Pet Advice: Best Pet Cooling and Heating Pads

Apr 22, 2021

Our pets don’t sweat like we do, so they struggle to regulate their body temperatures. Plus, they’re covered in fur, which can either hurt or help the situation depending on the weather. Fans, heaters, and those adorable pet sweaters seem easy enough to use, but there are other ways to help your fur baby stay comfortable. Have you ever tried pet cooling or heating pads? Read on to explore our picks for the best pet cooling and heating pads.

Best Pet Cooling Pads 

Dogs don’t just pant to look cool, they do it to stay cool. Dogs have to resort to primitive panting behavior to expel excess heat. But panting isn’t always enough. Even small dogs and dogs with thin coats have problems regulating their body temperatures, especially on hot days. Electric fans and air conditioning can help, but you’ll have a pretty big bill at the end of the month. There’s a better way to keep your dog cool without adding to your monthly expenses. Here are a few of the best pet cooling pads for dogs:

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad

This cooling pad for dogs is highly rated for its effectiveness in cooling down doggos. The automatic solid gel cooling technology keeps the mat—and your dog—cool for up to three hours. It takes about 20 minutes for the heat to dissipate, then it’s ready to start cooling again. There are no plugs or batteries, it’s waterproof, and it’s made from non-toxic materials. Price: $59.99.

TheGreenPetShop Dog Cooling Mat

This pad is also highly rated but boasts a four-hour cooling time. It uses pressure-activated gel to lower your dog’s body temperature. It’s waterproof, machine washable, recharges automatically and folds easily. Price: $24.98 to $49.98 (varies by size).

K&H Pet Products Cool Bed

Unlike other pet cooling pads, the Cool Bed uses water to lower your dog’s body temperature by 22 degrees F. It comes with an easy-fill cap that is leakproof. Not only do you control the temperature, but you also control the amount of cushion in the bed by how much water you add. The bed is made from heavy-duty vinyl and is available and two colors and three sizes. Price: $25 to $49.99 (varies by size).

Nesutoraito Washable Summer Cooling Mat for Dogs

What’s unique about this low-tech pad is that it’s made of fabric. It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to travel with or take with you for a day at the park. The mat can be popped in the freezer for 10 minutes for extra cooling, it repels pet hair, and it’s machine washable. Price: $15.99.

Dogbed4less Premium Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pet Mat

The best part about this luxurious mat is the gel-infused cooling memory foam that conforms to the shape of your dog’s body so they stay comfy and cool. It comes in a variety of sizes—even jumbo—and a variety of colors. It has an eco-friendly rubber backing to prevent slips and it’s easy to wash. Price: $37.95 to $68.95

Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad

Coleman is known for reliable camping gear, but this time the brand utilized its simplistic and practical design for a pet cooling pad. The pad features a non-toxic cooling gel that can stay 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding temperature. This pad can also be used for cooling therapy if your dog has joint pain. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and wipes down easily. Price: $39.97.

Best Pet Heating Pads

Sometimes having fur isn’t enough to stay warm. Dogs with short or fine hair such as greyhounds and some terriers are especially vulnerable when it’s cold. You can opt for a heated pet bed, but if you’re looking for something lightweight and a bit more portable, here are some of the best heating pads available:

RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad

This heating pad comes in a variety of sizes and features an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. It includes a soft removable cover that’s easy to clean by hand. Price: $22.99 to 40.99 (varies by size).

Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad

For those extra cold nights, this microwavable heating pad is about the size of a dinner plate and stays warm for up to 10 hours. Price: $29.98.

K&H PET PRODUCTS Self-Warming Crate Pad 

This crate pad captures your pet’s body heat and radiates the warmth back to them, making this pad perfect for traveling. It can also be used outside of the crate as a standalone warming bed and it’s machine washable. The pad is available in a wide variety of sizes, from extra small to extra extra large. Price: $5 to $50.87 (varies by size).

Whether you go high tech or low tech, we hope you find the best option for your pet and your budget.