The 8 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2021

Best Overall: Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed

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Though this cooling bed looks basic, it holds many hidden benefits for your pooch—and you. For one, the fabric is PVC coated for durability and support, plus it’s water resistant. You’ll love that it’s machine-washable and should it start to deteriorate (not likely until after many, many years of use) the company sells replaceable covers.

As for the frame, it’s made of powder-coated steel that’s both sturdy and lightweight and it has skid-resistant feet that hold steady on almost all surfaces and won't shift even as your pooch circles around trying to find just the right position. Lastly, it comes in three sizes and four color choices so you’re sure to find one that fits your dog and your space.

Best Budget: AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

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This cot-style bed from AmazonBasics raises your pup 7 inches off the ground on PVC mesh fabric for added airflow so they can get cooled off in a jiffy. The frame has rounded corners and stable feet and is made of iron. It’s also easy to put together—all you need is the included hex tool.

This bed comes in two colors and five different sizes. When deciding on the best size to order, keep in mind both your dog’s weight and their length. Each bed comes with a one year warranty from Amazon.

Best Orthopedic: Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel

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Older dogs deserve the added comfort of an orthopedic cooling dog bed, too. This one from mattress brand Sealy has a layer of cooling gel memory foam on top of a base foam that’s infused with charcoal to absorb smells. A waterproof layer tops them all to keep the bed in good shape.

The layers combine to make a comfy bed, plus unlike many other types of cooling beds, it’s not raised off the floor so there’s no jumping or balancing required to get into it. The bed is machine washable and stylishly made. It comes in four colors and four sizes.

Best for Large Dogs: K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

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This simple raised cot helps to keep your pup cool with sturdy waterproof 600 denier nylon fabric that lets the airflow up and under your dog, plus it’s double stitched and double backed for extra strength. With a middle bar for added support, the X-Large size can hold dogs up to 150 pounds—a good thing as larger dogs, in general, are more susceptible to heatstroke.

This bed features non-skid rubber feet, so it won’t move on your pup as they hop on. It’s easy to assemble and reassemble for trips on the go, plus it’s lightweight. As a side benefit, many pups enjoy the vantage point of being lifted a few inches off the ground.

Best for Small Dogs: Furhaven Two Tone Faux Fur & Suede Deluxe Chaise Cooling Gel Dog & Cat Bed

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It’s not just large dogs that are at risk for heatstroke, small dogs, particularly brachycephalic breeds, can overheat quickly. This bed comes with the option of an added cooling gel layer that wicks away body heat to cool your dog down.

The L-shape lounger mimics the end of your sofa, aka the favorite sleeping spot of many a pooch because it both gives them a nook to burrow into for security and a support to rest their heads on. The cover of the bed is machine-washable. The small size bed works for pets up to 20 pounds. 

Best Covered: Tucker Murphy Pet Harte Dog Cot with Canopy

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People aren’t the only ones who can get sunburned, pups—especially those with white or beige colored fur or noses—are also at risk. Meanwhile, dogs with black fur can overheat more quickly as their darker shade absorbs heat faster. Any dog who spends a lot of time outdoors in the summer with their people will appreciate this cooling bed with a canopy.

This bed sits elevated off the ground with a detachable canopy that allows for airflow on all sides to keep your pet cool. It’s constructed of lightweight steel and a polyester fabric that’s both high-density and breathable. The bed weighs 4 pounds so it’s easy to move around your yard to get it in a shady spot. Note that while it’s designed to hold pets up to 40 pounds, taller dogs may find it a bit difficult to avoid bumping into the canopy.

Best Cooling Pad: Hugs Pet Products Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs

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For extra chill power, consider a cooling dog pad. These foldable, portable mats can be placed anywhere your pup goes: in their crate, in their bed, in the car, outdoors, or just right on the floor. This one from Hugs Pet Products contains a pressure activated gel that cools on contact and absorbs body heat. Once one side gets too hot, flip it over to the other.

The pad automatically cools down again in between use, with no need to put in the freezer and no electricity or battery-power required. The exterior material is puncture resistant to stand up to tough dog nails and even pups who like to chew.