Dog cooling mats, vests and beds UK: 9 compared on price, with charity advice

Do cooling mats work for dogs?

Blue Cross says dogs may gravitate towards cool surfaces when hot, and that cooling mats are “especially useful if you do not have any cold or stone surfaces in your home”. It says some mats work best cooled in the freezer while others are self-cooling, and that freezer blocks or a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a tea towel in your dog's bed “will have a similar effect at a more affordable price” (Blue Cross, read 22 October 2026). The PDSA says cooling mats “can be useful when travelling on warm days”; our dog car travel guide covers safe restraints for those journeys.

The mats we found make modest claims. The Scruffs listing says its gel mat is typically 5 to 10 degrees cooler than room temperature for about an hour, then needs an hour unused to reset. zooplus asks owners to supervise pets on its Keep Cool Mat, so a dog that chews may be better with a towel-wrapped ice pack.

Do cooling coats and vests work?

Blue Cross says water-activated cooling coats, harnesses and collars work as the moisture evaporates and draws heat out, and that although they can be pricey, they “can be especially useful for dogs who still need exercise in warmer temperatures”. Three of the vests and the neck cooler here are that kind: you soak them and re-soak when dry. Ruffwear describes its neck gaiter as designed for “hot and dry weather conditions”. The By Teddy vest is different: it uses dry cooling fabric, and the cooling claims for it are the maker's alone. A coat must also fit; our dog harness comparison explains how to check fit, and the PDSA suggests a harness instead of a collar on hot days so your dog can pant more easily.

Paddling pools, towels and fans: what the charities suggest

• RSPCA: damp towels to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, ice cubes in the water bowl, frozen toys, paddling pools or sprinklers. Never place a damp towel over your dog, as it can trap heat (RSPCA).
• Blue Cross: a paddling pool in a shady spot, filled halfway with cold but not freezing water, removed if your dog gets over-excited; and a fan near your dog's resting place that they can move away from.
• PDSA: pour water over your dog or encourage them into a paddling pool on hot days, but keep them in the shade and do not let them get too excited.
• Dogs Trust: shade and plenty of fresh water all day, walks in the early morning or late evening, and the five-second tarmac test for paws (Dogs Trust).

Can a cooling product prevent heatstroke?

Do not rely on one. The charity advice we read puts walk timing, shade and water first, and the PDSA says nearly three quarters of heatstroke cases develop while playing and exercising. Blue Cross says there is no single temperature that is too hot, but temperatures over 20°C can put dogs at higher risk, especially during strenuous exercise, and that dogs with conditions such as obesity are at risk even below that. Dogs Trust says dogs can overheat at any temperature and any time of year. If your dog is overweight, our weight loss dog food comparison may help, and flat-faced, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs need extra care.

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke

Heatstroke is an emergency. The RSPCA says “cool first, transport second”: pour water that is cooler than your dog over their body, avoiding the head, then go to the nearest vet. A cooling mat or vest is not first aid. Our keeping dogs cool in summer guide sets out the RSPCA and PDSA first-aid steps and the signs to watch for. If you are worried, contact your vet; the average vet bill guide shows what emergency treatment can cost.

For other kit, see washable dog beds, the dog accessories hub and the dog health hub.