Animal

Do dog cooling mats work to keep dogs cool? Veterinarian replied


  • This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

For dog parents, summer is filled with fun and good times — but also heat to deal with. Not only is it uncomfortable for dogs and their parents, but high temperatures can pose a serious danger to pets. One interesting method of cooling down that is growing in popularity is the dog cooling mat. But we have to ask: do they really work?

To find out if the cooling pad is effective, we turn to Dr. Janet CutlerBoard Certified Applied Animal Behavior House (CAAB) and owner of Marking behavior. We also received disappointment from some Rover testers, who ordered a few cooling pads for testing.

Let’s take a closer look at what these mats claim to do—and whether they’re a worthwhile addition to your puppy’s summer gear.

How Dog Cooling Mats Work: Gel, Orthopedic and Ice

To understand the “how” of cooling mat for dogs, it would be helpful to first understand how our dogs cool down. Unlike humans, dogs don’t actually sweat (except for a small amount through foot pads). Instead, they lose heat through panting — or by cooling on cooler surfaces.

“In dogs, 70 percent of their ability to cool down depends on their body’s ability to lose heat when exposed to another surface or to the surrounding air,” Dr. Cutler explains. That’s exactly what these mats do: a cool surface that helps dissipate heat.

You’ll find dog cooling mats in a number of different models, such as gels, orthopedic patches, and water or ice forms. Different styles offer different benefits — and different degrees of chill.

Green Pet Shop dog cooling mat

Green Pet Shop cooling mat is popular.

Mats made of gel tend to be the most convenient. You won’t need electricity, water, ice, or a refrigerator to cool these pads, making them handy to carry on summer road trips. They provide a feeling of cold easily comparable to cool linoleum and they generally work well both indoors and outdoors. Gel mats are great for cribs or the back of an SUV, and they often fold up effectively for easy transport.

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat is a good example of a gel-filled pad; It is activated by the pressure of your dog’s weight. The cooling effect lasts up to four hours and then the projector will need a 20-minute break to recharge. Rover tester find the rug to be both sturdy and portable at the same time.

Bedsure orthopedic dog cooling bed

Orthopedic options like Bedsure provide more cushioning.

For dogs that need extra padding, there are orthopedic options available like Bedsure orthopedic dog cooling bed, which uses high-density gel-activated foam to draw heat away from your dog. Orthopedic cooling beds are a good choice for older dogs and puppies with joint pain, but their cold is more like the cold of a freshly flipped pillow than the cold of gel or an ice mat. They’re a great choice for a dog bed in the summer but not a lifesaver for summer heaths. (For something colder, try a mixed orthopedic option like Arf Pets Dog Cooling Pad.)

For optimal cooling power, ice is the way to go. Options like impressive CoolerDog Mat use flexible rocks — up to ten times colder than most gel mats. These mats are ideal for dogs that need a relaxing getaway after a walk in the woods. It’s also a good choice for larger dogs or households with multiple pets, as the side slats mean you can add extra mats for a custom size.

Ice-cooling mats are great to have around the house, but since you’ll need to cool the ice, they’re less suitable for car travel. In addition, as Two of our kitty testers found outIce mats tend to sweat a bit, which you might not appreciate on your car.

Dog sitting on CoolerDog stone cooling mat

The CoolerDog rug is full of rocks.

For more on dog cooling mats, see “The best cooling mat to cool down your hot dog. “

Experts answer: Are cooling mats for dogs effective?

So what is the bottom line? Do cooling mat for dogs Working to keep our dogs comfortable? Short answer: yes. Dr. Cutler considered.

“We don’t yet have any science looking at the effects of cooling mats on body temperature in dogs. Anecdotally, people say they feel much cooler against a cooling mat, and many dogs and cats in the home seem to enjoy lying on it when it gets warmer. “

The best way to make sure your dog gets the most out of their cooling bed is to find the right one. Dr. Cutler advises dog parents to consider how and where they will use the mat.

For travel purposes, you’ll want a gel pad that’s lightweight, self-activating, and easy to clean. On the other hand, people who chew a lot might do better with a water-filled pad to avoid accidentally swallowing the gel (which is almost always non-toxic but can still cause stomach upset if large amounts are swallowed).

Dr. Cutler warns: Cooling mats are safe to use in a crate – as long as your dog is not a restless chewer. “Many dog ​​cooling mats on the market advertise that they can go in a crate; however, you should exercise caution and ensure that your dog is not likely to chew on carpets and ingest any materials. ”

A cooling mat may also reduce joint pain in some dogs. Cryotherapy (ice) is often recommended to relieve pain and inflammation after surgery or injury. “This helps with pain because it reduces blood flow, swelling, and even some nerve impulses,” Dr. Cutler explains.

British Bulldog with ice pack on crotch

marcoventuriniautieri via iStock

Dr. Cutler said cooling mats could have a similar effect – albeit with limitations. “Since the cooling pad isn’t nearly as cold as ice applied directly to the painful area, it’s unlikely to work, but it’s potentially worth a shot to see if it helps your dog. are not.”

However, it is important to recognize their limitations. While cooling mats are great for keeping dogs comfortable, they’re not suitable for extreme heat — especially for dogs that are particularly prone to heat, as Dr. Cutler warns: “Cool mats should not be used in place of other heatstroke prevention methods. Even If your dog has one available, don’t leave them in a warm car or without shade and water when the temperature is high. “

Final verdict on dog cooling mats

For a simple and practical way to help your dog cool off this summer, cooling mat well worth checking out. Dogs are especially sensitive to heat can appreciate the comfort of a cooling mat. According to Dr. Cutler, these include:

  • Brachycephalic breed (flat face)
  • Puppy
  • Senior dog
  • Overweight dog
  • Long-haired dogs (the coat will usually insulate the dog; however, some breeds with a double coat benefit from their undercoat in high temperatures)
  • Dogs have various medical conditions that make it harder to regulate body temperature
The dog soaks in the bowl of ice water

scottiebumich via iStock

Dog parents should be aware that while cooling pads provide comfort, they are not intended to protect pets from heatstroke. And some dogs won’t go to a cooling mat (especially if they already have a favorite item nap place).

However, no worries. Have a lot of Alternative ways to cool off hot dogs. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

  • Provide plenty of cool water
  • Provide shade or indoor areas with ventilation or air conditioning
  • Ice cubes or frozen treats are great for chewing
  • A cold towel can help
  • Try one cooling jacket or bandana
  • Consider using Swimming pool for dogs

How do we choose?

The products featured here are selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive review of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We’ve prioritized cooling efficiency, convenience, ease of care, durability, and safety in our dog cooling mat choices. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our own much-loved and steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Read more:



Source link

news7g

News7g: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button