Best Cooling Dog Beds: 6 Beds to Keep Your Pup Cool (2025)

Why Some Dogs Need Cooling Beds

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. They regulate temperature primarily through panting and, to a lesser extent, through paw pads. This makes them vulnerable to overheating, especially certain breeds and conditions.

Dogs at Higher Risk of Overheating:

• Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced): Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers
• Heavy-coated breeds: Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Chow Chows
• Senior dogs: Less efficient temperature regulation
• Overweight dogs: Extra insulation traps heat
• Dogs with health conditions: Heart disease, respiratory issues

Signs Your Dog Is Too Hot:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling more than usual
• Lethargy or reluctance to move
• Seeking cool surfaces (tile floors, shade)
• Red gums or tongue

A cooling bed provides a dedicated space where your dog can regulate their temperature safely.

Quick Picks:

• Best Overall: Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed — $29-$69
• Best Gel Pad: The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad — $25-$70
• Best Gel Memory Foam: FurHaven Cooling Gel Mattress — $45-$95
• Best Water-Based: K&H Cool Bed III — $49-$89
• Best Premium: PetFusion Memory Foam Bed — $99-$179

Types of Cooling Dog Beds

Elevated/Airflow Beds

Raised beds with mesh fabric that allow air to circulate underneath and around the dog.

How They Cool:

• Air flows under the dog continuously
• No heat-trapping foam or padding
• Mesh doesn’t retain body heat
• Works all day without needing to “recharge”

Best For: Maximum, consistent cooling; dogs who run very hot; outdoor use.

Gel-Infused Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam beds with cooling gel added to the foam.

How They Cool:

• Gel absorbs and dissipates heat
• Provides cushioned comfort with cooling
• Works passively throughout the night
• Combined orthopedic and cooling benefits

Best For: Dogs who need joint support AND cooling; dogs who prefer cushioned beds.

Pressure-Activated Gel Pads

Pads filled with gel that activates cooling when pressure is applied.

How They Cool:

• Weight triggers cooling gel reaction
• Can feel cool to the touch
• Works without electricity or water
• Portable and versatile

Best For: Supplemental cooling; travel; placing on existing beds.

Water-Based Cooling Beds

Beds that hold water inside to provide cooling similar to a waterbed.

How They Cool:

• Water absorbs body heat
• Add cool (not cold) water for extra effect
• Longest-lasting cooling effect
• Most dramatic temperature reduction

Best For: Extreme heat; dogs who need maximum cooling; indoor use.

The 6 Best Cooling Dog Beds

1. Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed — Best Overall

Price: $29-$69 | Rating: 4.6/5 (89,000+ reviews)

For pure cooling effectiveness, nothing beats an elevated bed with airflow on all sides. Coolaroo is the gold standard.

What Makes It Special:

The physics are simple: air circulating underneath your dog provides constant, reliable cooling without any gels, water, or special materials needed. The HDPE fabric doesn’t retain heat like foam does, and the 7-inch elevation creates significant airflow.

This design works 24/7 without needing to “recharge” like gel products. It’s equally effective on hour one and hour twelve.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small (25x20”), Medium (31x22”), Large (42x26”)
• Height: 7 inches elevated
• Frame: Powder-coated steel
• Fabric: Breathable HDPE mesh

Pros:

• Maximum consistent airflow cooling
• No gel to puncture or water to fill
• Works continuously without recharging
• HDPE fabric doesn’t retain body heat
• Proven by nearly 90,000 reviews

Cons:

• No cushioning—firm mesh surface only
• Some dogs prefer padded beds
• Won’t feel “cold” like gel pads

Best For: Maximum cooling, hot climates, dogs who run very hot, outdoor cooling.

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2. The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pet Pad — Best Gel Pad

Price: $25-$70 | Rating: 4.3/5 (35,000+ reviews)

The most popular pressure-activated cooling pad, proven over years and millions of dogs.

What Makes It Special:

This pad contains a non-toxic gel that activates when your dog lies on it. The cooling effect is immediately noticeable—dogs often seek out the pad when they’re warm. No refrigeration, water, or electricity needed.

The pad “recharges” itself after about 15-20 minutes without pressure, making it ready for the next use. It’s also completely portable.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to XL (up to 44x32”)
• Fill: Pressure-activated cooling gel
• Cover: Puncture-resistant nylon
• Activation: Weight-triggered, self-recharging

Pros:

• Instant cooling when dog lies down
• No refrigeration or electricity needed
• Self-recharging after 15-20 minutes of rest
• Portable—use anywhere
• Can place on existing beds

Cons:

• Cooling effect diminishes during long use
• Must remain puncture-free to work
• Not recommended for dogs who chew beds
• Needs time to “recharge” between uses

Best For: Supplementing other beds, travel, crate use, dogs who need periodic cool-downs.

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3. FurHaven Cooling Gel Foam Mattress — Best Gel Memory Foam

Price: $45-$95 | Rating: 4.3/5 (22,000+ reviews)

For dogs who need both orthopedic support and cooling, gel-infused memory foam offers the best of both worlds.

What Makes It Special:

The gel layer on top of the memory foam absorbs and dissipates body heat while the foam provides joint support. This is ideal for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues who also struggle with heat.

The removable, washable cover makes maintenance easy, and multiple sizes accommodate everything from small dogs to large breeds.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to Jumbo Plus
• Construction: Gel layer over memory foam
• Cover: Removable, machine washable
• Design: Traditional mattress style

Pros:

• Combines cooling with orthopedic support
• Gel layer absorbs and dissipates heat
• Comfortable for dogs who like cushioning
• Removable cover for washing
• Multiple sizes and styles

Cons:

• Cooling less dramatic than airflow or gel pads
• Gel layer relatively thin
• Memory foam still retains some heat

Best For: Senior dogs, dogs with joint issues who also run hot, those who prefer traditional beds.

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4. K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III — Best Water-Based

Price: $49-$89 | Rating: 4.1/5 (8,500+ reviews)

For maximum cooling effect, water-based beds provide the most dramatic temperature reduction.

What Makes It Special:

You fill this bed with cool tap water, which absorbs your dog’s body heat and keeps them comfortable for hours. The cooling effect is more pronounced and longer-lasting than gel alternatives.

The nylon exterior is durable, and when you want even more cooling, you can use slightly cooler water (never ice cold—that can cause shock).

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to X-Large
• Fill: Water (user-added)
• Cover: Heavy-duty nylon
• Cooling: Water-absorption based

Pros:

• Most dramatic cooling effect available
• Cooling lasts for hours
• Adjustable—cooler water = more cooling
• Durable nylon cover
• No electricity needed

Cons:

• Must fill with water before use
• Heavy when filled
• Risk of leaks if punctured
• Not as portable

Best For: Extreme heat, dogs who need maximum cooling, stationary indoor use.

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5. Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Mat — Best Portable

Price: $30-$55 | Rating: 4.2/5 (15,000+ reviews)

A versatile cooling mat that can be used alone, on top of existing beds, or taken anywhere.

What Makes It Special:

Unlike liquid gel pads, this uses a solid gel that provides cooling without puncture concerns. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and can be rolled for travel. Place it on any surface for instant cooling.

The non-toxic gel recharges itself automatically, and the mat can be used indoors, outdoors, in crates, or in the car.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to XL
• Fill: Non-toxic solid gel
• Cover: Easy-clean surface
• Portability: Lightweight, can roll up

Pros:

• Solid gel eliminates puncture worries
• Highly portable—rolls for travel
• Easy to clean with damp cloth
• Can layer on any surface
• Non-toxic and safe

Cons:

• Firm surface—not cushioned
• Needs time to recharge cooling
• Won’t feel as cold as pressure-activated gel

Best For: Travel, crate cooling, supplementing existing beds, car use.

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6. PetFusion CertiPUR-US Memory Foam Bed — Best Premium

Price: $99-$179 | Rating: 4.5/5 (15,000+ reviews)

For those who want a premium bed with passive cooling properties, PetFusion delivers quality with heat-dissipating design.

What Makes It Special:

Rather than adding gel, PetFusion uses open-cell memory foam that allows air circulation within the foam itself—unlike traditional memory foam that traps heat. Combined with a breathable cover, this creates passive cooling without the limitations of gel products.

The water-resistant liner adds protection, and the premium construction means this bed lasts for years.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to XXL
• Construction: Open-cell memory foam
• Cover: Breathable, removable
• Liner: Water-resistant inner layer

Pros:

• Open-cell foam allows airflow (less heat trapping)
• Breathable cover promotes cooling
• Premium construction and durability
• Orthopedic support for joints
• No gel to puncture or recharge

Cons:

• Not active cooling—won’t feel cold
• Premium price point
• Less dramatic cooling than airflow beds

Best For: Those who want quality orthopedic bed with heat management, long-term investment.

Check Price on Amazon →

Quick Comparison

Choosing the Right Cooling Bed

For Maximum Cooling

If your dog overheats severely or lives in extreme heat:

1. Elevated beds (Coolaroo) provide the most consistent cooling
2. Water-based beds (K&H) provide the most dramatic cooling
3. Combine an elevated bed with a gel pad for layered cooling

For Joint Support + Cooling

Senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues:

1. Gel memory foam (FurHaven) offers both
2. PetFusion uses breathable construction with orthopedic foam
3. Add a gel pad on top of any orthopedic bed

For Portability

Travel, crate use, or multi-room cooling:

1. Gel pads (Green Pet Shop, Arf Pets) are most versatile
2. Foldable elevated beds (Coolaroo) work for travel
3. Look for lightweight options you can move easily

Additional Cooling Tips

Placement Matters

• Keep cooling beds in shaded areas
• Position near air vents or fans
• Avoid direct sunlight on gel products
• Consider multiple cooling beds in different rooms

Supplement Your Cooling Bed

• Provide fresh, cool water always
• Use fans to increase airflow
• Consider cooling vests for walks
• Frozen treats help from the inside
• Wet towels on paw pads cool quickly

Warning Signs

Seek veterinary care if your dog shows:

• Excessive drooling
• Stumbling or coordination issues
• Vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Collapse

These can indicate heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.

Final Verdict

For the most effective, consistent cooling, the Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed wins. The simple physics of airflow underneath your dog works 24/7 without recharging, puncture concerns, or maintenance. Nearly 90,000 positive reviews confirm what the science suggests.

If your dog prefers cushioned beds but needs cooling, the FurHaven Cooling Gel Foam Mattress combines comfort with temperature regulation at a reasonable price.

For supplemental or portable cooling, The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pet Pad provides instant relief you can use anywhere—in crates, cars, or on top of existing beds.

And for extreme heat situations, the K&H Cool Bed III water-based design provides the most dramatic temperature reduction available.

Whatever you choose, helping your dog stay cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s a health necessity, especially for at-risk breeds. The right cooling bed can make summer safe and enjoyable for your pup.

How does your dog beat the heat? We’d love to hear your cooling tips!