What is the most effective cooling mat or vest for a dog in a hot climate?

If your dog lives in a consistently hot climate (such as Texas, Arizona, Florida, or similar), a cooling vest is generally more effective than a cooling mat for outdoor use, while a cooling mat is best for recovery indoors or in the shade. They serve different purposes.

Best overall cooling vest

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest

$74.99

This is the vest most consistently recommended by veterinarians, outdoor dog owners, and reviewers because it:

• Uses evaporative cooling (soak it in water, wring it out, and put it on).
• Covers the dog's core without restricting movement.
• Reflects sunlight while allowing airflow.
• Holds up well on hikes and long walks.

Other excellent choices

Kurgo Core Cooling Dog Vest

$63.99

A great choice if your dog wears a harness, with good adjustability and durable construction. It performs similarly to the Ruffwear for many dogs.

Canada Pooch Cooling Dog Vest

$50.98

Works well in warm weather and tends to fit smaller and medium breeds nicely. Many owners report good cooling performance, although it may need re-wetting more often in extreme heat.

Best cooling mat

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

$39.99

For relaxing indoors, this is one of the most established self-cooling mats. It:

• Requires no electricity or refrigeration.
• Activates when your dog lies on it.
• Is available in many sizes.
• Is especially useful in crates or on tile floors.

Another good fabric-style option is:

Elegear Cooling Dog Mat 2.0

$25.99

It uses cooling fabric rather than gel, making it lighter and easier to wash.

If you live in a humid climate

Evaporative cooling vests become less effective as humidity rises, because they rely on water evaporation. In humid areas, you'll need to re-wet them more frequently, and the cooling effect won't last as long. Owners in humid climates still report benefits, but they're more modest than in dry climates.

For very hot climates (95–110°F / 35–43°C)

No vest can make it safe for prolonged exercise in extreme heat. Even with a cooling vest:

• Walk early in the morning or after sunset.
• Carry plenty of water.
• Take frequent shade breaks.
• Watch for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or reluctance to walk.

A cooling vest should be viewed as an aid, not a substitute for heat precautions.

If you tell me your dog's breed, weight, coat type (short or long), and whether your climate is dry or humid, I can narrow it down to the best option for your specific situation.

When choosing the most effective cooling gear for a dog in a hot climate, effectiveness depends heavily on whether you are indoors/traveling or outdoors , and how humid your environment is.

The top-performing cooling mats and vests on the market are organized below by category and use-case:

Best Cooling Mats

• Best Overall / Longest Lasting Outdoors: CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • How it works: It uses a 3-layer design combining a waterbed cushion, an insulation layer, and a removable FlexiFreeze ice sheet that you freeze in your freezer.
  • Why it's effective: Unlike gel mats that warm up quickly under a dog's body heat, the literal ice inserts provide sustained, hard-core cooling for hours. It's widely favored for hot cars, crates, or patios.
• Best Indoor / Low-Maintenance: The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • How it works: Pressure-activated, non-toxic gel. It automatically cools when your dog lies on it and "recharges" on its own after about 15–20 minutes of non-use.
  • Why it's effective: It requires no water, electricity, or refrigeration. It’s ideal for indoor lounging on hard floors, though it will eventually absorb body heat and need a short break to reset if your house is very hot.
• Best Outdoor Raised Alternative: Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • How it works: High-density polyethylene knitted fabric raised 7 inches off the ground.
  • Why it's effective: In a hot climate, getting a dog off radiant heat sources (like concrete, pavement, or warm floorboards) and allowing 360-degree air circulation underneath them is often more effective than any mat.

Best Cooling Vests

• Best for Active Outdoors & Hiking: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • How it works: Three-layer evaporative tech. The light-colored outer layer reflects solar radiation and shades the body, the middle layer stores water for slow evaporation, and the inner layer transfers the chill to the dog.
  • Why it's effective: It provides high coverage over the back and chest (the areas most exposed to the sun) and features large armholes so your dog's athletic range of motion isn't hindered.
• Best Lightweight / Everyday Walk Vest: [Kurgo Core Cooling Vest Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.amazon.com/Kurgo-Core-Cooling-Reflective-Large/dp/B06WV8JMPQ)
  • How it works: Wet it with cool water, wring it out, and strap it on; it uses natural evaporation to pull heat away from the core.
  • Why it's effective: It includes a two-way zipper making it easy to layer over an existing harness, is flexible, and offers high-visibility reflective trim for early morning or evening safety walks.
• Best Budget / Soft Draping: Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • How it works: Water-retaining technical mesh fabric that activates instantly with cold water.
  • Why it's effective: It uses a softer, more flexible material than heavier-duty hiking jackets, making it exceptionally comfortable for smaller dogs or lower-intensity neighborhood strolls.

Crucial Climate Rule: Dry vs. Humid

• In Dry/Arid Climates: Evaporative vests (like Ruffwear or Kurgo ) work brilliantly because the dry air causes rapid evaporation, dropping the surface temperature significantly.
• In Humid Climates: Evaporative vests struggle because the air is already saturated with moisture, meaning the water won’t evaporate and the vest can trap heat. If you live in a high-humidity area, opt for ice-pack/freeze-sheet mats (like CoolerDog ) or keep a hose/wet towel handy instead of a traditional cooling vest.

If you can share your dog's breed/coat type and whether you mostly need this for indoor lounging, car travel, or outdoor walks , I can help you pick the exact right style and size.

If your dog lives in a consistently hot climate, the most effective solution is usually a combination of an evaporative cooling vest for activity and an elevated cooling bed or mat for resting. Different products work better in different situations.

Best overall cooling vest

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest

$74.99

Why it's a top choice:

• Uses evaporative cooling (wet it, wring it out, and put it on your dog).
• Covers the dog's core while allowing good mobility.
• Performs especially well for hiking, walking, and outdoor activities.
• Durable construction and excellent fit across many breeds.

Excellent alternatives

Kurgo Core Cooling Dog Vest

$63.99

A great value with good airflow and compatibility with many harnesses. Particularly good for everyday walks.

Canada Pooch Cooling Dog Vest

$50.99

Works well in warm weather, is lightweight, and receives consistently positive owner feedback.

Best cooling mat

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

$39.99

This is one of the most consistently recommended passive cooling mats because:

• No refrigeration or electricity required.
• Pressure-activated cooling gel.
• Available in multiple sizes.
• Portable for home, crates, or travel.

If your climate is extremely hot (95°F/35°C+)

A cooling mat alone has limitations. Once it absorbs your dog's body heat, its cooling effect gradually diminishes. Experts generally recommend combining:

• Air conditioning or strong airflow
• Plenty of fresh water
• Shade
• An elevated cot or bed that allows airflow underneath
• A cooling vest for walks or outdoor time

Cooling products should supplement—not replace—these measures.

Dry heat vs. humid heat

• Dry climates (Arizona, Nevada, inland California): Evaporative cooling vests work extremely well because water evaporates quickly.
• Humid climates (Florida, Gulf Coast, Southeast): Vests still help, but less dramatically because evaporation is slower. An elevated bed with airflow and indoor cooling become even more important.

My recommendations by situation

• Best overall: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest + Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad.
• For hiking or long walks: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler.
• For home use: Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad, or an elevated mesh cot if your dog prefers airflow.
• For senior, thick-coated, or brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs: Use the vest during outdoor time, but avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day regardless of the gear.

If you tell me your dog's breed, weight, coat type (short or long), and whether you live in a dry or humid climate, I can narrow it down to the best specific option.

When choosing a cooling vest or mat for a hot climate, effectiveness depends heavily on how the product works and the humidity level of your environment.

Cooling Vests (Best for Walks & Hikes)

Vests generally fall into two categories: Evaporative (uses water evaporation) and Ice/Freeze-based (uses frozen packs).

• • Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Overall Evaporative Vest)
  • How it works: Uses a 3-layer construction—an outer layer that reflects heat and facilitates evaporation, an absorbent middle layer that stores water, and a mesh lining that keeps the dog comfortable.
  • Climate compatibility: Exceptional for hot, dry (low-humidity) climates (like deserts or arid regions).
  • Pros/Cons: Highly durable, covers the core and chest, and allows full range of motion. However, it loses effectiveness in high humidity because the water cannot evaporate efficiently.
• • Cooler Dog Cooling Vest and Collar Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best for Extreme Heat or High Humidity)
  • How it works: Uses non-toxic, freezable FlexiFreeze ice sheets placed strategically over the chest/belly and neck.
  • Climate compatibility: Works anywhere, regardless of humidity, because it doesn’t rely on air evaporation.
  • Pros/Cons: Provides genuine, ice-cold relief. Cautions: Ice vests can be too intense or shock the system if a dog is severely overheated, so use them moderately and monitor thin-coated dogs.

Cooling Mats (Best for Indoor Lounging & Crates)

Mats are designed for resting and usually rely on pressure-activated gel or frozen water inserts.

• • The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Gel / Self-Cooling Mat)
  • How it works: Pressure-activated non-toxic gel formula that absorbs your dog's body heat, cooling for a few hours before needing a short break to automatically "recharge".
  • Pros/Cons: No electricity, water, or refrigeration required. It's portable and highly rated, though chewers can puncture the seams if left unattended.
• • Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Heavy-Duty / Long-Lasting Mat)
  • How it works: Uses a solid, freezable water-matrix inner layer rather than thin gel.
  • Pros/Cons: Stays cold significantly longer than standard gel pads (great for hot cars or un-airconditioned rooms). It is more bulky and requires a freezer.
• • [Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.liberia.ubuy.com/product/NSG4UZC-the-original-elevated-pet-bed-by-coolaroo) (Best Passive Outdoor/Indoor Bed)
  • How it works: Lifts the dog 7+ inches off the hot floor, allowing 360-degree air circulation underneath their fur.
  • Pros/Cons: Indestructible against most chewers and never "runs out" of cooling power since it relies entirely on airflow.

A Crucial Note on Climate & Safety

• Dry Heat vs. Humidity: If you live in an arid hot climate, evaporative vests (like Ruffwear) are stellar. If you live in a muggy, high-humidity climate (like Florida or Houston), evaporative vests fail because ambient moisture stops the cooling process; instead, rely on elevated cots, AC, or ice-pack style mats.
• No substitute for hydration: Always ensure your dog has unlimited cold water and shade.

To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:

• Is your climate dry (desert) or humid?
• Will your dog be actively walking/hiking or lounging indoors/in a crate?

I can give you a tailored product recommendation and sizing tip.

For hot climates, the most effective cooling gear for dogs relies on either evaporative technology (best for dry heat) or ice-based, phase-change materials (best for high humidity or intense, direct sun). The top-rated vests are the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler for active, dry climates, and the Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat for sustained resting comfort.

Best Cooling Vests for Hot Climates

Evaporative vests are generally best for hot, dry climates, while reflective vests help in direct sun.

• Best Overall for Active Dogs: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler - Features 3-layer construction that uses water and evaporation to regulate body temperature, making it ideal for hiking and walking.
• Best for High-Heat/Low-Humidity: Chillybuddy Cooling Jacket - Features a reflective aluminum layer that shields against sun radiation while providing evaporative cooling on the chest, which is crucial for lowering blood temp.
• Best for High Humidity: Phase-change (PCM) vests are preferred here, as they do not rely on evaporation to work.
• Best Lightweight Option: Non-stop Dogwear Cooling Pull-on Vest - Highly regarded for active, high-intensity, or running dogs.

Best Cooling Mats for Hot Climates

Cooling mats are ideal for rest at home or in the car.

• Best Overall for Extreme Heat: Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat - Top pick due to its flexible ice-sheet layer that stays cold for over 3 hours, offering better, longer-lasting cooling than gel-only mats.
• Best for Convenience/Indoor Use: The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad - A popular, pressure-activated gel mat that requires no water or electricity, making it easy to use indoors.
• Best for Travel: HyperKewl Cooling Dog Pad - A lightweight, soak-and-go mat that uses evaporative technology to stay cool, making it easier to transport than heavy, gel-filled mats.

Key Tips for Hot Climate Cooling

• Humidity vs. Dry Heat: Vests relying on evaporation will not work efficiently in high humidity (e.g., Florida). In those cases, use ice-based mats or focus on shade and water.
• Placement Matters: Cooling the chest is most effective because it cools the blood before it circulates throughout the body.
• Re-wetting: Evaporative vests must be re-wetted frequently—carry a spray bottle or water bottle on walks.

To recommend the best product, I need to know:

1. What is your climate like? (e.g., hot & dry or hot & humid)
2. What is your dog's activity level? (e.g., walking, hiking, or just resting)
3. Does your dog have a thick or thin coat?

For a hot climate, the most effective choice depends heavily on whether your climate is dry heat (Arizona-style) or hot + humid (Florida-style). In general:

• Best overall for outdoor activity: a high-quality evaporative cooling vest
• Best for resting indoors/porches: a cooling mat
• Best for extreme heat: combine a vest + mat + shade/water management

Best cooling vest: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest

$74.99

Kurgo Core Cooling Dog Vest

$63.99

Non-stop Dogwear Cooling Dog Vest

$74.99

Why it stands out:

• Uses a soak-and-wear evaporative system (wet the vest, wring it out, put it on).
• Provides broad coverage over the dog’s back and core.
• Designed for walks, hikes, and outdoor activity rather than just lounging.
• Reviews commonly report reduced panting and better comfort during warm-weather outings.

Best for: active dogs, hiking, sunny climates, dogs with dark coats.

Limitations: Evaporative cooling works less effectively in very humid weather, because evaporation slows down.

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Best cooling mat: Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad or Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Dog Mat

Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

$84.99

Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Dog Mat

$49.99

K&H Pet Products Coolin' Pet Pad

$67.99

Why mats work well:

• No soaking required.
• Good for crates, beds, cars, and indoor lounging.
• Pressure-activated gel mats are convenient because they start cooling when the dog lies on them.

Best for: older dogs, indoor cooling, dogs that dislike wearing gear.

Limitations: A mat cools only where the dog contacts it; it won’t help much during walks.

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My picks by situation

A few important notes:

• A cooling vest or mat does not prevent heatstroke by itself—avoid midday exercise, provide shade, and stop if your dog shows heavy distress, weakness, confusion, vomiting, or collapse.
• Fit matters: a vest that is loose or doesn’t contact the body well will cool much less effectively.
• For double-coated breeds, a vest can help, but performance varies because fur can reduce contact with the cooling layer.

If you tell me your dog’s breed, coat type (short/long/double coat), weight, and climate (dry vs humid), I can narrow this to the best specific option.

Based on 2026 reviews and testing, the most effective dog cooling products for hot climates use either evaporative technology (vests) or pressure-activated gel (mats) to provide a significant reduction in surface temperature.

Top Cooling Vests (Best for Active Use)

Cooling vests work best in hot, dry climates by utilizing water evaporation to pull body heat away from the dog.

• Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest: Widely considered the top choice for hiking and active, long walks. It uses a three-layer construction to evaporate heat.
• Hurtta Cooling Wrap: Highly rated for covering the chest area, which is most effective for circulating cooled blood.
• Spark Paws Dog Cooling Vest: Noted for providing SPF50 protection while offering evaporative cooling, suitable for varied breeds.

Note: In high humidity, evaporative vests are less effective because the air is already saturated with moisture.

Top Cooling Mats (Best for Resting/Home)

Cooling mats are ideal for crates, cars, or around the house to help pets cool down without needing water or electricity.

• The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad: Winner of multiple tests for its portability and pressure-activated, non-toxic gel, which cools down upon contact.
• Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat: Regarded as the best for intense, long-lasting cooling, often deemed "best overall" for its superior ability to stay cool.
• Scruffs Cool Dog Bed: A great alternative that works well for large, heavy dogs.

Summary Recommendation for Hot Climates

• For Active Dogs (Hiking/Walking): Choose the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler.
• For Resting at Home: Choose The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad.

For maximum effectiveness, ensure you select a size that covers the chest area for vests, and offers enough room for your dog to lie down fully on a mat.

To help you choose the best option, is your dog:

• More active (need a vest for walks) or lounging (need a mat for home)?
• A large or small breed?
• In a dry climate or a humid one?

For a hot climate, I'd choose a cooling vest for active time (walks, hikes, beach) and a cooling mat or elevated bed for resting. They solve different problems.

Best cooling vest overall

• Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest - $74.99 (Chewy)

This is one of the most consistently recommended cooling vests because it:

• Uses evaporative cooling (you soak it in water, wring it out, and put it on).
• Provides good coverage over the dog's core.
• Holds up well for hiking and long walks.
• Is durable enough for frequent outdoor use.

Other excellent choices:

• Kurgo Core Cooling Dog Vest - $63.99 (Chewy)

A great choice if your dog wears a harness regularly. It's lightweight and easy to re-wet during walks.

• Non-stop Dogwear Cooling Dog Vest - $74.99 (Chewy)

Independent testing found it among the strongest performers for actual cooling, especially during exercise.

Best cooling mat

For most dogs:

• Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad is still one of the best self-cooling gel mats. It requires no electricity or refrigeration and activates when your dog lies on it.

If your dog spends time outside:

• An elevated mesh cot (such as the Coolaroo or K&H Coolin' Pet Cot) is often more effective than a flat gel mat because airflow underneath the dog removes heat continuously.

If you live somewhere humid (like Florida, the Gulf Coast, or similar)

Humidity changes the recommendation.

Evaporative vests work best in dry climates (Arizona, Nevada, inland California). In high humidity, the cooling effect is reduced because water evaporates more slowly. Owners in humid climates still report some benefit, but usually need to re-wet the vest every 30–60 minutes, and shade plus water remain much more important.

For extreme heat (95°F+/35°C+)

If your dog must be outdoors, products that use frozen water or phase-change packs can provide longer-lasting cooling than standard evaporative fabrics.

For example:

• CoolerDog Cooling Vest and Collar - $34.99 (AKC Shop)

These use frozen water packs rather than relying only on evaporation, which can be advantageous in humid climates. They are heavier than evaporative vests but can maintain cooling longer.

My recommendation by situation

• Daily walks and hiking: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler.
• Very active sporting dog: Non-stop Dogwear Cooling Vest.
• Budget-conscious: Kurgo Core Cooling Vest.
• Indoor resting: Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad.
• Backyard in hot weather: Elevated mesh cot instead of a gel mat.
• Very humid climate: Consider a frozen-pack cooling vest plus an elevated bed, and keep walks to early morning or evening.

If you tell me:

• your dog's breed,
• weight, and
• whether you live in a dry or humid climate,

I can narrow it down to the single best option for your dog.

For a hot climate, the most effective choice is usually a cooling vest rather than a mat—especially if your dog is outside walking, hiking, or playing. A mat helps when your dog chooses to lie down, but a vest cools the dog while moving. Cooling vests work best in hot, dry climates because evaporation is the mechanism; they are less effective in very humid weather.

Best overall: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Dog Vest

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler™ Cooling Dog Vest

$59.95

Kurgo Core Cooling Dog Vest

$63.99

CoolerDog Cooling Vest and Cooling Collar

$34.99

Why it stands out

• Three-layer evaporative design: soak it, wring it out, and evaporation pulls heat away.
• Good body coverage and light-colored fabric to reduce solar heat.
• Designed for active dogs on walks and hikes.

Best for: desert climates, sunny yards, hiking, outdoor adventures.

Limitations: It needs airflow to work well; in muggy climates the cooling effect drops because sweat/water evaporation slows.

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Best budget/short walks: Kurgo Core Cooling Vest

• Lightweight evaporative vest.
• Good for neighborhood walks and dogs that dislike bulky gear.
• Harness/collar compatibility is a useful feature.

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Best cooling mat for home use: CoolerDog style water/ice mat

A mat is better if your dog:

• spends most hot days indoors,
• naps on tile/carpet,
• travels in a crate or car,
• dislikes wearing clothing.

Cooling mats are passive: they transfer heat away while the dog is lying on them, but they cannot cool a dog that is actively overheating.

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What I would choose by climate

A few important safety notes:

• Cooling gear does not prevent heatstroke by itself; avoid peak sun, provide water, and stop if your dog shows heavy distress, weakness, confusion, or excessive panting.
• Avoid putting an ice-cold pack directly against a dog’s skin for long periods.
• Fit matters: a vest that is too tight can trap heat or restrict movement.

If you tell me your dog’s breed, coat type, approximate weight, and your climate (dry heat vs humid heat), I can narrow it to the best option.

Based on 2026 performance testing and field reviews, the most effective cooling solutions for dogs in hot climates focus on evaporative technology for activity and pressure-activated gels or ice-based, water-filled technology for resting.

Top-Rated Cooling Vests (Best for Walks & Hikes)

• “The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Dog Vest earns our Best Overall award. It performed the best by far in temperature testing, bringing my dog's surface temperature down over 80 degrees in just three minutes.”, as noted by Treeline Review.It uses a three-layer construction to reflect heat and evaporate moisture.
• “In our testing, evaporation-based vests like the Hurtta Cooling Wrap and Ruffwear Swamp Cooler stayed noticeably cool for several hours.”, according to Dog Gear Review.These are ideal because they provide a mild, consistent cooling effect without overcooling.
• “Other cooling products for dogs include: Cooling vests, Cooling harnesses, Cooling gaiters and snoods.”, according to Wirecutter.

Top-Rated Cooling Mats (Best for Rest & Home)

• “The CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat is the best cooling mat for dogs, recommended by both Dr. Lippman and Semel, who used the mat with her dog.”, according to The Spruce Pets.This, along with The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad , is a top choice.
• “The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad ... utilizes a nontoxic gel to help absorb excess heat from your pup in the summer, easily won out over its competitors.”, as noted by CNN Underscored.
• “The CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat stands out because it comes with an inner ice layer, so you don't have to worry about your dog ingesting gel.”, as noted by The Spruce Pets.

Why These Are Most Effective

• Active Cooling (Chest Coverage): Vests that cover the chest are most effective, as cooling the blood flow around the heart helps circulate the effect throughout the body.
• Evaporation over Freezing: Evaporative vests are superior for active dogs because they won't overcool them or constrict blood vessels, which can happen with freezing-based products.
• Rechargeable: The Green Pet Shop mat works instantly upon pressure and recharges after 15–20 minutes of non-use.

Key Takeaway: For active, hot-climate days, the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is top-rated, while for resting in a crate or at home, the CoolerDog Hydro or Green Pet Shop mat is most convenient.

Would you like to know more about the best option based on:

• Your dog's breed / coat thickness?
• Whether they are a puppy or senior?
• Whether you need something for hiking or at home?