Hot dogs need cooling solutions.
Dog cooling mats provide instant relief from heat without electricity or water. They are portable, easy to use, and can make summer much more comfortable for dogs who overheat.
Here are the best dog cooling mats tested with our pack, including Max who overheats constantly.
Quick Picks: Best Dog Cooling Mats
Our top pick: Arf Pets Self Cooling Mat because it provides effective cooling, requires no preparation, and holds up well to regular use.
How Dog Cooling Mats Work
Pressure Activated Gel Mats
The most common type. Gel inside absorbs and dissipates body heat when dog lies on it.
How it works:
- Dog's body weight activates the gel
- Gel absorbs heat from dog's body
- Heat dissipates into the air
- Mat recharges when dog gets off (15 to 20 minutes)
Pros:
- No electricity or water needed
- Portable and easy to use
- Recharges automatically
- Safe if punctured (non toxic gel)
Cons:
- Cooling is limited (typically 5 to 10 degrees below body temp)
- Needs recharge time between uses
- Can be punctured by claws
Water Based Cooling Mats
Filled with water that absorbs and releases heat.
How it works:
- Water naturally stays cooler than body temperature
- Absorbs heat from dog lying on it
- Some use foam core that holds water
Pros:
- Effective cooling
- Long lasting cool
- Simple technology
Cons:
- Heavier when filled
- Risk of leaks
- Can feel less comfortable
Phase Change Mats
Use materials that absorb heat as they change from solid to liquid state.
How it works:
- Special materials absorb heat during phase change
- Provides consistent cooling for longer periods
- Recharges at room temperature or in fridge
Pros:
- Longer lasting cooling
- Consistent temperature
- Can be refrigerated for extra cool
Cons:
- Higher price
- May need refrigeration
- Heavier construction
Elevated Cooling Beds
Not mats exactly, but raised beds that use airflow for cooling.
How it works:
- Dog is elevated off hot ground
- Air circulates underneath
- Passive cooling through airflow
Pros:
- No gel or water to fail
- Very durable
- Also works as regular bed
Cons:
- Less active cooling than gel mats
- Takes up more space
- Higher initial cost
Best Dog Cooling Mats: Detailed Reviews
1. Arf Pets Self Cooling Mat
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Best Overall Cooling Mat
Arf Pets delivers consistent performance with durable construction.
What makes it great:
Pressure activated gel provides immediate cooling when your dog lies down. No refrigeration or water needed. Durable outer material resists punctures better than many competitors. Recharges in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Specifications:
- Type: Pressure activated gel
- Sizes: Small to XL
- Material: Reinforced vinyl exterior
- Cooling: 5 to 10 degrees below ambient
- Recharge: 15 to 20 minutes
Pros:
- Effective cooling
- Durable construction
- Multiple sizes
- No setup required
- Portable
Cons:
- Needs recharge time
- Can still be punctured
- Cooling is moderate not intense
Best for: General use, everyday cooling, travel.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat
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Best Value Cooling Mat
Excellent performance at a lower price point.
What makes it great:
Same pressure activated technology as premium mats at better value. Non toxic gel is safe even if punctured. Multiple sizes available.
Specifications:
- Type: Pressure activated gel
- Sizes: Multiple options
- Material: Vinyl with reinforced edges
- Gel: Non toxic, safe if punctured
- Recharge: Approximately 20 minutes
Pros:
- Good value
- Effective cooling
- Non toxic gel
- Multiple sizes
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Less durable than premium options
- Thinner construction
- May not last as many seasons
Best for: Budget buyers, first time cooling mat users.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. K&H Cool Bed III
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Best Water Based Cooling
Uses water for more effective, longer lasting cooling.
What makes it great:
Water provides more cooling capacity than gel. Orthopedic foam core adds comfort. Lasts longer between needing to cool down again.
Specifications:
- Type: Water based with foam core
- Sizes: Small to Large
- Fill: Add water through valve
- Cooling: More effective than gel
- Construction: Durable nylon exterior
Pros:
- More effective cooling
- Longer lasting
- Comfortable foam core
- Adjustable water level
Cons:
- Heavier when filled
- Risk of leaks
- More setup required
- Not as portable
Best for: Dogs who need serious cooling, home use, extremely hot climates.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Chillz Cooling Mat
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Best Budget Option
Basic cooling mat at the lowest price point.
Specifications:
- Type: Pressure activated gel
- Sizes: Multiple options
- Material: Standard vinyl
- Price: Very affordable
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Works as expected
- Multiple sizes
- Portable
Cons:
- Less durable
- Thinner gel layer
- May puncture easier
- Shorter lifespan
Best for: Testing if your dog likes cooling mats, budget buyers, backup mats.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Coleman Comfort Cooling Mat
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Best Long Lasting Cooling
Phase change technology provides longer cooling periods.
What makes it great:
Phase change materials provide more consistent cooling for longer periods. Can be refrigerated for extra cooling power. Quality construction from trusted outdoor brand.
Specifications:
- Type: Phase change technology
- Sizes: Multiple options
- Material: Durable exterior
- Extra: Can be refrigerated
Pros:
- Longer lasting cooling
- Can be refrigerated
- Trusted brand
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Higher price
- Heavier
- Benefits from refrigeration
Best for: Extended cooling needs, very hot climates, dogs who need consistent cooling.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dog Cooling Mats: Comparison Table
Who Needs a Dog Cooling Mat?
Dogs at Higher Risk of Overheating
Brachycephalic breeds:
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
These flat faced breeds cannot pant efficiently and overheat quickly.
Thick coated breeds:
- Huskies
- Malamutes
- Samoyeds
- Chow Chows
- Newfoundlands
Heavy coats trap heat even after summer shedding.
Large and giant breeds:
- Greater body mass generates more heat
- Harder to cool down once overheated
Senior dogs:
- Less efficient temperature regulation
- May have reduced mobility to find cool spots
Overweight dogs:
- Extra weight means extra heat
- Fat insulates and traps heat
Dark coloured dogs:
- Absorb more heat from sun
- Need extra cooling outdoors
Situations Where Cooling Mats Help
Hot weather:
- Summer months
- Heat waves
- Tropical climates
After exercise:
- Cool down period after walks
- Recovery from play sessions
Travel:
- In cars (with AC, not parked)
- Hotel rooms
- Visiting others
Outdoor activities:
- Camping
- Beach trips
- Garden lounging
Using Cooling Mats Effectively
Placement Tips
On hard floors:
- Most effective placement
- Cool air circulates underneath
- Easy to clean
On dog beds:
- Adds cooling to existing comfort
- May reduce effectiveness slightly
- Good combination approach
In crates:
- Size mat to fit crate floor
- Helps keep crated dogs cool
- Essential for travel
Outdoors:
- Place in shade (not direct sun)
- On patio or deck
- Combine with other cooling methods
Getting Dogs to Use Cooling Mats
Some dogs take to cooling mats immediately. Others need encouragement:
Let them discover it. Place mat where dog usually lies. Do not force them onto it.
Add treats. Put treats on mat initially to create positive association.
Use familiar scent. Place dog's blanket on mat briefly to add their smell.
Be patient. Some dogs need days or weeks to accept new surfaces.
Consider texture. Some dogs dislike the vinyl feel. Try covering with thin sheet initially.
Maintenance
Cleaning:
- Wipe with damp cloth regularly
- Mild soap for deeper cleaning
- Dry completely before storage
Storage:
- Store flat or loosely rolled
- Avoid sharp creases
- Keep away from sharp objects
- Store in cool, dry place
Inspection:
- Check for punctures regularly
- Replace if gel leaks
- Monitor for wear at edges
Cooling Mats vs Other Cooling Methods
Cooling Mats vs Elevated Beds
Cooling mats:
- Active cooling through gel or water
- Portable and can go anywhere
- May need recharge time
Elevated beds:
- Passive cooling through airflow
- No recharge needed
- More durable long term
- Takes up more space
Best approach: Use both. Elevated bed for consistent airflow, cooling mat for intense heat.
Cooling Mats vs Fans
Cooling mats:
- Direct contact cooling
- No electricity needed
- Portable
Fans:
- Cool larger area
- Need electricity
- Dogs must have wet skin to benefit (they do not sweat like humans)
Best approach: Fans help but are less effective for dogs than humans. Mats provide direct relief.
Cooling Mats vs Cold Water
Cooling mats:
- Convenient and always ready
- Moderate cooling
- No mess
Cold water:
- Very effective cooling
- Wetting paws, belly, ears
- Can be messy
Best approach: For serious overheating, wet the dog. Mats are for prevention and comfort.
Signs Your Dog Is Overheating
Watch for these warning signs:
Early signs:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling more than usual
- Seeking shade or cool surfaces
- Restlessness
Serious signs:
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Staggering or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse
If you see serious signs:
- Move dog to cool area immediately
- Offer water (do not force)
- Wet dog with cool (not ice cold) water
- Contact vet urgently
Prevention is better than treatment. Use cooling mats and other methods before dogs overheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog cooling mats really work?
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Yes, they provide real cooling, typically 5 to 10 degrees below ambient temperature. They will not make a hot dog cold, but provide noticeable relief.
How long do cooling mats stay cold?
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Gel mats typically provide 15 to 30 minutes of cooling before needing 15 to 20 minutes to recharge. Water based and phase change mats last longer.
Are cooling mats safe for dogs?
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Yes. The gel in quality mats is non toxic even if punctured. However, supervise dogs who chew and remove damaged mats.
Can I put a cooling mat in the freezer?
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Only if manufacturer says so. Some phase change mats can be refrigerated or frozen. Gel mats should not be frozen as it can damage the gel.
What size cooling mat for my dog?
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Dog should be able to lie fully on the mat with some room to spare. Measure your dog lying down and add a few inches.
Do cooling mats work without refrigeration?
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Yes, most gel mats work through pressure activation, no refrigeration needed. They will not be as cold as a refrigerated option but still provide relief.
The Bottom Line
Dog cooling mats are an effective, simple way to help dogs manage heat. They are especially valuable for breeds prone to overheating, senior dogs, and anyone living in hot climates.
Our recommendations:
Best overall: Arf Pets Self Cooling Mat for reliable performance and durability.
Best value: Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat for effective cooling at lower price.
Maximum cooling: K&H Cool Bed III water based option for serious heat.
Budget: Chillz Cooling Mat for affordable basic cooling.
Long lasting: Coleman Comfort for extended cooling periods.
Keep your dog comfortable and safe this summer with the right cooling solution.
Check our top pick: Arf Pets Cooling Mat on Amazon
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4.2
out of 5
46 global ratings
Top reviews
★★★★★5.0
Lifesaver for my senior Lab
The Arf Pets cooling mat has been amazing for my 11-year-old Lab in Texas heat. He sprawls on it after walks and you can feel how much cooler it is than the tile. No fridge, no water, just lay it down and it works.
Helpful
Thanks Jessica! We’re glad the Arf Pets mat is helping your senior pup stay comfortable.
★★★★☆4.0
Good cooling, claws left a few marks
Cooling on the Arf Pets mat is solid and my Golden uses it daily. After a month there are a couple of claw marks starting to show, so I wouldn’t call it indestructible, but it’s holding together so far.
Helpful
Thanks Brian! Great tip about monitoring claws on gel mats while still enjoying the cooling.
★★★★★5.0
Perfect for crate naps
I bought the medium Arf Pets mat for our crate and it fits almost perfectly. Our Aussie goes straight to it after playtime and cools off within minutes. Recharges quickly between uses.
Helpful
Thanks Amanda! Happy to hear the mat is working well in your dog’s crate.
★★★★★5.0
Florida heat approved
We live in Miami and my Boxer overheats just walking to the mailbox. The Arf Pets mat on our tile floor has made a huge difference. He actually chooses it over the AC vent now.
Helpful
Thanks Daniel! Great to hear the mat is holding up in Florida heat.
★★★☆☆3.0
Good but heavier than expected
The XL Arf Pets mat cools well but it’s a bit heavier and stiffer than I imagined. Works great on the floor but not as easily moved between rooms as I hoped.
Helpful
Thanks Courtney. Helpful note on the XL size and portability.
★★★★★5.0
Great for travel days
We keep a folded Arf Pets mat in the car for long trips. Our Husky lies on it while the AC runs and he pants way less. Super easy to wipe clean if it gets dusty.
Helpful
Thanks Evan! Travel use is a great way to get extra value from a cooling mat.
★★★★☆4.0
My Frenchie finally relaxes
Our French Bulldog gets hot just existing. The Arf Pets mat in our living room gives him a spot to chill out. I just wish the edges were a little more reinforced for his digging habit.
Helpful
Thanks Laura! Glad your Frenchie is enjoying the mat and we appreciate the feedback on edge reinforcement.
★★★★★5.0
Easy, no-fuss cooling solution
I didn’t want anything that needed water or charging. The Arf Pets mat is literally drop-and-go. My Corgi flops on it after fetch and you can feel how much cooler his belly gets.
Helpful
Thanks Tyler! That simple setup is exactly why so many people like that mat.
★★★★☆4.0
Works, but needs a recharge break
The Arf mat definitely cools my dog, but after 20 minutes or so it warms up and he loses interest. We just rotate him between that and his elevated bed and it’s fine.
Helpful
Thanks Nicole! Rotating with another bed is a smart way to handle the recharge time.
★★★★★5.0
Holding up to daily use
Three months in and the Arf Pets mat still looks almost new. My 70 lb shepherd mix uses it every afternoon. No leaks, no weird smells, just steady cooling.
Helpful
Thanks Zachary! Great to hear about the long-term durability.
★★★☆☆3.0
Too small for my Great Dane
I bought the largest Arf Pets mat and it’s still more of a chest pad than a full-body mat for my Dane. Cooling is good where he actually touches it, just wish they had a true giant size.
Helpful
Thanks Olivia. Sizing giants is tough and your feedback on needing larger options is really helpful.
★★★★★5.0
Perfect under a cotton cover
Our Border Collie wouldn’t lie directly on the vinyl, so we put a thin cotton sheet over the Arf mat. He now uses it nonstop and it still feels cool through the fabric.
Helpful
Thanks Patrick! Great tip about adding a thin cover for dogs picky about texture.
★★★★☆4.0
Good for hardwood floors
On our hardwood it stays put and doesn’t slide when my Beagle hops on. Cooling is noticeable but not ice cold, which I think is safer anyway.
Helpful
Thanks Hannah! Glad the mat is working well on your floors.
★★★★★5.0
Finally something that helps our pug
Our pug struggles in summer and we worry about heatstroke. The Arf Pets mat in front of the fan is his new favorite spot and his breathing is noticeably calmer.
Helpful
Thanks Derek! Happy to hear your pug is more comfortable.
★★★★☆4.0
Nice mat, packaging had a strong smell
The Arf mat works well but had a plastic smell out of the box. A day of airing it out on the porch fixed it and now my dog loves it.
Helpful
Thanks Madison. Airing new mats out is a great tip and we’re glad it’s in use now.
★★★★★5.0
Great value cooling mat
I grabbed the Green Pet Shop cooling mat as a cheaper alternative and it’s been stellar. My 40 lb mutt sprawls on it after runs and it clearly keeps him cooler.
Helpful
Thanks Jared! Nice to hear the value pick is working so well for you.
★★★★☆4.0
Good but thinner than I expected
The Green Pet Shop mat cools nicely, but it’s thinner than the photos made me think. Works best on our rug rather than straight on tile.
Helpful
Thanks Emily! Great note on pairing thinner mats with a softer surface.
★★★★★5.0
My Shih Tzu is obsessed
We live in Arizona and my little Shih Tzu spends half the day on the Green Pet mat. She used to pant constantly inside, now she rotates between the mat and her bed.
Helpful
Thanks Logan! Arizona summers are no joke, so we’re glad the mat is helping.
★★★☆☆3.0
Nice cooling but didn’t last a full season
The Green Pet mat worked great for two months, then started to develop soft spots where the gel shifted. Still usable but not as even as when new.
Helpful
Thanks Samantha. Durability feedback like this is really helpful for setting expectations.
★★★★★5.0
Perfect for under a dog bed cover
We slid the Green Pet Shop mat into a thin crate pad cover and our Cocker Spaniel took to it right away. Keeps the crate from feeling stuffy.
Helpful
Thanks Nathan! Great idea using a crate pad cover over the mat.
★★★★☆4.0
Good budget option for two dogs
I bought two of the Green Pet mats so each of my mixed-breed girls has one. They cool well, just need that 20-minute break after they warm up.
Helpful
Thanks Chloe! Rotating mats between dogs is a smart way to handle recharge time.
★★★☆☆3.0
Gets the job done but watch nails
Our young Shepherd likes the Green Pet mat but his nails did eventually poke a small hole in one corner. The gel didn’t seem harmful but we retired it to be safe.
Helpful
Thanks Isaac. Always a good idea to replace any mat once the surface is compromised.
★★★★★5.0
Helped with car anxiety in summer
My mini Dachshund gets nervous and hot in the car. The Green Pet mat on the seat with her harness clipped in has made rides much calmer for her.
Helpful
Thanks Vanessa! Love hearing that it helped both cooling and comfort in the car.
★★★★☆4.0
Water mat really cools our Husky
The K&H Cool Bed III stays cooler longer than our gel mat. Our Husky likes to sprawl on it after backyard zoomies. Filling it was easy and no leaks so far.
Helpful
Thanks Trevor! Great to hear the water-based mat is working well for your Husky.
★★★☆☆3.0
Nice cooling, kind of heavy to move
Once filled, the K&H Cool Bed is heavier than I expected. It cools better than gel, but we mostly leave it in one spot since it’s not super portable.
Helpful
Thanks Julia. That’s a fair trade-off with water mats and your note on portability is helpful.
★★★★★5.0
Great for back porch lounging
We keep the K&H water mat on our shaded porch for our Pit mix. Even on 90°F afternoons the surface stays noticeably cooler than the deck boards.
Helpful
Thanks Sean! Sounds like the perfect spot for that mat.
★★★★☆4.0
No leaks after a full summer
I was nervous about leaks but our K&H Cool Bed made it through last summer in Phoenix with no issues. Just topped up the water once.
Helpful
Thanks Kimberly! Always nice to hear long-term leak-free experiences.
★★★☆☆3.0
Dog loves it, I don’t love emptying it
Our Rottie is obsessed with the K&H water bed, but draining and storing it at the end of the season is a bit of a project. Worth it, just not as simple as gel.
Helpful
Thanks Marcus. Good point on the extra maintenance water mats require.
★★★★★5.0
Best cooling we’ve tried
We tried two different gel mats and nothing cooled our St. Bernard like the K&H Cool Bed III. It’s basically his summer spot now.
Helpful
Thanks Abigail! Great comparison feedback between gel and water options.
★★★★☆4.0
Nice combo with our elevated bed
We set the K&H water mat on top of an elevated cot in the shade. Our mixed breed seems super comfortable, and the water stays cool for hours.
Helpful
Thanks Jordan! Cool idea combining the mat with an elevated bed.
★★☆☆☆2.0
Ours developed a slow leak
The cooling on the K&H bed was excellent, but after a few weeks I noticed damp spots underneath. It looks like a slow leak at one corner seam.
Helpful
Thanks Rachel. Sorry you ran into a leak, but we appreciate you sharing that experience.
★★★★☆4.0
Good budget gel mat
The Chillz cooling mat isn’t fancy, but it keeps my Beagle a bit cooler on hot afternoons. For the price I’m fine if it only lasts a season.
Helpful
Thanks Blake! That’s a realistic way to look at the budget mats.
★★★☆☆3.0
Works, but the gel shifted
After a month of daily use, the gel in our Chillz mat started pooling toward one side. Still cool, just not as evenly padded as when we first got it.
Helpful
Thanks Megan. Gel migration is a common trade-off and your note helps set expectations.
★★★★☆4.0
Great starter cooling mat
I didn’t want to spend a ton to see if my dog would even use a cooling mat. The Chillz pad did the trick and now I know she likes this style.
Helpful
Thanks Chris! Using a budget mat as a trial run is a smart move.
★★☆☆☆2.0
Fine until my puppy chewed it
Our Chillz mat cooled nicely, but my Lab puppy chewed a corner and punctured it within two weeks. Definitely not for heavy chewers.
Helpful
Thanks Savannah. Chewers are tough on any gel mat and supervision is key.
★★★★☆4.0
Nice thin mat for crate use
I like that the Chillz mat is thin enough to slide into our crate without raising the floor. It gives our Boston Terrier a cooler surface on road trips.
Helpful
Thanks Noah! Glad it fits well in your crate setup.
★★★★★5.0
Long-lasting cool for our patio
The Coleman Comfort cooling mat stays cooler longer than our gel pads. Our double-coated Aussie loves it on the shaded patio and it doesn’t warm up as fast.
Helpful
Thanks Lily! That long-lasting effect is exactly what phase change mats are meant to do.
★★★★☆4.0
Heavier but feels premium
The Coleman mat is definitely heavier than gel mats, but the materials feel more solid. We pop it in the fridge before really hot days and it holds that cool for a good while.
Helpful
Thanks Anthony! Great note on pre-chilling it for extra cooling power.
★★★★★5.0
Great for big shepherd mix
Our 80 lb shepherd mix actually gets full body coverage on the large Coleman mat. It’s one of the few products that really seems built for bigger dogs.
Helpful
Thanks Katelyn! Awesome to hear it’s working well for a large dog.
★★★☆☆3.0
Nice but my dog isn’t a fan of the texture
Cooling on the Coleman mat is great, but my picky Greyhound doesn’t love the slightly rubbery feel. If your dog isn’t sensitive like mine, it’s a solid product.
Helpful
Thanks Garrett. Texture sensitivity is real for some dogs and your comment is helpful.
★★★★☆4.0
Perfect under a thin cover
We put a light cotton pillowcase over the Coleman mat and our Pit mix uses it constantly now. Still plenty of cooling gets through.
Helpful
Thanks Brooke! Another good example of using a thin cover to make mats more inviting.
★★★★★5.0
Best option for our Arizona summers
We’ve tried several mats and the Coleman is the only one that keeps our dogs cool through a full movie night on the floor. Definitely worth the extra cost here in Phoenix.
Helpful
Thanks Jason! Sounds like the phase change tech is really paying off in your climate.
★★★★☆4.0
Nice complement to elevated bed
We alternate between the Coleman mat and an elevated cot. On brutal days our Lab uses both, but even on its own the mat holds a nice cool feel for a long time.
Helpful
Thanks Morgan! Combining tools like that is a great heat-management strategy.
★★★★★5.0
Surprisingly helpful for my senior dog
My 13-year-old Cocker has heart issues and overheats easily. A Green Pet mat by her favorite chair and an Arf Pets mat in the bedroom have made a big difference in how comfortable she seems.
Helpful
Thanks Haley. Really glad the mats are helping your senior girl stay more comfortable.
★★★★☆4.0
Nice extra tool, not a magic fix
We use a Chillz mat plus fans and shaded walks for our black Lab. The mat definitely helps take the edge off, but you still have to manage overall heat exposure.
Helpful
Thanks Cole! Great reminder that cooling mats are one piece of the heat-safety puzzle.
★★★★★5.0
Exactly what our brachy pups needed
We have a Frenchie and a Boston Terrier who both struggle in summer. One Arf Pets mat in the living room keeps them both happy stretched out together.
Helpful
Thanks Erica! Love hearing it works for both of your flat-faced pups.
