Some dogs run hot.
Max, our 80-pound Labrador, overheats constantly. He'd abandon any plush bed for the cold kitchen floor. Traditional beds made him pant and uncomfortable.
Then I discovered cooling dog beds—and Max finally has a bed he actually uses in summer.
If your dog overheats, avoids beds in warm weather, or has a thick coat, here are the best cooling options tested with our heat-prone pups.
Quick Picks: Best Cooling Dog Beds
| Bed | Cooling Type | Best For | Price | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolaroo Elevated | Airflow | Best Overall | $ | ★★★★★ | Buy Coolaroo |
| K9 Ballistics Elevated Mesh | Airflow + Durability | Chewers who overheat | $$ | ★★★★★ | Buy K9 Mesh |
| FurHaven Cooling Gel | Gel-infused foam | Budget gel option | $ | ★★★★ | Buy FurHaven Gel |
| The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad | Pressure-activated gel | Add to any bed | $ | ★★★★ | Buy Cooling Pad |
| PetFusion Cooling Blanket | Cooling fabric | Versatile topper | $ | ★★★★★ | Buy PetFusion |
Max's favourite: Coolaroo Elevated – Airflow underneath keeps him cool naturally.
Why Dogs Overheat
Understanding your dog's cooling needs:
Dogs Don't Sweat Like Humans
Dogs cool themselves primarily through:
- Panting – Evaporating moisture from tongue/mouth
- Paw pads – Only place they have sweat glands
- Finding cool surfaces – Behavioural cooling
Traditional plush beds trap body heat, making cooling harder.
Dogs Prone to Overheating
- Brachycephalic breeds – French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs (breathing issues)
- Thick-coated breeds – Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds
- Large/giant breeds – More body mass = more heat
- Senior dogs – Less efficient temperature regulation
- Overweight dogs – Extra insulation
- Dark-coloured dogs – Absorb more heat
Molly (our French Bulldog) and Max (Labrador) both need cooling beds—for different reasons.
Types of Cooling Dog Beds
1. Elevated/Cot Style Beds
How they cool: Air circulates underneath, preventing heat buildup.
Pros:
- No electricity needed
- Very effective cooling
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons:
- No cushioning
- Some dogs don't like elevated beds
Best for: Dogs who overheat significantly, outdoor use, hot climates.
2. Gel-Infused Foam Beds
How they cool: Gel absorbs and disperses body heat.
Pros:
- Provides cushioning AND cooling
- Looks like normal bed
- Good for joint support
Cons:
- Cooling effect is limited
- Gel can warm up over time
- More expensive
Best for: Dogs needing orthopedic support + some cooling.
3. Pressure-Activated Cooling Pads
How they cool: Gel activates with pressure, absorbs heat.
Pros:
- Portable
- Can add to any existing bed
- No water/electricity
- Recharges automatically
Cons:
- Limited cooling duration
- Can be punctured
- Need flat surface
Best for: Adding cooling to existing beds, travel, crates.
4. Water-Filled Cooling Mats
How they cool: Water absorbs and disperses heat.
Pros:
- Effective cooling
- Reusable
- No electricity
Cons:
- Can leak if punctured
- Heavy when filled
- Need to refill
Best for: Supervised use, very hot climates.
5. Elevated Mesh Beds
How they cool: Maximum airflow through mesh fabric.
Pros:
- Best airflow
- Very cool
- Quick-drying
Cons:
- Less durable than solid fabric
- No cushioning
- Not for diggers
Best for: Maximum cooling needs, humid climates.
Best Cooling Dog Beds: Detailed Reviews
1. Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed – Best Overall
Max's bed. Simple, effective, and he actually uses it.
How it cools:
- Elevated design allows 360° airflow
- HDPE fabric doesn't retain heat
- Air circulates above and below
Specifications:
- Frame: Steel
- Fabric: Breathable HDPE mesh
- Sizes: Small to Large
- Indoor/outdoor use
Pros:
- Very effective cooling
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to clean (hose down)
- Durable fabric
- Indoor/outdoor use
Cons:
- No cushioning
- Some dogs don't like elevated beds
- Basic appearance
Best for: Dogs who overheat significantly, hot climates, outdoor use.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Mesh – Best for Chewers Who Overheat
Combines chew-proof durability with maximum cooling.
How it cools:
- Elevated design for airflow
- Heavy-duty mesh fabric
- Air circulation underneath
Specifications:
- Frame: 100% aluminium
- Fabric: Heavy-duty mesh
- Sizes: Small to Giant
- 120-day chew-proof warranty
Pros:
- Chew-proof AND cooling
- Maximum airflow
- Easy to clean
- Fits in crates
Cons:
- Mesh can snag on diggers
- No cushioning
- Premium price
Best for: Destructive dogs who overheat, summer crate use.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. FurHaven Cooling Gel Orthopedic – Best Budget Gel Bed
Cooling + cushioning at an affordable price.
How it cools:
- Gel-infused memory foam
- Absorbs and disperses heat
- Cooler than standard foam
Specifications:
- Foam: Gel-infused memory foam
- Cover: Breathable fabric
- Sizes: Small to Jumbo Plus
- Machine washable cover
Pros:
- Provides orthopedic support
- Cooling effect noticeable
- Affordable
- Multiple sizes
Cons:
- Cooling limited compared to elevated beds
- Gel can warm up over extended use
- Budget foam may compress
Best for: Dogs needing support + moderate cooling, budget buyers.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad – Best Add-On Option
Add cooling to any existing bed or surface.
How it cools:
- Pressure-activated gel
- Absorbs body heat on contact
- Recharges when dog gets off
Specifications:
- Material: Non-toxic gel
- Sizes: Multiple options
- No electricity/water needed
- Portable
Pros:
- Use anywhere (bed, crate, floor)
- No power needed
- Self-recharging
- Portable for travel
Cons:
- Can be punctured by claws
- Cooling diminishes with continuous use
- Needs 15-20 min to recharge
Best for: Adding cooling to existing beds, travel, versatile use.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. PetFusion Cooling Blanket – Best Versatile Option
Cooling fabric that works as blanket, bed topper, or mat.
How it cools:
- Q-Max cooling fabric technology
- Feels cool to touch
- Wicks heat away
Specifications:
- Material: Cooling fabric blend
- Sizes: Multiple options
- Machine washable
- Multi-use design
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Machine washable
- Works on any surface
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- Not a complete bed
- Cooling is moderate
- Fabric can shift
Best for: Adding cooling anywhere, travel, multi-surface use.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cooling Beds: Comparison Table
| Bed | Cooling Method | Cushioning | Ease of Cleaning | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolaroo Elevated | Airflow | None | Excellent (hose) | $ | Buy Coolaroo |
| K9 Ballistics Mesh | Airflow | None | Excellent (hose) | $$ | Buy K9 Ballistics Mesh |
| FurHaven Cooling Gel | Gel foam | Yes | Good (wash cover) | $ | Buy FurHaven Gel |
| Green Pet Shop Pad | Gel pad | None | Fair (wipe) | $ | Buy Cooling Pad |
| PetFusion Blanket | Cooling fabric | None | Excellent (machine) | $ | Buy PetFusion Blanket |
Cooling Solutions by Dog Type
For Brachycephalic Breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.)
These breeds overheat easily due to breathing issues.
Best options:
- Coolaroo Elevated (airflow)
- FurHaven Cooling Gel (low profile + cooling)
- Green Pet Shop Pad (add to any bed)
Molly (French Bulldog) uses a cooling pad on her donut bed in summer.
Read more: Best Beds for French Bulldogs
For Thick-Coated Breeds (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, etc.)
Double coats trap heat—these dogs need maximum cooling.
Best options:
- Coolaroo Elevated (maximum airflow)
- K9 Ballistics Mesh (airflow + durability)
- Elevated bed + cooling pad combo
Bella and Lucy (Golden Retrievers) use elevated beds in summer months.
Read more: Best Beds for Golden Retrievers
For Large Breeds
More body mass = more heat generation.
Best options:
- Coolaroo Elevated (Large size)
- K9 Ballistics Giant Mesh
- FurHaven Cooling Gel Jumbo
Max (80 lb Lab) needs the largest cooling options available.
Read more: Best Beds for Labradors
For Senior Dogs
Older dogs may have trouble regulating temperature AND need joint support.
Best options:
- FurHaven Cooling Gel (support + cooling)
- Orthopedic bed + cooling pad on top
- Elevated bed with pad for cushioning
DIY Cooling Tips
In addition to cooling beds:
1. Frozen Treats
Freeze Kongs with peanut butter for internal cooling.
2. Cool Water
Always provide fresh, cool water.
3. Shade
Keep beds in shaded areas, away from direct sunlight.
4. Fans
Position fans to create airflow over elevated beds.
5. Wet Towels
Damp towel over elevated bed adds evaporative cooling.
6. Timing
Walk dogs early morning/late evening in hot weather.
Signs Your Dog Is Overheating
Watch for these warning signs:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling more than usual
- Red or pale gums
- Lethargy/weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Uncoordinated movement
- Collapse
If you see these signs, cool your dog immediately and contact a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cooling dog beds really work?
Yes, but effectiveness varies by type. Elevated beds with airflow are most effective. Gel-infused beds provide moderate cooling. Cooling pads work well but need recharging time.
Are cooling beds safe?
Yes. Elevated beds and gel foam are completely safe. Gel pads should be monitored for punctures. Avoid water-filled options for unsupervised use.
Can I use a cooling bed year-round?
Elevated beds can be used year-round—they also keep dogs off cold floors in winter. Gel beds work fine in cooler weather. Cooling pads are best reserved for warm months.
What's the best cooling bed for a French Bulldog?
Low-profile options work best for brachycephalic breeds. FurHaven Cooling Gel or a cooling pad on their regular bed. Elevated beds work too if they can access them easily.
How do I clean a cooling bed?
Elevated beds: Hose down and air dry. Gel foam beds: Wash removable cover, spot clean foam. Cooling pads: Wipe with damp cloth.
The Bottom Line
If your dog overheats, cooling beds make a real difference.
Our recommendations:
- Best overall: Coolaroo Elevated – Simple, effective, affordable
- For chewers: K9 Ballistics Mesh – Durable + cooling
- With cushioning: FurHaven Cooling Gel – Support + cooling
- Most versatile: Green Pet Shop Pad – Add to any bed
- For travel: PetFusion Cooling Blanket
Max went from avoiding beds to actually using his Coolaroo every day. For dogs who run hot, that's a win.
Check our top pick: Coolaroo Elevated on Amazon
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