The summer heat is here! If you have a dog that has thick fur like my golden retrievers; their fur coats feel like warm blankets under the sun. A dog cooling mat can help to cool off your furry friend. In this post, I will share whether a dog cooling mat is worth it to keep your pup cool during the hot summer months. I will also share the benefits, types of dog cooling mats, and the factors you should consider before purchasing one. Lastly, I will feature and review the Rywell self-cooling mat for dogs that I purchased from Amazon.

This is my dog KENZO after his 100-yard Fast CAT run of 9.49 seconds. It was a hot day and for sure his temperature rose from this intense run. I made sure I provided him with water, a shaded area to rest, and a Rywell self-cooling dog mat to lay down.

What Is A Dog Cooling Mat?

A dog cooling mat is a purpose-designed mat that uses cooling technologies. A cooling mat for your dog to lie on and help regulate their body temperature to prevent overheating.

As I mentioned above, if you have a dog that has thick fur, this type of cooling mat helps a dog cool off from heat and relaxes a dog after an energetic fun play.

Benefits of A Dog Cooling Mat

A dog cooling mat offers these benefits for your dog:
1. Hot Weather Safety
During hot days, it is important to keep your dog cool to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

If you have a large breed dog like a golden retriever that is prone to heatstroke, a dog cooling mat is essential to help maintain a safe body temperature.

2. Comfortable Resting Place
A cooling mat can provide your dog with a safe soothing cool spot to relax and lie down especially when the weather is hot.

3. Senior Dog Health
A cooling mat can alleviate discomfort for a senior dog with joint pain. Also, the cooling effect of the mat can ease and lessen inflammation.

Different Types of  Cooling Mats for Dogs

1. Gel-based Cooling Mats are filled with a special non-toxic gel.

2. Water-filled Cooling Mats need to be filled up with water.

3. Fabric-based Cooling Mats use special advanced cooling fabric materials.

What To Look For When Buying A Dog Cooling Mat?

1. Right Type of Material
– Technology Used
– Durability and Safety
If your dog is a chewer, it is important to check the materials for non-toxicity. Durability is also crucial to ensure the mat withstands wear and tear.

2. Bottom Material
An anti-slip bottom is an essential feature of a cooling mat to keep it in place and ensure a secure feeling for your dog.

3. Size
Cooling mats are made in different sizes and can accommodate big dogs. It is important to choose the right size for your dog breed. Sometimes, it might be worth getting a smaller mat for road trips and a larger one for home use.

4. Price
Cooling mats for dogs can vary in cost and can be expensive. it is important to compare all the features and dog owner reviews. From my experience, sometimes, an expensive cooling mat does not mean it’s good and your dog will enjoy lying on it. So, it’s important to check all the features.

5. Clean-Up
Easy cleanup after use is so important. Gel mats, for example, usually need a simple wipe down, whereas water mats might require more thorough drying to prevent mold, and a fabric cooling mat is required to be washed in a washing machine.

How Does Cooling Mats Work?

What Dog Cooling Mat I Bought For My Golden Retrievers?

I bought my dogs a Rywell dog cooling mat. This is the third cooling mat I bought for my golden retrievers, and so far they love it. First and foremost, no issues and no luring needed for my dogs to sit or lie down on the mat, unlike the other cooling mats I previously bought. I selected the Rywell cooling mat because it’s made of fabric.

5 Things I Like About Rywell Dog Cooling Mat

1. Arc-Chill Cooling Fabric
One reason I decided to get the Rywell cooling mat is because of the Arc-Chill cooling fabric from Japan.

This Arc-Chill cooling fabric is supposed to drop the apparent temperature 4-6°F to protect your dog from overheating and dehydration during hot days.

2. Safe Non-Toxic Materials
Since it’s a fabric cooling mat, I don’t have to worry about leaking gel or water. I also feel safe that my dog will be relaxing on a cooling mat that is made with non-toxic, non-irritating fibers and free of dangerous chemicals.

3. Visual Heat Absorption and Color Change
You know the mat is providing coolness to your dog when the Arc-Chill cooling mat changes color from deep blue to light blue (sometimes white).

Basically, when your dog’s temperature is at about 95 F, the cooling mat color will lighten up as it absorbs heat and then return to blue color once cooled.

This is such a cool and helpful feature. At a recent dog sports event, I brought the Rywell cooling mat and witnessed its amazing heat absorption and cooling process in action. From the video below, I was glad and relieved that the cooling mat helped KENZO. He was comfortable, relaxed, and able to continue happily.

4. Anti-Slip and Lightweight
Having an anti-slip is so important and a must-have feature. I’m pleased that the Rywell cooling mat has this anti-slip backing benefit.

The Rywell is lightweight and thicker compared to other cooling mats. So, it’s but a bit ‘puffy’ when folded, taking up most of the space in our travel backpack. However, we were able to utilize the ‘puffy’ spaces in between.
It is very beneficial to pack a cooling mast on our travels and dog events.

5. Size Accommodation and Versatility Usage
I purchased the Rywell Arc-Chill cooling mat in size XL which is recommended for big dogs like my golden retrievers. My goldens weigh about 70+ lbs, and lying on the mat is just the right length for them. However, I wish the mat were a bit longer or wider and could accommodate both of my golden retriever dogs.

If you have a small to medium-sized dog breed, I recommend getting one size up for a roomier feeling especially when your dog lays down.

Since this cooling mat is lightweight, it can be moved and used in many ways; such as a crate mat, car seat mat, and basically any of your dog’s favorite resting places (indoor or outdoor).

My dogs go to work with me, and even though there’s air conditioning, they don’t find the carpet comfortable for napping. So, I brought the Rywell cooling mat and they absolutely loved it.

6. Easy Maintenance
As I mentioned, one of the main reasons I decided to purchase a Rywell cooling mat is because of the fabric material. I love that you can machine wash it (in cold water). I’ve washed it already and hang-dried it, and it has maintained its original shape and functionality.

For easy cleaning, this cooling mat is also waterproof. It was easy to wipe off any dirt after use.

7. Great Value for the Price
A Rywell cooling mat is a good dog product to invest in, especially for your dog’s health.

Take Note: Rywell cooling mats are priced based on the mat size.

Rywell Arc-Chill cooling mat is available at Amazon. 

Is A Dog Cooling Mat Worth It?

Yes, investing in a dog cooling mat like the Rywell Arc-Chill cooling mat is worth it. Definitely, a dog cooling mat helps your dog stay cool, especially during the hot summer months.

As I discussed, there are various types of dog cooling mats, choose the one that best suits your dog’s needs and prioritize their comfort level.

I’ve tried all these types of cooling mats for my golden retrievers, and I’m happy that I finally bought one that they actually love to rest and lie on.

Keep in mind, as a dog parent, investing in a good-quality dog cooling mat can help to your dog’s health and well-being, not just for hot summer days.