The 15 Best Cooling Dog Beds for Pups That Run Hot

• Why We Love It: Comes in four sizes, holds large breeds, chemical-free fabric, easy to clean, indoor/outdoor
• How It Works: Raised for airflow, breathable fabric
• Cons: Assembly required

Sometimes all it takes is a nice breeze to cool your dog down. This elevated cooling bed sits eight inches high and comes in three sizes: small (dogs up to 50 pounds), medium (dogs up to 75 pounds) and large (dogs up to 100 pounds). It’s made with a super-breathable, durable, high-density polyethylene that is 100 percent recyclable fabric, meaning it has no harmful chemicals, is easy to clean and strong enough to withstand outdoor elements. Think of it like a camping cot for your pup.

• Why We Love It: Lightweight, no assembly required, foldable
• How It Works: Raised for airflow, breathable mesh
• Cons: No skid-proof

Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or into the next room, lugging a heavy cooling dog bed isn’t ideal. This 40-inch long cot weighs just seven pounds and folds up into a more manageable size for carrying back and forth. The legs fold out (no assembly required) and have rubber grips to prevent the bed from sliding around. Pet Gear does make a larger version for big breeds, too. Designed to be water-resistant and breathable, this is a stellar solution to a hot dog anywhere. Some users noted the skid-proof claim is a stretch and that the bed may slide around if your pup jumps on it or moves around a lot.

• Why We Love It: Only 3” high, made for large breeds or seniors who need space
• How It Works: Cooling gel foam layer
• Cons: Only comes in larger sizes, cover may pill easily

Senior dogs need orthopedic support without having to climb up onto a tall bed. This Frisco cooling bed provides all that and more. Its top layer is cooling gel foam which eases achy joints. The cover is machine-washable and the bed itself, though fairly large, is lightweight (only six pounds). One reviewer noted their Husky runs hot but is in love with this bed - a testament to its cooling properties. 

• Why We Love It: Comes in sizes small to XXL, machine washable cover
• How It Works: Breathable canvas fabric prevents heat build-up
• Cons: Needs 48 hours to fully expand, could use more cushion

If you live in an ever-changing climate (hello, everyone), you may need a dog bed that can be both warm and cool. This one by EMPSIGN is reversible. One side has “dry, breathable canvas” that will keep your dog chill on hot days. When it arrives, you have to let three full inches of foam fully expand before applying the cooling/warming cover (which is machine washable). Some reviewers note it’s not as plush or cushy as they’d like, so adding a blanket underneath may be good if your dog suffers from joint issues.

• Why We Love It: Easily portable, works on top of many beds/surfaces, non-toxic
• How It Works: Cooling gel activated by dog weight (can be refrigerated)
• Cons: No cushion or support

Even if your pup snoozes the whole damn afternoon, he’ll stay cool on the Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat. This bed kicks into action as soon as it feels your dog’s body weight and recharges itself after roughly 15 minutes of inactivity. While the design is more focused on cooling than comfort, it easily lays on top of thicker cushions or beds to keep your pup happy on a hot day (which is especially helpful if you travel together in the car a lot).

• Why We Love It: Great for senior or arthritic dogs, machine washable cover, sizes range from small to XL
• How It Works: Cooling gel layer
• Cons: Not super soft

Sealy, a company known for its human mattresses, makes an orthopedic dog bed with high-quality foam (for comfort) and a Pro-Charcoal base (for odor absorption). The heat regulating Cooling Energy Gel gathers high temperatures on the bed’s surface and sends them back into the air or onto the floor beneath it. Rest easy knowing your dog is keeping cool and staying stable, as there's a no-slip bottom that prevents them from scooting around as they chase cars in their sleep). Some reviewers noted the cover isn’t super soft and some of their dogs weren’t into that sensation.

• Why We Love It: Machine washable cover, big size range, gel-infused memory foam
• How It Works: Cooling gel foam layer
• Cons: Not ideal for heavy chewers

The secret of this sofa bed style dog furniture is the layer of cooling gel foam that's tucked under the quilted cover (which is machine washable and comes in 14 different colors). The design is wide enough to accommodate your pet inside the bolsters, or they can opt to use the bolsters as a headrest to realign the pressure on their frame while they sleep. And the nooks and crannies of the bed are perfect for a little snuffling around before settling down to nap. The manufacturer states the top of the bed (aka the part your dog sleeps on) will stay one to two degrees cooler than the air.

• Why We Love It: Long-lasting cooling effect, puncture-resistant
• How It Works: Cooling gel activated by dog weight
• Cons: On the pricier side

If your dog loves her crate (and/or you are crate training), this mat may become your pup’s BFF. It requires no technology or refrigeration. Made with non-toxic cooling gel means there’s no work on your end beyond placing it in the crate (they work well in the back seats of cars, too!). The mat stays cool for up to three hours. Don’t worry, Art Pets says this thing is puncture-resistant, so doggy nails won’t damage it. (Bonus: The nylon material ensures easy cleaning). It comes in three sizes: 35” x 55”, 23” x 35”, and 27” x 43”.

• Why We Love It: Made for large breeds, canopy for sun protection, sturdy, waterproof, can remove canopy for indoor use
• How It Works: Raised for airflow, breathable mesh, canopy for sun protection
• Cons: No option for toy breeds (but tiny pups have no problem fitting on these beds)

The manufacturer says this elevated bed is “a luxurious accessory for furry kings and queens” and we couldn’t agree more. Set your pup up right on this steel-framed bed covered in breathable fabric. The canopy protects dogs from the sun. It comes in three large sizes, so be sure to choose the right one for your dog breed (the smallest version holds up to 60 pounds, largest version holds up to 120 pounds).

• Why We Love It: Portable, lightweight
• How It Works: Cooling gel pad, canopy for sun protection
• Cons: May not do well on windy days

This foldable shelter comes with a cooling gel pad and expandable tent. Designed for pups up to 25 pounds, it’s ideal for tiny companion animals who need a cool spot to sit while you’re socializing or lounging. This also works well if you’re at an outdoor event and it starts to drizzle! Plop your pup in here to keep them dry.

• Why We Love It: No toxic gels, tough exterior
• How It Works: Fill with cold water
• Cons: Must fill with water

As a waterbed for dogs, this bed is literally one of the coolest on our list. It makes recovery from surgeries, skin issues and stiff joints easier on your dog’s body. The bed requires no cords, batteries or weird chemicals. To activate the cooling core, just pour water through the filler cap and the bed will absorb your dog’s body heat and bring things back down to room temperature. Bottom line: Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions and you should be just fine.

• Why We Love It: Portable, can be placed on existing beds, machine washable
• How It Works: Absorbs heat with cooling fabric
• Cons: Not suitable for outdoors

Perhaps your dog prefers blankets to beds? Go with this cooling blanket from PetFusion. The lightweight, breathable fabric (it’s made with 20 percent cool technology PE fabric) absorbs heat from your dog to lower their body temperature. An ideal option for car rides or couches on sweaty days.

• Why We Love It: Water- and mold-resistant fabric, can be zipped when raining
• How It Works: Raised for airflow, breathable mesh, canopy for sun protection
• Cons: Some dogs are afraid of it, assembly required

Camping trips with your pooch are fun, unless they get uncomfortable in high temperatures. This dog bed is not only elevated and covered, it’s designed to keep your pet safe from the elements. The fabric is nylon and water-resistant. It won’t get moldy or grow bacteria, either. Two windows provide circulation when it’s nice and can be zipped up to keep out rain if necessary. K&H says the large size can hold up to 200 pounds. Some reviewers said their dogs were wary of getting into this bed! Maybe ease your pup into it if she scares easily. 

• Why We Love It: Cools and heats, heating control won’t overheat your pup
• How It Works: Electric fan
• Cons: Challenging set-up, not suitable for dogs over 70 pounds, must be plugged in

This is smart tech in cooling bed form! Activate this bolster-style bed to fan your pup from below on hot days. The mesh cushion lets air flow through. (The button should be blue; if it’s red, the heat aspect is activated.) This bed comes in two sizes but isn’t suitable for breeds over 70 pounds. The biggest drawback seems to be the set-up and since it needs an outlet, it must be strategically placed in your home. Don’t leave it on for more than four hours!