Best Dog Beds for Summer
Keeping Your Pet Cool on Hot Days!
IntroductionTop Cooling BedsComparison TableTips for SummerConclusionShop Cooling Beds – Elevated Beds – Cooling Pads/Mats – Dog Beds
Introduction
Best dog beds for summer can help dog owners learn about the dangers of hot weather and keep their furry friend cool and comfortable as temps rise in summer.
As summer temperatures rise, keeping your furry friend comfortable becomes one of your top priorities. Just like us, dogs can struggle with heat and a bed that’s perfect in winter can feel like a warm blanket in July.
A cooling dog bed helps regulate your dog’s body temperature and prevents overheating, which is especially important for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, senior pups, and thick-coated dogs that struggle to shed excess heat.
Not all dog beds are created equal when it comes to summer comfort. Some rely on breathable, elevated designs that encourage airflow, while others use cooling gel, water-activated pads, or special fabrics to wick heat away from your dog’s body. Choosing the right type depends on your dog’s size, age, health needs, and where the bed will be used indoors, outdoors, or in crates.
In this article, we’ll highlight top cooling dog beds currently worth recommending, from budget-friendly airflow cots to plush orthopedic options with cooling technology. We’ll also offer a comparison chart to help you quickly see key features and price ranges, followed by practical tips to keep your dog safe and comfy all season long.
Whether your dog prefers to stretch out, curl up, or hang out in the shade, there’s a summer bed that can help them stay relaxed and cool a must-read for every dog owner as the mercury climbs.
Top Cooling Dog Beds to Recommend
- Coolaroo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed PRO with Heatshield: Excellent airflow and durable design make this a top pick for summer cooling.
- Veehoo Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed: Great value elevated bed with breathable surface and easy cleanup.
- Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed: Adds gel-infused memory foam and joint support for pets who need extra comfort.
- K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Pet Pad: A water-activated cooling pad you can use alone or on top of another bed.
- Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad: Affordable gel cooling pad that works well in crates or with other beds.
Product Comparison Table
| Attribute | Coolaroo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed PRO with Heatshield
$42.00•Walmart + others |
Veehoo Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
$42.99•veehoo + others |
Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
$47.79•Chewy.com |
K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Pet Pad Blue X-Large
$36.97•Walmart |
Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad
$39.99•The Warming Store + others |
| Style | Elevated / Breathable | Elevated / Budget | Orthopedic cooling foam | Water-activated cooling pad | Gel cooling pad |
| Best For | Airflow & heat dissipation | Budget & outdoor use | Comfort & joint support | Add to existing bed | Lightweight cooling |
| Airflow | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cooling Tech | Mesh airflow | Breathable fabric | Gel memory foam | Water heat exchange | Gel cooling surface |
| Washable Cover | Easy clean | Wipe clean | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
IntroductionTop Cooling BedsComparison TableTips for SummerConclusionShop Cooling Beds – Elevated Beds – Cooling Pads/Mats – Dog Beds
Keeping Dogs Cool In Summer Tips
During those hot summer days it is important to take into consideration your dog’s health and wellbeing. Below are some tips you can refer to help keep your dog from overheating.
1. Provide Constant Access to Fresh, Cool Water
Always keep clean water available indoors and outdoors. Add ice cubes on extremely hot days and bring a portable water bottle on walks.
2. Use a Cooling Dog Bed or Mat
Elevated beds improve airflow, while gel or water-activated mats help absorb body heat. Place beds in shaded, well-ventilated areas.
3. Walk during Cooler Hours
Schedule walks early in the morning or after sunset. Midday pavement can become dangerously hot to paw pads.
4. Protect Paws, and Skin
Walk on grass instead of pavement to avoid burned paw pads and consider pet-safe sunscreen for light-colored dogs.
5. Check Pavement Temperature
Place your hand on the pavement for 5–7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
6. Provide Shade Outdoors
If your dog spends time outside, ensure access to shaded areas using trees, canopies, or covered patios.
7. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Even with windows cracked, car temperatures can rise to deadly levels within minutes. Dogs can quickly overheat in parked cars (which can reach 117°F/47°C in 22°C/76°F weather), or on hot surfaces that burn their paws.
8. Use Cooling Accessories
Cooling vests, bandanas, and mats help regulate body temperature during outdoor time.
9. Turn on Fans or Air Conditioning
Proper airflow indoors significantly reduces overheating risk.
10. Offer Frozen Treats
Freeze dog-safe treats like diluted peanut butter in a Kong or make frozen broth cubes for a cooling snack.
11. Groom Regularly — But Don’t Over-Shave
Regular brushing removes excess fur, but some coats naturally insulate against heat.
12. Limit Intense Exercise
Avoid strenuous activity during hot weather and opt for shorter, slower walks.
13. Set Up a Kiddie Pool
Many dogs enjoy supervised splashing in shallow water to cool off.
14. Use Damp Towels
Lay a cool (not ice-cold) damp towel for your dog to lie on.
15. Strategic Placement
Keep beds in shaded, breezy areas rather than hot, sun-lit spots when outside.
16. Stay Hydrated
Always pair a cooling bed with plenty of fresh, cool water.
17. Indoor Heat Safety
Use air conditioning or fans as dogs can overheat quickly in warm indoor temps.
18. Watch Your Dog
Signs of heat stress include excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.
19. Layer Cooling
Combine a cooling pad with a regular bed if your dog prefers softness.
20. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or unsteadiness require immediate attention.
- Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive relentless panting, lethargy, thick saliva, drooling, bright red or purple gums, and glassy eyes.
- Other symptoms include dizziness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and collapse.
- A body temperature over 104 degrees is considered critical, life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
- Excessive Panting: The most common sign, which does improve.
- Abnormal Gum/Tongue Color: Gums turn bright red, purple or even blue.
- Drooling and Thick Saliva: Thick, sticky saliva often accompanies overheating.
- Mental Changes: Confusion, agitation, or conversely, severe lethargy and unwillingness to move.
- Physical Distress: Rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Collapse: Sudden, uncoordinated movement or total collapse.
Immediate First Aid Action
- If you suspect heatstroke, move the dog to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned room immediately.
- Use lukewarm (not freezing) water, cool wet cloths, or fans to reduce their body temperature.
- Do not use ice baths, as this can cause shock and make the situation worse.
- Offer small amounts of water and seek emergency veterinary care immediately, even if the dog seems to be recovering.
- High-Risk Dogs: Heatstroke can happen quickly, particularly in flat-faced breeds like Pugs, and Bulldogs, as well as an overweight, elderly, or thick-coated dog.
- If you should observe and suspect your dog might have heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.
21. Know Your Dog’s Risk Level
Flat-faced breeds, senior dogs, overweight pets, and thick-coated breeds are more vulnerable to heat.
Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your dog cool and happy during hot summer months, choosing the right bed can make a big difference in their comfort and safety. The best cooling beds blend airflow, heat-dissipating materials, and thoughtful design elements that work together to help your dog beat the heat.
\Whether your pup loves to lounge in the backyard or relax indoors after a hot day of play, a cooling bed can give them a comfy spot that prevents overheating and supports restful sleep.
Elevated beds like those from Coolaroo and Veehoo are classic summer favorites because they suspend your dog off warm floors and allow air to circulate under and around their body. This design helps draw heat away more effectively than solid-bottom beds, which can trap warmth.
They’re especially great for outdoor spaces, patios, and shaded yards where airflow is key. Mesh and breathable fabrics also make cleanup simple just hose them off or wipe them down.
For pups who prefer a softer, more supportive surface, orthopedic cooling beds like the Frisco model in our chart combine comfort with temperature-regulating materials such as gel-infused memory foam. These are ideal for senior dogs or breeds with joint issues, giving comfort without sacrificing cooling performance.
If your dog already has a bed they love, adding a cooling pad like the K&H or Green Pet Shop options can be a smart way to upgrade its summer performance without replacing the whole bed.
Beyond choosing the right bed, placement and environment play a big role in summer comfort. Keep beds out of direct sunlight, near shaded or well-ventilated spots, and in rooms with good airflow or air conditioning whenever possible.
Offering fresh, cool water nearby and considering accessories like cooling vests or mats for outdoor play can further help regulate your dog’s temperature.
Remember that dogs can’t sweat like humans do and they rely on panting and environmental cooling to stay comfortable. A high-quality cooling bed is just one tool in your summer pet care toolkit, but it’s an effective one that can prevent heat stress and keep your pup feeling relaxed all season long.
By picking the right style based on your dog’s individual preferences and needs elevated airflow, orthopedic support, or versatile cooling pads you can turn a hot summer into a comfortable one for your furry friend.
IntroductionTop Cooling BedsComparison TableTips for SummerConclusionShop Cooling Beds – Elevated Beds – Cooling Pads/Mats – Dog Beds
Shop Cooling Dog Beds
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your purchase price is the same as if you shop directly on Amazon.
The price at time of publish is included below to give you an idea of what the price is; however, it is subject to change.
Please note: When you are in Amazon for the bed type, you have some options in selecting the color and bed size.
Elevated Dog Beds
Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed Black $35 – $61
Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed with Bolster $47 – $82
Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed with Cooling Fabric Grey $28 – $40
Cooling Pad Mats
K&H Pet Products Cooling Pad Mat Blue $9 – $37
Greep Pet Shop Self-Cooling Pet Pad $25 – $85
Rywell Cooling Pad Mat $20 – $40








