Dog cooling and heat mats
This aisle brings together the two ends of temperature control for dogs: pressure-activated cooling mats for warm weather and summer travel, and microwavable or electric heat pads for cold nights and older dogs who feel the chill. They work on opposite principles, so it's worth knowing which one actually suits the problem you're solving.
How cooling mats work
A gel-based cooling mat like the Kingdom Pet Self Cooling Mat uses pressure-activated cooling gel that draws heat away from a dog's body when they lie on it — no electricity, no freezing beforehand, it simply reactivates once weight is taken off it for a while. That makes it genuinely useful in a car, on a patio, or anywhere without a plug socket nearby.
For dogs travelling or exercising in heat, a Reflective Dog Cooling Vest works alongside a mat rather than replacing it, cooling the dog's core while they're moving rather than only when they're lying down. Neither substitutes for shade and water, which matter more than any product on a genuinely hot day.
Heat pads for cold weather
A microwavable pad like the Hotties Heat Pad Red Polka is heated in short bursts in the microwave and holds warmth for a few hours, which suits an older dog with stiff joints or a short-coated breed that struggles in cold conditions. They're a supplement to normal bedding rather than a dog's whole bed, placed under or beside a blanket rather than directly under a dog for a full night.
An Ice-Silk Cooling Bed with Pillow Bolster sits somewhere in between — a bed with a cooling surface fabric built in for milder warm days, useful for a dog that just runs generally hot rather than needing an actively cooling gel mat.
Matching the mat to the dog
Flat-faced breeds and dogs with thick double coats generally struggle more with heat and benefit most from a cooling mat during summer, while older, arthritic dogs and short-coated breeds tend to feel the cold more and get more use from a heat pad. A dog that's neither especially sensitive to heat nor cold may not need either — a normal comfortable bed is enough.
Always check a heat pad has cooled to a safe, warm-not-hot temperature before letting a dog lie directly on it, and never leave a dog unsupervised with an electric heat pad plugged in, since chewing through a cable is a real risk with some dogs.
In this section
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Pressure-Activated Pet Cooling Mat
Press down, feel the cool — this pressure-activated mat absorbs body heat and stays up to 10°C cooler than the room, with no freezing required.
From£34.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Four-Sided Washable Dog Bed
A cosy bolstered dog bed with raised sides for a sense of security and a fully removable, machine-washable cover. The layered cushion and mattress lift out for easy cleaning, ideal for autumn and winter.
From£46.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Pad for Pets
A breathable, anti-slip ice-silk cooling mat that keeps cats and dogs comfortable on hot days, no freezing required. It rolls up neatly for travel and the cool-touch surface helps reduce overheating at home or in the car.
From£8.99
Padded Pet Crate Mat with Corner Ties
A padded crate mat with corner ties that stays put inside a cage or carrier.
From£8.99
Cooling Bolster Pet Sofa Bed
Supportive bolster pet bed with a breathable cooling top that keeps dogs and cats comfortable in warmer weather. Raised sides cushion the neck and the cover fully detaches for easy washing.
From£65.99
Reflective Dog Cooling Vest
A lightweight cooling vest that helps keep your dog comfortable on hot-weather walks. Soak it, wring it out and fit it over the back; the breathable fabric and reflective trim aid temperature control and visibility.
From£17.99
L-Shaped Bolster Dog Sofa Bed
A roomy sofa-style dog bed with a raised L-shaped bolster along the back and side for support. The flat cushioned base gives large dogs plenty of space to sprawl and rest.
From£65.99
Breathable Pet Cooling Mat
A breathable cooling mat that draws heat away to keep dogs and cats comfortable on hot days.
From£11.99
Bolstered Orthopaedic Dog Bed
A supportive bolstered dog bed with a thick cushioned base and raised sides that cradle joints and give a place to rest the head. Ideal for older dogs or any pet who likes to stretch out for restful, comfortable sleep.
From£45.99
Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed with Washable Cover
A supportive memory-foam dog bed with raised bolster sides for head and neck resting. The soft cream boucle cover removes for washing, making it easy to keep fresh while giving your dog proper rest.
From£69.99
Common questions
- How does a pressure-activated cooling mat work without electricity or freezing?
- The mat contains a gel that responds to pressure and body heat, drawing warmth away from the dog while they lie on it, then reactivating on its own once weight is lifted off for a while. There's nothing to plug in or freeze beforehand, which is what makes it practical for travel and outdoor use.
- Is a heat pad safe to leave with my dog unsupervised?
- A microwavable pad that's simply warm rather than plugged in is generally lower risk, but an electric heat pad should never be left with a dog unsupervised, since chewing through a cable is a genuine hazard with some dogs. Always check any pad has cooled to a comfortable, warm temperature before letting a dog lie on it.
- Do flat-faced dogs need a cooling mat more than other breeds?
- Yes, flat-faced breeds struggle to cool themselves as efficiently through panting and are more prone to overheating, so a cooling mat is genuinely useful for them during warm weather. It should sit alongside shade and water rather than replace either on a hot day.
- Can I use a cooling mat and heat pad for the same dog across the year?
- Yes, plenty of owners use a cooling mat in summer and switch to a heat pad in winter for the same dog, particularly an older dog that feels both extremes more than a younger one. They solve different problems, so there's no conflict in owning both.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.