Dogs can experience heat exhaustion, too. Here’s how to prevent it (2024)

Much like their owners, dogs can experience heat exhaustion, sunburns and dehydration during the warmer months. To help prevent them from overheating, it might be worth investing in a cooling dog bed, which helps regulate their body temperature and keep them cool both night and day.

I spoke to veterinarians, dog trainers and pet behavior specialists about the benefits of a cooling dog bed and what to consider when shopping for one. I also rounded up my experts’ favorite cooling beds to consider, alongside options our NBC Select editors’ dogs use to keep cool.

SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best cooling dog beds | Best cooling dog beds | What makes a dog bed cooling? | Should you get a cooling bed for your dog? | Is a cooling mat better for your dog? | Why trust NBC Select?

When shopping for a cooling dog bed, experts I spoke to recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

• Type: Cooling dog beds should have some form of temperature regulation, whether that’s through the filling on the inside, raised design or built-in features like canopies. The most popular type is an elevated bed, which prevents pups from lying on hot surfaces and helps air circulate underneath to keep them cool, experts say. Other dog beds may be filled with a cooling gel that absorbs heat and redistributes it, so the bed itself cools down as your pup uses it, experts say.
• Material and durability: Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials like mesh, nylon and cooling gel-infused foam. If you plan to use a cooling dog bed outside, buy one made from durable, water-resistant fabrics like polyester or polyethylene so it can withstand moisture, changing temperatures and UV rays, experts say.
• Your dog’s size and age: Most beds will have size recommendations based on your dog’s weight. Generally, the right size bed means it’s large enough for your dog to sprawl out with their limbs fully extended and their entire body still on the bed, experts say in our guide to dog beds. If your pet is older, consider a non-elevated cooling bed that is easier for them to enter and exit. You may also want to consider a bed that has a thicker orthopedic foam, which provides more cushioning and joint relief, says Dr. Abel Gonzalez, a veterinarian and the clinical director at Dutch, a pet telehealth company.
• Maintenance: Consider how easy and straightforward the bed is to clean. Some beds will require you to spot clean only, while others have a removable and washable cover that you can throw into your washing machine.

Each bed below is made of cooling materials or has an elevated design that increases airflow, based on expert guidance.

Best overall: Kuranda Chew-Proof Elevated Dog Bed

Kuranda Chew-Proof Elevated Dog Bed

$

80.95

$

58.95

$80.95

What we like

• Durable
• Raised frame
• Resists fading from UV rays

Something to note

• Expensive

Kuranda’s elevated dog beds are a favorite among our experts. “I adore the Kuranda beds. I own several and they will last a lifetime,” says Elizabeth Ingalls, a certified dog behavior consultant. It’s also one that veterinarian Dr. Kristen Nelson has for her golden retriever, Sully. “When [Sully] was a puppy, the only bed he didn’t chew up was the Kuranda platform bed,” she told me in our guide to dog beds.

Your pup can use this bed both indoors and outdoors and it stands on a durable frame that resists fading from the sun’s UV rays, according to the brand. The air circulation underneath the bed can help keep your dog cool in summer and lifts them off the hot floors outside (and cold floors in the wintertime), experts say. Made for dogs up to 100 pounds, the bed comes in four different fabric types, including heavy duty vinyl, smooth nylon, textured nylon and outdoor mesh.

Weight limit: 100 lbs | Bed size (LxW): 25 in. x 18 in.; 30 in. x 20 in.; 35 in. x 23 in.; 40 in. x 25 in.; 44 in. x 27 in.; 50 in. x 36 in. | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Nylon cover, PVC frame | Washability: Wipe clean

Best lightweight: Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed

Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed

$

24.43

$

44.99

What we like

• Breathable mesh
• Removable cover
• Lightweight

Something to note

• Assembly required

See Also

General Purpose Rolling Ladders - Grainger Industrial Supply

This bed’s surface is removable and made from a breathable, water-resistant fabric that you can wipe clean or hose off, according to the brand. Donna Pilikyan, NBC senior commerce operations associate, used this raised outdoor bed for her dog Ozzy, who lived in Florida’s warm climate. The bed, which sits 8 inches off the ground, prevented Ozzy from lying on a warm surface and getting too hot, says Pilikyan.

Weight limit: 50 lbs (small); 75 lbs (medium); 100 lbs (large); 150 lbs (extra-large) | Bed size: 35 in. x 22 in. (small); 42 in. x 25.5 in. (medium); 51 in. x 31.5 in. (large); 59.8 in. x 37 in. (extra-large) | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Mesh cover | Washability: Wipe clean or hose off

Best budget-friendly: Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Dog Bed

Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Dog Bed

$

29.14

What we like

• Lightweight
• Tools included
• Durable frame

Something to note

• Assembly required

One of our favorite outdoor dog beds, this raised bed lifts dogs more than 7 inches off the ground and it’s lightweight enough to move around and take on travels, according to the brand. You can clean it by scrubbing the mesh platform or hosing it down, according to Amazon. If you don’t mind building the frame yourself, this dog bed comes with all the screws and tools you need.

Weight limit: 20 lbs (small); 74.9 lbs (medium); 90 lbs (large); 110.2 lbs (extra-large) | Bed size: 36 in. x 22 in. (small); 43 in. x 25.6 in. (medium); 51.3 in. x 31.5 in. (large); 60 in. x 37 in. (extra-large) | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Mesh cover | Washability: Wipe clean or hose off

Best elevated: K9 Ballistics Ripstop Elevated Dog Bed

This dog bed from expert-favorite brand K9 Ballistics has an all-metal frame and durable ripstop fabric sling that manages to resist heavy chewing and scratching, according to the brand. You can use this bed indoors, outdoors and inside standard wide crates, plus it arrives pre-assembled so you don’t have to worry about tools. It also has rubber foot pads to protect your floors and prevent it from sliding around. You can even personalize it with your dog’s name or initials for an additional $12.

Weight limit: 250 lbs | Bed size: 29 in. x 18 in. (small); 35 in. x 22 in. (medium); 41 in. x 27 in. (large); 47 in. x 29 in. (extra-large); 50 in. x 33 in. (XXL) | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Ripstop fabric cover; aluminum frame | Washability: Wipe clean or hose off

Best outdoor: Lesure Elevated Raised Outdoor Dog Bed

Lesure Elevated Raised Outdoor Dog Bed

$

37.99

$

44.99

What we like

• Sturdy, breathable mesh
• Non-slip feet
• Durable iron frame

Something to note

• Assembly required
• No small size

Lesure is a favorite brand among our editors and an NBC Select Pet Award winner. This raised outdoor dog bed is made from a sturdy loose-knit mesh fabric, which is supportive enough to reduce joint pressure points and muscle tension, according to the brand. It weighs about 10 pounds, making it easy to move around and travel-friendly. It has a durable iron frame, plus U-shaped legs and anti-slip feet to support your dog’s weight while preventing the bed from slipping around on your floors, according to the brand.

Weight limit: 40 lbs (medium); 65 lbs (large); 85 lbs (extra-large); 150 lbs (XXL) | Bed size: 34.3 in. x 21.8 in. (medium); 41.4 in. x 26 in. (large); 48 in. x 31.5 in. (extra-large); 54 in. x 35.4 in. (XXL) | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Mesh cover, iron frame | Washability: Wipe clean or hose off

Best high-end: Le Dog Le Bed

This leather dog bed has a cooling gel memory foam top that, paired with the breathable leather material, helps regulate your pup’s temperature and adds an extra layer of cushion, according to NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez, whose 7-year-old pitbull, Baylor, uses this bed every day. It also has an orthopedic, dense foam base that supports your pup’s joints and keeps them elevated off the floor, according to the brand.

Weight limit: 125 lbs (medium); 185 lbs (large) | Bed size: 33 in. x 25 in. (medium); 45 in. x 35 in. (large) | Type: Regular bed | Material: Leather cover, cooling gel memory foam | Washability: Machine-washable cover

Best with bolsters: K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed with Bolsters

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed with Bolsters

$

56.99

$

64.99

What we like

• Collapsible
• Machine-washable bolsters
• Durable metal frame

Something to note

• Assembly required

Another outdoor dog bed we love, this raised option has bolsters along the edges for your dog to rest their head or paws. It also keeps your dog enclosed to help make them feel cozy and secure, experts say. You can also remove the bolsters if you want a regular cot design, and the bolsters and cover are machine-washable. Plus, you can add the brand’s canopy (sold separately) to protect your dog from direct sunlight. The bed also has slip-resistant rubber feet and collapses for easy storage, according to the brand.

Weight limit: 200 lbs | Bed size: 22 in. x 17 in. (small); 32 in. x 25 in. (medium); 42 in. x 30 in. (large) | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Mesh cover, steel frame | Washability: Machine-washable cover and bolsters

Best with canopy: PawHut Elevated Dog Bed with Removable Canopy

PawHut Elevated Dog Bed with Removable Canopy

$

42.99

What we like

• Protects against direct sun
• Removable canopy
• Foldable design

Something to note

• Assembly required

“For beds, I recommend something elevated with a shade canopy. This is a general-purpose option that works for any dog, even one that chews,” says Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer at Woofz, a puppy and dog training app, who uses this Pawhut option for her own dog. The canopy is removable, so you can use it both indoors and outdoors. The cot, which lifts your pet over 7 inches off the ground, is water- and UV-resistant and folds down so you can easily store it away or take it on the go, according to the brand.

Weight limit: 44 lbs | Bed size: 30 in. x 24 in. | Type: Elevated cot | Material: Mesh cover, steel frame | Washability: n/a

Best chew-resistant: K9 Ballistics Orthopedic Dog Bed

This dog bed comes recommended by Gonzalez because of its gel-infused memory foam, which is both cooling and supportive, and the durable ripstop fabric is meant to withstand heavy chewers, scratching and other wear and tear, he says. The removable cover is water-resistant and machine-washable. Plus, it has orthopedic support, which makes it great for senior dogs and larger breeds, experts say. The bed also has a non-slip bottom to prevent it from sliding around.

Weight limit: 30 lbs (small); 50 lbs (medium); 80 lbs (large); 100 lbs (extra-large); 101+ lbs (XXL) | Bed size: 24 in. x 18 in. (small); 33 in. x 27 in. (medium); 40 in. x 34 in. (large); 54 in. x 38 in. (extra-large); 68 in. x 40 in. (XXL) | Type: Regular bed | Material: Cooling gel foam, ripstop fabric cover | Washability: Machine-washable cover

Best orthopedic: Big Barker 7-Inch Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

Big Barker 7-Inch Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

$

239.95

$

349.95

$239.95$349.95$239.95$349.95

What we like

• Head rest
• Helps soothe joint pain
• Good for large breeds

Something to note

• Assembly required
• Microfiber cover can get warm
• Not chew-resistant

Gonzalez recommends this thick cooling foam bed for larger dogs because of its orthopedic support that helps soothe joint issues and pain, he says. It has a soft microfiber cover that’s both removable and machine-washable. The couch-style bed also has a bolster on one side to give your pup a place to rest their head. The bed comes in two additional styles: no bolsters and “sofa style” with bolsters on three sides.

Weight limit: n/a | Bed size: 48 x 30 in. (large); 52 in. x 36 in. (extra-large); 60 in. x 48 in. (giant) | Type: Regular bed | Material: Cooling foam, microfiber cover | Washability: Machine-washable cover

Best plush: Furhaven Cooling Gel Dog Bed

Furhaven Cooling Gel Dog Bed

$

97.99

What we like

• Cooling gel foam top
• Three-sided bolster design
• Removable washable cover

Something to note

• Not chew-resistant

If your dog prefers a plush, sofa-style bed that is both cooling and supportive, consider this one from Furhaven. The bed itself is made from plush faux fur, while the thick bolsters on three sides are made from soft velvet and provides them a place to rest their head and paws, according to the brand. It has a cooling gel foam top that helps wick away and redistribute heat, experts say. It also has a supportive, orthopedic design to soothe pressure points and joint pain for older dogs, according to Furhaven.

Weight limit: 35 lbs (medium); 55 lbs (large); 95 lbs (extra-large) | Bed size: 30 x 20 in. (medium); 36 in. x 27 in. (large); 40 in. x 32 in. (extra-large) | Type: Regular bed | Material: Cooling gel foam, faux fur cover, micro velvet bolsters | Washability: Machine-washable cover

Best cooling mat: The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

$

59.99

$59.99$47.99$59.99

What we like

• Versatile and portable
• Stays cold for hours
• Automatically recharges

Something to note

• Not supportive

Cooling mats are a great alternative to cooling beds because they are more versatile, travel-friendly and can typically stay cold for longer, experts say. You can also place cooling mats on top of your dog’s regular bed or crate to keep them cool in the warmer months without needing to buy a whole new bed. This cooling mat is recommended by Olivia Peterson, professional dog trainer and owner of Sound Connection Dog Training, because its cooling properties are activated by putting pressure on the mat, so it does not require you to put it in the fridge or freezer (though the brand recommends putting it in the fridge for more intense cooling). The cooling gel automatically “recharges,” or gets cold again, after 15-20 minutes of non-use, according to the brand. It can also stay cool for up to three hours depending on the outside conditions, says Peterson.

Weight limit: 80 lbs | Bed size: 23.6 in. x 35 in. | Type: Cooling mat | Material: Cooling gel | Washability: Wipe clean

Best cooling mat and bed combo: Pelsbarn Heatrelief Cooling Dog Bed

This Pelsbarn option combines the benefits of a cooling mat and a dog bed; it’s made of a silk material that is cool to the touch and is mostly flat, but it has a plush bolstered side where they can lay their head, according to the brand. It has a removable machine-washable cover and you can easily fold it up to take when you travel. The cooling bed is recommended by Zoe Malin, NBC Select associate updates editor, because her 100-pound yellow lab, Chance, loves it. “It’s [Chance’s] favorite — it feels cold to the touch and has been a godsend this summer,” says Malin.

Weight limit: n/a | Bed size: 39 in. x 33 in. (extra-small/small); 35 in. x 39 in. (medium/large); 51 in. x 45 in. (extra-large) | Type: Cooling mat | Material: Ice silk | Washability: Machine-washable cover

There are a few different factors that make a dog bed “cooling.” These factors may (and often do) overlap, but what you choose depends on your dog’s preferences and comfort level.

You’ll often find beds made from materials like gel-infused memory foam, breathable mesh or fabrics that wick away moisture, which help to dissipate heat and keep the surface cool, says Gonzalez. Most cooling dog beds (as well as cooling mats and pads, which we detail below) operate like a “heat-sink” that absorbs as much heat through contact with your dog and tries to dissipate it through a gel or other material, says Peterson.

Some cooling beds still have cushioning features like bolsters. If your dog is older or needs more support for joint pain or pressure points, consider an orthopedic bed with cooling properties.

Some cooling dog beds are flush with the ground and have a good amount of cushioning, while others have a raised base that lifts the platform (the part your dog rests on) a few inches off the ground. Elevated dog beds allow air to circulate underneath and help to dissipate heat. “This airflow keeps the bed cooler, making it a great option for dogs in warm climates or those prone to overheating,” says Gonzalez.

Many elevated dog beds double as outdoor beds that are water-resistant and durable enough to withstand the elements, experts say. In addition to temperature-regulating airflow, these beds also keep pups from laying on the hot ground. Plus, since they don’t make contact with the ground, they usually stay cleaner, drier and free of pests, experts say. You can also place a cooling mat on top of an elevated dog bed for more comfort, says Peterson.

Some outdoor dog beds will have a built-in shade canopy, which helps limit your pup’s exposure to the sun (and keeps the bed cooler).

There are plenty of reasons why your dog can benefit from a cooling bed. They provide your pup with a consistently cool area that regulates their body temperature, which is especially helpful if your home does not have tiles or hardwood floors, says Peterson. Plus, since dogs can experience heat exhaustion and dehydration from hot weather like humans do (some breeds, including those with thicker fur, are even more prone to these symptoms — more on that below), it reduces the risk of them overheating.

Cooling mats and pads typically use water or gel to absorb and dissipate heat from your dog’s body and provide a cool surface for them to rest on, says Gonzalez. Others require you to cool down the mat beforehand, which might include placing it in the fridge or freezer. “[Cooling mats] can be very effective in keeping dogs comfortable during hot summer days, especially when placed in their favorite resting spots,” says Gonzalez.

Cooling mats and pads have a range of benefits, and whether they are more beneficial than a cooling bed fully depends on your dog and their comfort level. Cooling mats are a portable and versatile option since they are lightweight, fold up easily and you can place them on top of an existing bed, experts say. On the other hand, cooling beds offer more comfort and support.

“Some dogs may prefer the simplicity of a mat, while others benefit from the added cushioning of a cooling bed,” says Gonzalez.

In fact, several experts I spoke to actually prefer dog cooling mats over cooling beds: “I find it useful to have a cooling blanket and use it as a topper for my dog on his bed that he already uses year-round during the warmer summer months,” says Peteron.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Abel Gonzalez is a veterinarian and the clinical director at Dutch, a pet telehealth company.
• Annie-Mae Levy is a professional dog trainer at Woofz, a puppy and dog training app.
• Elizabeth Ingalls is a certified dog behavior consultant who works with clients in-person in Enfield, Connecticut and the Big Bend area of Florida, as well as remotely around the world.
• Dr. Kristen Nelson is a veterinarian at Arizona Skies Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, Arizona and the author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life.”
• Olivia Peterson is a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Sound Connection Dog Training in Seattle, Washington.

I am an updates editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet topics, including dog food, beds, treats and toys. For this article, I spoke to five veterinarians and dog trainers about the benefits of a cooling dog bed and rounded up their picks for the best ones to buy. I also rounded up NBC Select staff-favorite dog beds to consider.

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