Cooling Dog Beds Buyer’s Guide
The great thing about any cooling pet bed is that they’re available in different sizes and shapes and it’ll stay cool for hours while your dog is laying on it.
Unlike dog cooling mats that are thinner and less effective, cooling dog pads are constructed from sturdy materials and are made to stay cool for long periods. But, it’s important to note that some manufacturers use the names cooling dog pad, cooling dog bed, and cooling dog mat interchangeably so you may not be able to tell the difference in some cases.
Most people aren’t educated when it comes to a cooling dog bed and how it works. That’s why they hesitate to try it out. Plus, there’s a lot of conflicting information and several options to choose from out there that only add to the confusion.
Here we have done some research to bring you the following helpful guide. It’s like an all-in-one info pack all about cooling dog beds. By the end of it, you’ll know what a cooling pet bed is, what it’s for and how to use it for the best results. This’ll enable you to make the best purchasing decision possible.
Types Of Cooling Pet Beds For Dogs
Cooling pet beds come in two distinct types, namely:
Water Beds
This is designed like a regular human-sized water bed, except it’s the dog version. You fill it up with water, which is what’s responsible for the device’s heat absorbing properties. For the best results, it’s essential to choose a cooling bed that’s made from high-quality materials that will maximize the cooling temperature of the water inside. On the downside, even the smallest rupture can damage this type of cooling pad to the point that you’ll need to purchase a new one.
Gel Pads
Cooling gel pads are quite popular because they’re easier to clean and maintain with a lower risk factor than the water-based models. The great thing about this type of cooling bed is that it’s portable and more flexible so you can move it around or haul it on top of your car when you’re traveling. The gel cooling action of this bed is designed similarly to anti-fever patches.
Things To Look For When Shopping A Cooling Dog Bed
Here are some important features that you need to keep in mind when looking for the perfect cooling dog bed.
Durability
Durability is an essential factor in any buying decision. It’s crucial to purchase a product that not only works as advertised but can last you for a long time to come. Also, you have to consider that some dogs like to chew or claw into new and unfamiliar objects and this cool mat won’t be any different, so it’s best to opt for a cooling pad that’s made from heavy-duty materials.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, it’s recommended to get an indestructible dog bed instead.
Thermal Efficiency
The thermal efficiency of a cooling dog bed is determined by several different factors. This includes the physical properties of the materials that the mat is made of, the temperature gradient between the mat and your dog, as well as the product’s cross-section. This is why different mats have different thermal efficiency levels even though they have a seemingly similar design. Some can stay cool for 2 hours while some can go for up to 4 hours. You want to buy a product that’ll stay cool for a long time.
An elevated dog bed can also be a great option to keep your pooch cool during the hot summer months.
Portability
Cooling beds are often bulkier and less portable than cooling dog mats so that’s something else you might want to consider if you enjoy road tripping or camping with your dog. The great thing about cooling pads is that they’re easily collapsible and require very little assembly. This means you can easily store them away when not in use, or travel with them too.
For larger dogs, you might not be able to get a standard-sized dog bed. There are large breed dog beds available, but do take note that these beds do not come with a cooling mechanism.
Cleaning
Another important factor for most dog owners is ease of maintenance. Luckily, most cooling dog beds and mats are made from waterproof materials that are easy to clean with a damp cloth. Other models even come with removable and machine washable covers. Just make sure to use gentle cleaning agents and stay away from chemical solutions that might damage the material.
If your pooch is suffering from joint conditions such as arthritis, it might be worth getting them an orthopedic dog bed instead.
