Are Dog Cooling Mats Really Worth It?
Dog cooling mats are worth it for people who live in hot climates and want to reduce the amount of electricity used to keep their dogs cool. The pressure activated nature of majority of gel cooling mats act as an efficient way to cool down a dog. They are designed for repetitive use, so despite their high initial price, prolonged use will make it a very worthwhile investment.
However, they are not as worth it for people who would not find regular use in the mat i.e. people you live in an overly cool climate. Also, dog cooling mats might not be worth it for people who are concerned about their dog chewing up the mat and possibly ingesting gel. There are other methods to keep your dog cool such as frozen water bowls, water sprays and raised beds for people who might be anxious about the gel content. However this should not totally limit one from getting a dog cooling mat, as there are also water filled versions available.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Dog Cooling Mats Are Worth It
1. Helps Your Dog Keep Cool During Hot Weather Or After Intense Exercise
Dogs cannot sweat like us humans (except through the small area of the skin of their paws) so it is very difficult to keep cool during hot weather. All they can do is pant and drink water and chill out in air conditioned areas of your house.
Have you ever noticed your dog lying down on the ground on cool tiles or similar?
It’s because these areas of your house are pretty cold as hot air rises. A dog cooling mat works in a similar way, however it is a much colder and more effective way of keeping cool then lying on tiles.
2. No Extra Electricity Needed To Keep Your Dog Cool
If you get a dog cooling mat, you won’t need to spend extra money on electricity by cooling down the room where your dog is with air conditioning or fans.
Majority of dog cooling mats work off the mechanism of cooling gel. It is usually a non-toxic substance with natural cooling abilities that is located within the mat. They are usually pressure activated, so when your dog lies down on the mat, he/she will feel a refreshing coolness.
The other type of dog cooling mats are water filled ones that you can chill in your freezer. These mats are less reliable in terms of temperature control as it will get hotter as the ice melts however they can give owners a piece of mind, knowing that their dogs cannot accidentally snack on some gel.
3. They Can Double Up As A Crate Mat Or Thin Bed During Summer
If you were thinking of getting a new dog mat, you might as well get a cooling mat to kill two birds with one stone. They can work really well in a variety of different setting including inside dog crates, as a thin summer bed or just as a spot to chill on (literally though).
Reasons Why A Dog Cooling Mat Might Not Be Worth It For You
1. The Larger Your Dog, The More Expensive The Mat Is
If you are concerned about the cost of a dog cooling mat, keep in mind that the larger your dog is, the larger the mat you need to get and ultimately the more expensive the mat will be.
Overall, a dog cooling mat is more cost efficient for smaller dogs than larger dogs.
2. Some Dogs Take A While To Realise The Purpose Of A Cooling Mat
Like all new products, your dog might be confused about the purpose of a cooling mat. If you just leave it out, he/she might never venture out to sit or lie down on it.
The best way to train your dog to start using their dog cooling mat is to use treats. Get your dog used to the smells and look of the mat first by introducing it into an area they like to spend their time in relaxing. This might be near their bed, in the lounge room or in a shaded outdoor spot. Then coax your dog onto the mat by leading them to it with a treat or their favourite toy. Once your dog is close, get him/her to walk onto the mat and give him/her the treat. Then get your dog off the mat and repeat the process this time telling your dog to sit on the mat or even lie down if they know that trick. Increase the duration of the sitting or lying each time so your dog gets used to the cooling sensation. Continue the process until your dog gets the idea that the cooling mat is their spot.
3. Gel/Chemical Cooling Mats Can Be A Hazard If Indigested
If your dog is a chewer, getting a gel cooling mat is probably not the best idea. While most companies claim that the gel is non-toxic, it is always better to be on the safe side and avoid the possibility that it is not.
If you are worried about gel poisoning, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a cooling mat!
As I mentioned in a sub-section above, there are also water filled cooling mats that kind of work like ice packs. You simply fill them up and put them in your freezer. These ones do still have the chance of bursting but at least it’s a more harmless substance.
Alternatively you could purchase a raised dog bed to keep your dog cool in summer.
Dog Cooling Mats That Are Worth It
1. The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat – Pressure-Activated Gel Cooling Mat For Dogs
- Price: Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
- Colour: Blue
- Type: Gel
2. Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds 27×43
- Price: Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
- Colour: Cobalt Blue
- Type: Gel
3. WUAZ Cooling Mat for Dogs – No Need to Freeze Or Refrigerate This Cool Pet Pad
- Price: Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
- Colour: Palm Leaf Print
- Type: Breathable Microcirculation System
4. Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs – Pressure Activated Gel Dog Cooling Mat
- Price: Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
- Colour: Blue
- Type: Gel
5. DogLemi Pet Dog Cooling Mat Summer Water Filling Gel Pet Pad Bed Ice Water Cool Pad for Pets
- Price: Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
- Colour: Blue or Grey
- Type: Water Fillable & Freezable
Further Reading
What's Your Reaction?
