it's harder to destroy than some other materials, although naturally, it will get dirtier more quickly than the wipe clean ones. You can, however, pop it in the washing machine and it will still work. The fabric itself is cooling, but it's not as cold to the touch as the gel ones. **Sizes available:**Medium / 62 x 50cmLarge / 70 x 55cmXXL / 100 x 70cm
£32.00
3 of 7PawHut Portable Elevated Pet Bed
If you'd rather steer clear of the gel-based cooling mats, this raised cooling pet bed will do the trick. It increases the air flow around your pet, cooling them down as they snooze. It's lightweight and foldable, so you can easily take it away with you on holiday. **Sizes available:**Medium / 73 x 11 x 11 cmLarge / 92 x 76 x 18cm
£21.94
4 of 7Scruffs Cool Bed
If your pet prefers a bed over a mat, this cooling dog bed from Scruffs will tick all the boxes. It has all the pros of a gel bed - non-toxic and hard-wearing, but it gives your pet extra comfort and support. To reset the mat, leave it for an hour unattended.Sizes available: Large / 90 x 60 cm
£70.00
5 of 7Scruffs Self-Cooling Pet Mat
The Scruffs Cool Dog Mat is designed to provide cool relief for your pet during hot summer days. Filled with a non-toxic gel, the self-cooling mat will be typically 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature. According to reviews, this mat is tougher than some others on the market and it folds away neatly. To reset the cooling process, you'll need to leave it unused for an hour. **Sizes available:**Small/ 40 x 50cmLarge / 92 x 69cmXL / 119 x 75 cm
£25.69
6 of 7Mega_Jumble Self Cooling Gel Pet Dog Cat Cool Mat
For a budget-friendly option (in case your pet is stubborn and doesn't take well to new things!), this mat will do the trick. It's activated by weight or pressure, and although it isn't as high-quality as some of the more expensive versions, it's a good tester mat. **Sizes available:**Small / 30 x 40cmMedium / 60 x 44cmLarge / 60x90cm
£4.79
7 of 7RSW Smart Choice Pet Cooling Mat
Another purse-friendly option, this mat is ideal for smaller dogs or cats. It's well-designed, robust and cools down quickly. **Sizes available:**Small / 40 x 50cm
£4.99
- Rrp: £8.99
Do dogs sweat? Do cats sweat?
Dogs and cats don't sweat in the same way humans do, which is why it's more difficult for them to stay cool. They sweat through their paws and will pant to cool themselves down. You can imagine, then, how difficult it can be to cool down given the size of those areas when compared to humans, who have sweat glands all over the body.
Related:The best light-up dog collars
How does a pet cooling mat work?
Just like when your pet lays on the concrete outside or on the cool kitchen floor, heat from its body is transferred into the cool area until they reach the same temperature. It's at this point your pet will usually get up and find somewhere else to lie, right?
When your pet lies on a surface that's cooler than it is, the heat is pulled from its body and it can cool down. Cooling mats are usually filled with gel or water that is activated by body weight or pressure. Eventually, the mat will reach the same temperature as your pet's body, when it will need to be 'recharged' to become cool again. By this time, your pet will have cooled down enough to feel content.
Mats and beds are better for them than lying on the ground, as it provides their joints with more support and is, of course, more comfortable.
Top tip:
If you find you get too hot at night or during the hotter months, you can also use cooling mats for yourself, to cool down your laptop or to reduce swelling. Bonus!
What to read next:
Jade Moscrop is the Deputy Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the What’s The Best team.