A good dog bed is something that every pouch needs. However, it can be frustrating when your dog avoids their comfy bed, opting for the floor instead, especially during the warmer months. Why does that happen?
It all comes down to too much warmth. Most traditional fabric beds trap heat, making them extremely uncomfortable for your animal. This is why a dog might choose to lay on the floor, as it is a much cooler surface, its lack of comfort notwithstanding.
Therefore, to ensure that your pup does not have to sacrifice comfort for a cool surface, consider getting them a cooling bed. As its name suggests, a cooling bed is designed to maintain cool temperatures within the bed.
However, cooling beds come in all sorts of designs and use different mechanisms to achieve their objective. Moreover, they vary significantly in quality, effectiveness, and overall comfort, making it difficult to choose the ideal one.
Luckily we have done the heavy lifting for you. The following are reviews of the 10 best cooling dog beds in 2021, plus a buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice for your dog.
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The 10 Best Cooling Dog Bed – Reviews 2023
It features an elevated design to ensure proper circulation of air around the bed, thus resulting in the dissipation of generated heat, keeping the bed cool. It is simple but effective, and most importantly, does not dent your pocket, which is why this product is our top choice.
The Coolaro uses simple physics to bring about cooling.
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However, considering there are numerous elevated cooling beds on the market, what makes Coolaroo the best? To us, it is due to its top-tier quality.
For starters, the Coolaroo boasts a high-quality construction consisting of the proprietary 1280D High-Density Polyethylene meshed fabric mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. The meshed fabric cot surface is not only comfortable but also phthalate- and lead-free, in addition to being resistant to mold, mildew, and parasites.
What’s more, it is 100% recyclable, boasting a GreenGuard certification for environmental friendliness. That is not all, as the Coolaroo’s meshed fabric features a breathable, double layer of mesh to enhance the overall cooling effect.
The bed’s steel frame is powder-coated to make it resistant to rust. This means that you can take it outdoors without worrying about damage from the elements. Additionally, the legs are fitted with plastic caps to prevent the bed from sliding around and prevent damage to the floor.
Another great thing about this bed’s design is the rounded corners that not only prevent the risk of accidental injuries but also prevent chew zones.
The only thing you might not like about the Coolaroo is that it is non-collapsible. This means you will have to disassemble the bed every time you want to take it with you for outdoor excursions. Fortunately, assembly and disassembly are quite easy.
The Coolaroo is also easy to clean and maintain, as all you need to do is wipe it down with a wet cloth occasionally. As mentioned, the meshed fabric is resistant to mold, mildew, and parasites, meaning you do not have to worry about disease-carrying microorganisms hiding in the bed.
We also appreciated that it comes in various sizes to accommodate pets weighing between 50 and 100 pounds. Unfortunately, this means that the Coolaroo might be too small for some large dog breeds. Nonetheless, it comes in a wide array of color combinations to allow you to find one that suits your style best.
The Coolaroo also comes with a 5-year warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This just goes to show how confident the manufacturer is in their product.
Pros
Quality construction
Elevated design for effective air circulation to dissipate heat
Breathable fabric to enhance heat loss
Mold and mildew-resistant
GreenGuard– certified
Durable powder-coated steel frame
Plastic leg caps
Easy to maintain
Cons
Not ideal for dogs weighing over 100 pounds
Quality construction
Elevated design for effective air circulation to dissipate heat
Breathable fabric to enhance heat loss
Mold and mildew-resistant
GreenGuard– certified
Durable powder-coated steel frame
Plastic leg caps
Easy to maintain
- Quality construction
- Elevated design for effective air circulation to dissipate heat
- Breathable fabric to enhance heat loss
- Mold and mildew-resistant
- GreenGuard– certified
- Durable powder-coated steel frame
- Plastic leg caps
- Easy to maintain
Not ideal for dogs weighing over 100 pounds
- Not ideal for dogs weighing over 100 pounds
The bed is also easy to maintain, with the occasional hose-down being the only cleaning it requires.
Pros
Affordable
Breathable fabric
Decent quality
Comes in a variety of sizes
Durable
Cons
Comfort is basic
Fabric is made of PVC
For starters, it is one of the most stylish dog beds on the market. Its sofa design is well-crafted for not only aesthetic appeal but also superior comfort. It features bolsters at the side that provide your pooch with a sense of security, as well as head support as they nest inside the sofa.
Affordable
Breathable fabric
Decent quality
Comes in a variety of sizes
Durable
- Affordable
- Breathable fabric
- Decent quality
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Durable
Comfort is basic
Fabric is made of PVC
- Comfort is basic
- Fabric is made of PVC
If your pocket allows it, there is no reason you should not go all out for your pup. The Pet Plush Orthopedic Sofa is among the things you get your doggo when you want them to enjoy the finer things in life.
This means that you will no longer have to fight for the couch with your pup, as they will enjoy theirs tremendously. This bed’s interior features an exquisite plush faux fur lining, while the exterior boasts a lustrous micro velvet fabric for a luxe touch.
So, how does the Furhaven Pet Plush dog bed maintain a cool environment within the bed? It is all thanks to the cooling gel that is infused in the memory foam base. The gel absorbs heat from the pet’s body to keep the sleeping surface cool at all times.
The memory foam base, on the other hand, is just what your pup needs to nurse their tired bones after a long day of playing. The foam conforms around the dog, allowing your pup to sink into the mattress, which is incredibly soothing to their bones. This orthopedic design is what makes the Pet Plush by Furhaven the ideal bed for senior dogs with arthritis.
Nevertheless, there are a few factors that keep this bed out of our top 2. Mainly, it is not an actual cooling bed. Rather, an orthopedic sofa bed that happens to have gel technology for absorbing heat.
The main issue with gel technology is that it eventually overheats since the heat has no place to go, meaning that the dog will have to leave the bed after a while for it to cool down. Fortunately, this is only an issue during the overly hot summer days.
While the Furhaven Pet Plush Orthopedic Sofa might not be the best cooling dog bed, it is arguably the most comfortable.
Pros
Premium quality
Superior comfort
Gel-infused for heat absorption
Stylish design
Excellent for senior dogs
Cons
Expensive
Gel technology is not at keeping the bed cool for extended periods
- Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed Check Latest PriceThe Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow is another dog bed that utilizes gel technology to maintain cool temperatures within the bed. Additionally, the exterior fabric is breathable to promote further heat loss.
The bed itself is made from memory form to ensure that your pooch is as comfortable as can be. The orthopedic design relieves pressure off the joints, making it a good fit for senior dogs or those suffering from joint problems.
Premium quality
Superior comfort
Gel-infused for heat absorption
Stylish design
Excellent for senior dogs
- Premium quality
- Superior comfort
- Gel-infused for heat absorption
- Stylish design
- Excellent for senior dogs
Expensive
Gel technology is not at keeping the bed cool for extended periods
- Expensive
- Gel technology is not at keeping the bed cool for extended periods
Maintenance should be a breeze, as the cover is removable and machine-washable.
However, the Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow is highly susceptible to damage from chewing. It also does not help that it is quite pricey.
Pros
Cooling fabric top
Cooling gel technology
Memory foam for superior comfort
Easy to maintain
Cons
Not chew-resistant
Pricey
As with other elevated dog beds, the Coolin’ Cot’s raised design allows the bed to maintain cool temperatures, thanks to the proper airflow around the unit. Additionally, the fabric mesh is breathable to facilitate further heat loss, in addition to preventing the growth of bacteria while keeping odors at bay.
Cooling fabric top
Cooling gel technology
Memory foam for superior comfort
Easy to maintain
- Cooling fabric top
- Cooling gel technology
- Memory foam for superior comfort
- Easy to maintain
Not chew-resistant
Pricey
- Not chew-resistant
- Pricey
K&H is one of the most reputable manufacturers of pet products, which is why we had to see what their Coolin’ Cot elevated dog bed was all about. We are pleased to say that this product did not disappoint.
We also appreciated how straightforward assembling this bed is; it does not require any tools. This makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, as you can simply dismantle it when you want to take your pooch out for excursions.
Another great selling point about the Coolin’ Cot is its large size and sturdy construction that allows it to support dogs weighing up to 200 pounds.
Cleaning should not be a pressing issue, thanks to the watertight removable cover.
We appreciate that K&H made the Coolin’ Cot compatible with numerous accessories. For example, you can attach a canopy to provide your pup with extra shade when you are out in the sun. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the accessories separately, which of course, will increase the overall price.
Pros
Large, strong, and sturdy to support dogs weighing up to 200 pounds
Breathable mesh
Easy to assemble
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor used
Compatible with multiple accessories
Cons
Accessories have to be purchased separately
Comfort is assured, thanks to the memory foam layer that contours to your pup’s body to relieve pressure off their joints. The sofa-style design also ensures that there are plenty of bolsters for supporting your pup’s head regardless of their preferred sleeping style.
Large, strong, and sturdy to support dogs weighing up to 200 pounds
Breathable mesh
Easy to assemble
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor used
Compatible with multiple accessories
- Large, strong, and sturdy to support dogs weighing up to 200 pounds
- Breathable mesh
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor used
- Compatible with multiple accessories
Accessories have to be purchased separately
- Accessories have to be purchased separately
Furhaven seems to have a thing for sofa-style beds, as this unit also features a couch design to provide your pup with the ultimate lounging spot. To maintain cool temperatures within the couch, this bed utilizes gel technology in the form of microgel beads that work to absorb your pet’s body heat.
The sleeping surface is lined with the incredibly soft plush faux fur that feels great against the skin. You will also appreciate the removable and machine-washable cover that makes for easy maintenance.
However, this unit does have some drawbacks. The bolsters tend to collapse after a while. Additionally, it does not hold up well against pets that love chewing.
Pros
Unique design
Gel beads for heat absorption
Comfortable memory foam and bolsters
Removable cover for easy maintenance
Cons
Not ideal for pups with chewing behavior
Bolsters collapse after a while
- Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed Check Latest PriceThis elevated dog bed by Veehoo comes with the breathable Textilene mesh fabric that ensures a constant flow of air around your pup as they sleep. This bed is incredibly sturdy, too, thanks to the steel frame construction. Moreover, the steel is powder-coated for enhanced durability.
The Veehoo elevated dog bed comes in four different sizes to allow you to find one that fits your doggo best. However, despite the wide variety of sizes this bed comes in, the largest one can only support a maximum of 150 pounds, making the Veehoo unideal for larger dogs.
Unique design
Gel beads for heat absorption
Comfortable memory foam and bolsters
Removable cover for easy maintenance
- Unique design
- Gel beads for heat absorption
- Comfortable memory foam and bolsters
- Removable cover for easy maintenance
Not ideal for pups with chewing behavior
Bolsters collapse after a while
- Not ideal for pups with chewing behavior
- Bolsters collapse after a while
This bed is easy to assemble and comes with non-slip rubber caps for its feet to prevent the bed from sliding around.
Pros
Breathable Textilene mesh fabric
Easy to assemble
Comes in four different sizes
Rubber feet to prevent sliding
Cons
Cannot support dogs over 150 pounds
- Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed Check Latest PriceThis unit by Dogbed4less is an orthopedic dog bed that features gel technology to provide your pooch with a cool sleeping spot. The bed’s memory foam provides excellent support to your pup’s back and joints, making it a great choice for pets with arthritis, as well as senior dogs.
The Dogbed4less comes in five different sizes and two color options to allow you more options to choose from. Additionally, it comes with a non-slip cover, as well as a basic one. Both are machine-washable, thus ensuring easy maintenance.
Breathable Textilene mesh fabric
Easy to assemble
Comes in four different sizes
Rubber feet to prevent sliding
- Breathable Textilene mesh fabric
- Easy to assemble
- Comes in four different sizes
- Rubber feet to prevent sliding
Cannot support dogs over 150 pounds
- Cannot support dogs over 150 pounds
However, this bed does not dissipate heat away fast enough during warmer months, meaning that your pooch cannot lie on it for extended periods.
Pros
Orthopedic bed for joint comfort
Comes in various sizes and colors
Easy to clean
Cons
Does not stay cool for long
- Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed Check Latest PriceThis orthopedic dog bed by Sealy comes with quad-element foam for ultimate comfort. The memory foam layer not only provides joint comfort but also has gel technology to provide cooling. Additionally, there is a charcoal layer for absorbing odors, thus ensuring the bed stays fresh for longer.
However, the Sealy dog bed has durability issues, which is quite sad considering how pricey it is. Additionally, the cover material is of poor quality.
Orthopedic bed for joint comfort
Comes in various sizes and colors
Easy to clean
- Orthopedic bed for joint comfort
- Comes in various sizes and colors
- Easy to clean
Does not stay cool for long
- Does not stay cool for long
Pros
Quad layer for comfort, cooling, and odor absorption
Cons
Poor quality cover
Expensive
Not durable
- Western Home Elevated Dog Bed Check Latest PriceLike other elevated beds, this dog bed by Western Home ensures a cool comfortable sleeping surface by employing a breathable fabric on a raised platform to ensure optimal circulation of air.
The Western Home elevated dog bed utilizes the high-impact Textilene fabric, which is not only breathable but also scratch- and tear-resistant, making it ideal for powerful dogs. Its frame is made from reinforced, anti-rust steel for maximum durability.
Quad layer for comfort, cooling, and odor absorption
- Quad layer for comfort, cooling, and odor absorption
Poor quality cover
Expensive
Not durable
- Poor quality cover
- Expensive
- Not durable
However, this bed can be difficult to assemble, making it unideal for outdoor excursions. Additionally, its leg caps come off rather easily, risking damage to your floor.
Pros
Sturdy construction
Cons
Assembly is not straightforward
Leg caps come off easily
Buyer’s Guide
If you notice your dog preferring the floor to their bed, in addition to panting excessively, you need to get them a cooling bed immediately. Unlike humans, dogs cannot rely on sweating for thermoregulation because their bodies are covered in fur.
Sturdy construction
- Sturdy construction
Assembly is not straightforward
Leg caps come off easily
- Assembly is not straightforward
- Leg caps come off easily
As such, they are highly susceptible to overheating when the temperatures get too high. Overheating can be dangerous for dogs, as it often leads to exhaustion, dehydration, or even heat stroke.
Dogs lie on floors when temperatures are high, as the cold surface helps take away some of the heat from their bodies. However, the floor is no place for your spoilt puppy to sleep on, which is why you should consider getting them a cooling bed.
But all cooling beds aren’t made equal. The following are some things you should keep in mind to get the best cooling bed for your pup.
Type
As mentioned, cooling beds use different mechanisms to maintain cool temperatures within the bed. There are those that are gel-infused and those that feature an elevated design.
Gel-infused beds work quickly as they actively draw heat from the dog’s body and distribute it across the gel layer. However, the issue with gel-infused beds is that they eventually heat up, especially during hot days, forcing the dog to move and look for a cooler spot elsewhere.
Elevated beds, on the other hand, do not cool down a hot dog as fast as gel-infused beds can. However, they maintain stable temperatures throughout, meaning the dog can remain there as long as it wants without the fear of overheating, thanks to air circulation.
In terms of overall comfort, gel-infused beds take the cake since they typically come with memory foam. Nonetheless, this means that they also tend to be pricier.
We recommend getting both types so that your pooch can have the best of both worlds.
Ease of Cleaning
Since your dog will be spending significant periods on this bed, there is a good chance that it will get dirty rather quickly. Therefore, you want a bed that is easy to clean. Opt for models with machine-washable removable covers, as they are easier to maintain.
Size
Always confirm that a bed can support your dog’s weight, especially when it comes to elevated cooling beds. These beds often have a maximum weight capacity they can support.
Portability
Part of the appeal of cooling beds is that they can be used outside. If that is part of the reason for wanting a cooling bed, then make sure that it is designed for portability. This means that it should be either collapsible or easy to assemble/disassemble.
Conclusion
We hope that our reviews and buyer’s guide have been helpful in your search for the best cooling dog bed. If you must choose one, we highly recommend the Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed due to its quality construction, effective cooling capability, and reasonable price point.
Featured Image Credit: Frisco Cooling Bed, Chewy.com
