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8 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2024

These beds will keep your dog cool all summer.

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Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2020, According to Reviewers
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We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. In addition to our original top-rated picks, after research and testing, we've replaced three items to include the following new products: Coolaroo On The Go Elevated Pet Bed, TheGreenPetShop Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Mat and the K&H Original Elevated Pet Cot and Canopy.


When dogs get hot, they pant to cool off, like the way humans sweat through their skin. But if you're worried your dog is getting too hot, especially in the warm summer months, a cooling dog bed or pad can provide extra airflow to give your pet some relief on those scorching days.

Our furry friends come in different shapes and sizes, so keep in mind your dog's size and mobility as you shop. The Good Housekeeping Institute evaluates pet accessories from top-performing leashes and dog harnesses to the best dog food brands for your pup. To help you find quality cooling dog beds, we used our expertise to parse through highly rated products to find the best ones to research and tested them on our own dogs.

From luxury cooling orthopedic dog beds like those offered by Sealy to affordable cooling mats and lightweight elevated beds for outside, we've got all your pet's needs covered. Whether you have a large husky or a tiny Chihuahua, here are the best cooling dog beds for your pup's lifestyle.

Our top picks:

  • Lux Orthopedic Premium Dog Bed

    Best Overall Cooling Dog Bed

    SEALY Lux Orthopedic Premium Dog Bed

    $120 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

    Best Value Cooling Dog Bed

    AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

    Read more
  • Cooling Gel Memory Foam Bed

    Best Orthopedic Cooling Dog Bed

    Furhaven Cooling Gel Memory Foam Bed

    Read more
  • Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed

    Best Cooling Dog Bed for Outside

    Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed

    Read more
  • On The Go Elevated Pet Bed

    Best Portable Cooling Dog Bed

    Coolaroo On The Go Elevated Pet Bed

    Read more
    Best Overall Cooling Dog Bed

    SEALY Lux Orthopedic Premium Dog Bed

    On Sale
    Lux Orthopedic Premium Dog Bed
    Best Overall Cooling Dog Bed

    SEALY Lux Orthopedic Premium Dog Bed

    Now 11% Off
    $120 at Amazon$135 at Walmart
    Credit: Sealy
    Pros
    • Machine washable cover and plastic-encased mattress
    • Orthopedic memory foam is comfy for all dogs
    Cons
    • Holds onto heat more than mesh beds

    This cooling dog bed uses the same technology as Sealy's best-selling mattresses for people, so you know it's going to deliver on comfort. Four layers of foam make up this bed: memory foam for comfort, cooling gel for temperature regulation, orthopedic foam to support their joints and a charcoal base to absorb odors. It even comes with a removable cover for easy washing. Our testers loved how easy it was to put this bed together, as well as how comfortable and squishy the memory foam was. To assemble, you simply take the mattress and bolster out of their packaging and let them expand for a few hours before zipping them into the cover. One tester says, "My dog jumped on the bed right after we put it together and it's his new favorite place to lay! Plus, after a muddy mishap, we put the bed to the test and were able to simply wipe down the plastic-encased mattress and throw the cover in the washing machine. It was as good as new!"

    Best Value Cooling Dog Bed

    AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

    Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
    Best Value Cooling Dog Bed

    AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

    Credit: amazonbasics
    Pros
    • Elevated surface increases airflow
    Cons
    • Not all dogs are comfortable on raised surfaces

    This AmazonBasics dog bed elevates your dog more than seven inches off the ground, allowing air to flow under and around them and through the mesh fabric. The fabric is breathable and helps prevent hot spots from forming. While testing, our experts loved the simplicity of the design and how easy it was to clean the bed by simply wiping it down with water. However, our testers noted that skittish dogs may not love the idea of being on an elevated surface and may have a bit of a hard time getting used to the give of the fabric. This bed also doesn't have the most non-slip feet, so it may skid across the floor if an energetic dog tries to jump on it.

    Best Orthopedic Cooling Dog Bed

    Furhaven Cooling Gel Memory Foam Bed

    Amazon’s Choice
    Cooling Gel Memory Foam Bed
    Best Orthopedic Cooling Dog Bed

    Furhaven Cooling Gel Memory Foam Bed

    Credit: furhaven
    Pros
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Thinner padding than some other memory foam options

    Boasting nearly 37,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this cooling dog bed from Furhaven is a popular pick, which is why we decided to put it to the test. Faux fur and suede provide a cozy feel, and a three-bolster design gives your pooch much-needed support. The cooling gel-infused memory foam conforms to your dog's body and is easy on the joints. While testing we noticed that this bed is a bit flimsier than the Sealy and the padding isn't as thick, but it's remarkably lighter which makes it a great option for travel or just dragging it from one room in your house to the next. Pets who aren't particularly comfortable on elevated beds will love this option. One tester said that their short-haired dog loves sleeping in this bed because it still gives them a cozy place to cuddle up.

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    Best Cooling Dog Bed for Outside

    Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed

    On Sale
    Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed
    Best Cooling Dog Bed for Outside

    Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed

    Now 38% Off
    Credit: gen7pets
    Pros
    • Back panel helps dogs feel more secure
    • Elevated mesh base helps increase air circulation
    Cons
    • Two-person assembly

    Just as you prefer a patio seat or picnic blanket for outdoor festivities, your dog may prefer to keep off the ground in the summer too, just don't forget the sunscreen! This elevated travel bed features Smart Air-Flow mesh that keeps your dog's seat breezy and prevents water from pooling. Our experts note that the mesh fabric on this bed is particularly smooth, and even after repeated use, the nylon surface has stood up to repeated dog scratches. One tester says, "While other elevated beds tend to leave my dogs feeling unsteady, they prefer this one due to its back panel that makes them feel more secure." One thing we noticed however is that setup, while not difficult, most likely will require two people to get the legs to click into place.

    Best Portable Cooling Dog Bed

    Coolaroo On The Go Elevated Pet Bed

    On The Go Elevated Pet Bed
    Best Portable Cooling Dog Bed

    Coolaroo On The Go Elevated Pet Bed

    Credit: Coolaroo
    Pros
    • Requires no setup and is easy to transport
    Cons
    • Mesh has more give than other elevated beds

    This is the ultimate portable raised bed that can easily be brought with you wherever you go. Perfect for the beach, the park or a picnic, this bed requires absolutely no setup and comes put together and ready to use right out of the box. Testers felt that the Coolaroo had more give than other elevated beds and was looser in the middle, like a comfortable hammock for your pooch. Because of this, it may not be ideal for dogs who haven't quite gotten the hang of raised beds. But it's great for keeping them off the hot ground and allowing air to circulate. Testers also liked that the feet seemed relatively sturdy.

    Best Liquid Cooling Dog Mat

    K&H Cool Bed III Pet Bed

    Cool Bed III Pet Bed
    Best Liquid Cooling Dog Mat

    K&H Cool Bed III Pet Bed

    Now 32% Off
    Credit: k&h
    Pros
    • Dog claws shouldn't puncture sturdy material
    Cons
    • Very heavy due to added water

    For a more versatile option, opt for a cooling dog pad or mat, like this one that even the most skittish pets will love. Our testers love that this cooling mat is easy to set up and can be placed anywhere around your house: on the floor, in your dog's crate, on the couch or even inside a different dog bed. It works by dispersing cool water throughout the mat — simply fill it with the recommended amount through the screw cap. One thing to keep in mind is that while testing we noticed that this bed is exceptionally heavy once it's filled with water, so be sure to place it where you want it before filling.

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    Best Cooling Dog Mat for Crate

    TheGreenPetShop Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Mat

    Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Mat
    Best Cooling Dog Mat for Crate

    TheGreenPetShop Pressure-Activated Cooling Gel Mat

    Credit: The Green Pet Shop
    Pros
    • Easy to transport and requires no setup
    Cons
    • Must remove mat from direct sunlight when not in use

    This pressure-activated mat simply unwraps from the package and can immediately be put to use: no assembly or waiting for it to decompress — although we recommend adding a protective cover for added comfort. The cooling gel keeps your pets at a relaxed temperature, and we found it cools back down in around 30 minutes of non-use. Our testers love that this mat can fold up into a tiny, portable square that can be thrown into the car, line your dog's crate or brought along to a friend's house; but we did notice that the mat is a bit heavier than it appears. Keep in mind that the company notes that you should not leave this mat in direct sunlight when not in use as that can deteriorate its performance.

    Best Cooling Dog Bed With Canopy

    K&H Pet Products Original Elevated Pet Cot and Canopy

    On Sale
    Original Elevated Pet Cot and Canopy
    Best Cooling Dog Bed With Canopy

    K&H Pet Products Original Elevated Pet Cot and Canopy

    Now 28% Off
    Credit: K&H
    Pros
    • Slip resistant rubber feet keep bed steady
    Cons
    • Canopy sold separately

    The K&H elevated pet cot and canopy (sold separately) are great for keeping your dog cool on even the sunniest of days. Perfect for the beach or backyard, the canopy is easily attached to the elevated cot for maximum airflow and shade. Our testers love how soft the mesh is and note that this bed is firmer than other elevated beds and has less give (and you can even tighten the fabric if it starts to sag), which means unsteady pets may prefer it. The slip-resistant rubber feet keep the bed steady when pets jump on and off, and our testers noted that the bed feels like it's made of high-quality and comfortable materials.

    How we test cooling dog beds

    sealy dog bed with the author's large gray dog on it
    Jamie Spain/Good Housekeeping

    Our team at the Good Housekeeping Institute reviews pet gear of all kinds, including all types of dog beds. We've read hundreds of reviews to discover which cooling pet beds were worth considering, then tested a dozen of them. We based our recommendations on extensive research of the market, assessing brands and materials and reviewing styles in real life with a variety of dog breeds from Chihuahuas to English bulldogs. When evaluating, we considered the following factors:

    ✔️Comfort: We make sure that each pick is comfortable for our tester dogs and that they enjoy spending time on them. We try these beds with dogs of different sizes, weights and breeds to figure out what's the best fit for each type of dog and their specific disposition.

    ✔️Durability: When it comes to purchasing pet-friendly materials, one of the most important things to consider is how well the fabrics stand up to claws and teeth. If you have a particularly rowdy dog or a puppy that loves to chew, you'll want something with sturdy fabric that won't fall apart after a few scratches. Plus, we know how muddy paws can get, so we look for things that are easy to clean or have removable machine washable covers. We tested by examining the fabrics that make up each bed and observing their wear and tear after extended use with a variety of dogs.

    ✔️Effectiveness: Pups can get pretty hot, so when we test cooling dog beds, we're checking to see how effectively each bed or mat can keep your pooch at a comfortable temperature. Whether the bed uses cooling gel, is elevated to increase airflow or has water-infused cooling technology, we wanted to make sure that your dog stayed cool for longer than five minutes. We based our decisions on consumer testing and qualitative assessments from seeing each dog on the bed and ensuring that they weren't excessively panting or lethargic. We evaluated how cool the bed stayed to the touch after being used. We also tested by placing heating pads on the beds to see how they did with continuous heat and feeling whether or not they were able to maintain their cooling properties to the touch.

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    What to consider when purchasing a cooling dog bed

    This is an image

    ✔️Size: Most cooling dog beds come in at least three standard sizes: small, medium and large. Double-check dimensions and weight capacity, especially for elevated dog beds. If you've got a puppy, think ahead and purchase for the size they will be when they grow up.

    ✔️Materials:
    Mesh fabric is a popular pick for the outdoors because the small holes in the fabric are great for airflow, explains Lexie Sachs, the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at Good Housekeeping. Cotton beds can work well indoors, but according to our Lab experts, cotton holds on to moisture and takes a while to dry, which isn't ideal for dogs who like to swim during the summer. Keep in mind that you're also going to want something that is easy to clean or wipe down. Aside from mesh, most of our picks are memory foam. While memory foam beds are the most comfortable for your dog, the foam traps heat so it's important to look for one with cooling gel to prevent overheating.

    If your dog likes to chew, look for beds that claim to have a chew-resistant cover. If your pup does manage to chew through their new bed, the materials are unlikely to harm them in small quantities. According to Megan Conrad, MBBS, a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health, "gels and cooling beads generally used for mats are non-toxic to pets if ingested in a small amount, [but see a vet] if too much is ingested because there could be a concern for a blockage or gastrointestinal upset."

    ✔️Type: Most cooling dog beds don't operate electrically, but electric cooling dog beds do exist. They often run on batteries or an adapter and make a great option for long car rides though we don't recommend using them unless you're keeping a close eye on your dog at all times. If your pooch is a bit skittish, elevated beds may not be your best pick, and if you have a little dog or short-haired pet, some of the fluffier options with cooling gel will still keep them at a good temperature while not sacrificing their love of cuddling. Plus, these beds can be used year-round!

    Other ways to keep your pet cool

    This is an image

    Summers can get hot for a dog covered in thick fur. Here are a few extra tips for keeping your pet cool on those scorching days without sacrificing their fun:

    • Keep their water bowl filled. You may not even realize when your pet is thirsty, so make sure they always have access to cool, clean water so they can drink their fill and stay hydrated.
    • Move your walks to early mornings or evenings. Try and schedule most of your exercise time during the cooler hours of the day to keep your pet at a safe temperature. That doesn't mean you can't take a mid-afternoon hike, but try your best to avoid heading out every day when the sun is the hottest.
    • Prioritize air circulation. Whether that's setting your dog's bed up next to the AC unit or using an elevated bed while you're outside in the backyard, make sure your dog gets plenty of cool air.
    • Find some shade. Set up an area for your dog to relax in the shadiest part of your yard or house so that they can stay out of direct sunlight. If not possible, set up a sprinkler or spray your dog down with some cool water to help manage their temperature.

    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    This is an image

    For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs, including cooling dog beds. In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of journalism experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping, as well as BuzzFeed, while also previously working in the parenting and pets sphere at People.

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