If a dog's body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit (F), they can suffer hyperthermia, which can quickly lead to serious health issues or even death. Dogs with flat faces and English Bulldogs, are particularly at risk of overheating because they can't pant as efficiently.
Cooling Mats For Dogs During Warm Weather: How Common Heat-Related Illness Is and Who Is at Highest Risk
In the summer of 2016, half of the over 1000 UK veterinarians surveyed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) reported seeing an average of five cases of heat-related illness in dogs. The estimated 2016 incidence (one-year period prevalence) of heat-related illness in UK dogs was 0.04% (395 cases out of 905,543 dogs).04% (95% CI 0.04-0.05%) - and the event fatality rate for heat-related illness in UK dogs in 2016 was 14.18% (95% CI 11.08-17.96%). Dogs that are left in parked cars, tied up outside, or left outside without shelter may also be at higher risk of getting too warm, so owners should always ensure their pups have access to shade and cool water, and never leave their dog unattended in the car.
What Are Cooling Mats for Dogs and How Do They Work
Cooling mats - which can look like colorful foam yoga mats, are designed to provide relief to your pup on hot days. Many cooling mats rely on a gel or phase-change material technology where the body heat of the dog (or human) rises the temperature of the gel/mats and causes a phase change, generally from solid to liquid. This process absorbs energy (i.e., heat) and results in a cooler surface temperature. These types of cooling mats don't require freezing prior to use, although some simpler - more budget-friendly options are designed to be refrigerated or frozen before use.
Are Cooling Mats Safe for Dogs and What to Watch Out For
When used correctly, cooling mats are generally safe for dogs. However, you should avoid using any cooling product on hair or skin that's damaged, as it could cause irritation. Also, be aware that some cooling mats contain toxic antifreeze - so be sure to choose a pet-safe option that's free from harmful substances. If you suspect that your pet ingested something potentially toxic, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Do Cooling Mats Actually Work to Lower a Dog's Body Temperature
We tested several cooling beds and found that the surface temperatures of each were generally cooler than a standard memory foam or polyester fill bed. For example, the surface temperature of the FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Cooling Gel Bolster Cat & Dog Bed rose an average of nine Fahrenheit degrees after a pet lay on it for five minutes, versus an 11-degree increase on a standard bed. However, none of the beds we tested were able to sustain lower surface temperatures after more than five minutes.
Two of our favorite cooling options - the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad and the Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Pad, got only about 4 degrees warmer after five minutes of use indoors. Both of these products outperformed a leading cooling bed, the FurHaven, in that regard. It's also worth noting that synthetic foam retains more heat than more breathable materials like latex or cotton.
What to Consider Before Buying a Cooling Mat for Your Dog
Cooling pads, mats - and other products are great tools to have on hand to help your dog stay comfortable on hot days. But keep in mind that dogs' coats and skin are different from ours. So while a cooling mat might seem like an easy solution for keeping your doggy companion cool, it may not always be the best option.
- The layers of dogs' coats act as insulation and help protect them from overheating and sunburn. For this reason, you should never shave your dog.
- Dogs cool themselves by panting, so having access to a cool, damp towel or bandana may be more helpful than a cooling mat.
- Ideally - any cooling product you use for your dog should be designed specifically for use on fur or skin.
What to Look For in a Cooling Mat for Dogs During Warm Weather
If you want to use a cooling mat for your dog, look for one that's pet-safe, nontoxic, and free from harmful chemicals such as antifreeze. You may also consider one that's water-resistant, waterproof - or easily washable. Finally, consider speaking with your veterinarian to see if they have a cooling product they recommend for your pet.
Remember that while cooling mats can help alleviate discomfort for humans and pets on hot days, they shouldn't be the sole source of cooling. Be sure to also provide your dog with plenty of cool, fresh water and shade to play in.
References
- temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit - akc.org
- 14.18 - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- that your pet ingested something - aspca.org
- Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Cooling - consumerreports.org
Further reading
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5800390/
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
- https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/warm-weather-pet-safety
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cooling-mats-for-dogs/
Disclaimer
This article is a personal reflection shared for general informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, insurance, or tax advice. For decisions about your own money, please consult a qualified financial professional.
