Best Dog Cooling Products for Summer 2023

Written by Adam Lee-Smith

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 06/29/2023, edited: 06/29/2023

Best Dog Cooling Products for Summer 2023 image

The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.


It's no secret our fur-babies have trouble keeping cool at the height of summer. Whether you're spending time in the great outdoors or just enjoying some playtime in the yard, you can expect plenty of panting and sweaty paws from your pupper.

Unfortunately, heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn are real concerns for our four-legged friends. Luckily, you'll find lots of ways to keep your canine comfortable on the hottest days of the year. Check out these essential dog cool products to keep your dog cool this summer!


Overview

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

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Best cooling mat

A cooling mat is one of the best cooling products for dogs who tend to get hot and bothered when taking a summer snooze. You'll find a variety of cooling mats out there, but The Green Shop's cooling pad is one of our faves.

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad is convenient since it doesn't require refrigeration or electricity. These mats use a patented gel formula that cools down when your dog lies on it. Within 20 minutes of non-use, the cooling mat is ready to use again.

While the mat's gel isn't toxic, you should keep a close eye on your dog to ensure they don't chew on the mat or swallow any of the gel. Avoid placing the mat in direct sunlight, which will damage it.


The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

Why Wag! loves TheGreenPetShop Cool Pet Pad

  • Pressure-activated cooling pad — no need for refrigeration or freezing!
  • Made with a non-toxic gel formula to absorb body heat
  • Folds for easy storage and is hand-washable

Considerations & concerns

  • Needs a short period to cool back down after extended use
  • Some pet parents report it wrinkles easily
  • Not machine washable

What pet parents say about The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

"Our Stella is a bulldog mix and prone to overheating, especially after walks. She loves this mat! I placed it in one of her usual cooldown spots and she went right to it. Gives us peace of mind that she has something to help regulate her body temperature."

"I bought this mat for our husky, who is constantly panting from the summer heat. She likes laying on this and it provides her with some relief at least! Just what I was wanting for her. The Large size is perfect for her!"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright The Green Pet Shop, LLC.


K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath

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Best dog pool

A doggy paddling pool is a simple solution to keeping your dog cool while they play in your yard. But finding a convenient and durable product isn't a walk in the park.

We pawsitively love the K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath. This dog paddling pool doesn't need to be inflated, which means your dog can't puncture it as easily with their sharp claws.

The pool is made from durable vinyl that's held in place with sturdy metal frames and also includes a drain plug for easy clean-up after playtime. Add on the matching canopy (sold separately) to give your pup some shade while they splash and prevent debris from falling into the pool.

Why Wag! loves K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath

  • A durable dog pool with a metal frame and vinyl interior
  • Built-in drain plug for easy draining
  • No tools are needed for assembly

Considerations & concerns

  • Doesn't come with a storage bag
  • Matching canopy sold separately
K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath

K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath

What pet parents say about K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath

"Our pet just love her pool. She dipped herself 3x/day most of the time. She got enough room to turn and enjoy the cool water."

"My Pups Bess and Archie absolutely love it! The jumped right in. It is easy to put together and the material used is thick enough for their nails!! Couldn't be happier!!"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright K&H Pet Products.


Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots

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Best dog boots

Dog boots might not be suitable for every pup, but they can help protect your pooch's paws from hot pavement and rough terrain on summertime walks. They're also a useful alternative to paw wax for dogs who like to lick their paws.

Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots are a must-have for those scorching summer walks and swims. These breathable booties include drainage holes in case your pup wants to make a splash, along with rubber soles for extra traction. They're available in 6 sizes, but the adjustable straps make it easy to ensure they fit Fido pawfectly!

Related: Best Dog Boots to Protect Your Pup's Paws

Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots

Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots

Why Wag! loves Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots

  • Comfortable dog boots for hot surfaces
  • Water-friendly thanks to drainage holes
  • Wide opening so they're easy to put on your pup's paws
  • Rubber sole means they won't slip or slide
  • Adjustable straps for the best fit

Considerations & concerns

  • Need to be washed on a gentle cycle and hung out to dry
  • Not fully waterproof

What pet parents say about Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots

"My headstrong pup has not liked ANY shoes in the past and she has accepted these ones with some practice which I feel very lucky about!

"This is our second attempt at a dog boot. The first set had a hard rubberized foot, difficult to put on, and made her trip. These are so much (much!) easier to put on and are a good enough protection for our hot Arizona pavement, sharp rocks, and thorns. Best thing is she walks easily in them without tripping. Sizing is accurate."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Canada Pooch.


Musher's Secret Paw Wax

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Best paw wax

Musher's Secret Paw Wax is one of the best dog cooling products for protecting your pup's paws from hot pavement. Developed for use on sled dogs in Canada, Musher's Secret provides protection for your dog's sensitive paw pads — come snow or shine.

Musher's Secret Paw Wax is made with all-natural, food-grade ingredients, including beeswax and vitamin E. Plus, it's non-allergenic and non-staining. For dogs that don't like wearing protective boots, Musher's Secret is the pawfect solution.

Musher's Secret Paw Wax

Musher's Secret Paw Wax

Why Wag! loves Musher's Secret Paw Wax

  • 100% natural, food-grade paw wax
  • Works on both hot and cold surfaces
  • Absorbs in seconds and lasts for up to a week
  • Indefinite shelf life

Considerations & concerns

  • High quality means a higher price
  • Should be used sparingly as unabsorbed wax can get on carpets, furniture, etc.

What pet parents say about Musher's Paw Wax

"My Boston terrier hates his boots, but the salt on the city sidewalks in Chicago in ice and snow burns his feet. This product was the answer! Highly recommend."

"My pup is weird about putting stuff on her paws, so this stuff is AMAZING. I only need to apply a little bit once or twice and her paws stop being dry. She loves the smell and taste when it's on my hands, but she does not lick it off her own paws. It's a miracle. 11/10 would recommend to everyone, and have!"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Treadwell Pet Products.


Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

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Best elevated bed

Unlike cooling mats, which usually lie flat on the floor, an elevated, breathable bed will keep your dog feeling fresh by promoting airflow. It'll also help protect your pup from pesky summer critters that lurk in the grass, including ticks.

The Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo is affordable, durable, and easy to assemble. It's made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fine mesh, which is highly breathable and great for dogs with joint issues. The bed's fabric is also Greenguard certified, which means it meets high standards for low chemical emissions — a furrific option for eco-conscious pet parents!

Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

Why Wag! loves Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

  • Raised breathable dog bed to keep your pup cool
  • Made from durable HDPE mesh
  • Meets high standards for low chemical emissions

Considerations & concerns

  • Some pet parents had difficulty with assembly

What pet parents say about Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed

"My dog is a Aussie shepherd cattle dog mix. I noticed that my dog would constantly move around in the night to cooler spots when sleeping. I decided to try this bed for her to see if this would help keep her cooler at night & it does. She goes right to her bed & can sleep the night through. She loves!"

"I recommend watching the YouTube link that another reviewer shared for tips on how to assemble, but otherwise, this bed is a great value and has been well-used by our beagle."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Coolaroo.


Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Toy

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Best cooling toy

If your dog is a big chewer or you have a teething puppy, they're sure to love the Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Toy. This flexible dog toy features grooves that can be filled with water. Stick the dog toy in the freezer for a few hours, and your pup will have an ice-cold hydrating chew to enjoy!

It's easy to tell when this toy is completely frozen — it changes color depending on the temperature. These toys are also flavored for your pup's enjoyment. When the summer's over, you can use it as a puzzle toy by smearing peanut butter into the grooves. This chew toy is a grrreat way to keep your pooch occupied for hours in all seasons!

Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Chew Toy

Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Chew Toy

Why Wag! loves Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Chew Toy

  • Chew toy that can be filled with cold water and frozen
  • Fill with peanut butter or chicken broth for year-round use
  • Textured to reduce plaque and tartar build-up

Considerations & concerns

  • Concern about durability for hard chewers

What pet parents say about Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Toy

"My Cairn Terrier puppy is teething, and she was chewing on everything. This teether is the best. I keep it in the freezer overnight, and she actually sits in front of the refrigerator each morning to get it!"

"My dog absolutely LOVES his Chill & Chew! On a hot day, he is at it until all the treats are out and then continues to lick at the ice cold toy. We just use little pieces of soft treats and add the water. It keeps him calm and cool!"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Nylabone.


PetSafe Drinkwell Dog & Cat Water Fountain

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Best water fountain

An automatic water bowl is one of the best products to keep your dog cool, and it's also super convenient for busy pet parents. With an adjustable water flow and ramp to reduce splashing, the PetSafe Drinkwell Dog Fountain is a thoughtfully designed product.

One of its best features is the triple filtration system, which removes debris, odor, and hair from your pup's water. Constant water movement also slows down bacteria growth. It's easy to assemble and disassemble, making cleaning a breeze.

Be sure to change the carbon and foam filters regularly. You'll need to change the carbon filters once every 2 to 4 weeks. The foam filter will need to be replaced every 1 to 2 months.

PetSafe Drinkwell Dog & Cat Water Fountain

PetSafe Drinkwell Dog & Cat Water Fountain

Why Wag! loves PetSafe Drinkwell Dog & Cat Water Fountain

  • Simple but effective dog water fountain
  • Adjustable water flow for different size dogs
  • Triple filtration system to keep your pup's water clean
  • Easy to clean

Considerations & concerns

  • Concerns among some pet parents about the quality of some parts
  • Regular maintenance is essential to prevent buildup of minerals

What pet parents say about PetSafe Drinkwell Dog & Cat Water Fountain

"I bought this water bowl because I have three dogs and eight cats and it holds enough water to last them all day. I had a gravity flow water bowl and the flow feeder would get stuck, so they would be without water while I am [at] work. This bowl has solved that problem."

"My dog and cats enjoy the flow of this fountain..Maintenance is important.. Lime builds up,..It’s still going strong..Gabby truly enjoys her water..And the cat’s appetite the freshness.."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Radio Systems Corporation.


Kong H20 K9 Unit Insulated Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle & Travel Bowl

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Best travel water bowl

Keeping your dog hydrated while out walking or hiking is essential, but carrying around a water bowl or plastic bottles can be impractical while on the go. That's where this nifty dog water bottle comes in!

The Kong H20 K9 Dog Water Bottle is a leak-proof water bottle with a removable scoop-shaped bowl. The bottle and bowl are made of food-grade materials to ensure they're safe for your dog. The Kong H20 K9 Dog Water Bottle is also super stylish and comes in three colors: orange, blue, and shadow black.

Kong H20 K9 Unit Insulated Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle & Travel Bowl

Kong H20 K9 Unit Insulated Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle & Travel Bowl

Why Wag! loves Kong H20 K9 Unit Insulated Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle & Travel Bowl

  • Sturdy, insulated dog water bottle and bowl
  • Made of food-grade stainless steel
  • Bottle and bowl are recyclable and sustainable

Considerations & concerns

  • Some pet parents report issues with the cap

What pet parents say about Kong H20 K9 Unit Insulated Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle & Travel Bowl

"Works really well. Designed well, keeps water cool and pup happy on long walks. The one drawback is the carabineer is a little cheap, but easily replaceable. Other than that great product!"

"Love this product, well designed. My dog drinks out of the cap with no problem. Since I have arthritis in [my] hands I can’t carry a lot on walks, we can share the water because of the design."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Kong Company.


Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist

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Best dog sunscreen

Sunscreen is an underrated summer essential for dogs. The exposed skin on your dog's nose and ears can quickly become sunburned, causing dry skin and irritation. Sunscreen is especially important for breeds with light or no fur, like Chinese Cresteds and French Bulldogs.

Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist helps protect your dog's ears and nose from UV rays. This non-stick, non-greasy formula sprays on a light white color so you can see which areas of your pup's skin aren't protected.

Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist

Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist

Why Wag! loves Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist

  • Provides SPF 15 protection from UV rays
  • Non-stick and non-greasy
  • Sprays on light white before soaking into the skin so you can see where your dog is covered

Considerations & concerns

  • You'll need to supervise your dog while the sunscreen dries to ensure they don't ingest large quantities
  • May not be suitable for puppies under the age of 6 months

What pet parents say about Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist

"Of course one's pink skinned, white haired doggo loves to worship the sun. Finn lays down & gets sprayed while enjoying a full body massage. Protects him perfectly!"

"My Chiweenie loves to lay in the sun but I was concerned that she would get burned. A friend recommended this product. It has a pleasant fragrance and she does not resist when I apply it."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Petkin, Inc.


GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest

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Best cooling vest

An ice vest is one dog cooling accessory your fur-baby won't want to take off. Simply wet the GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest, wring it out, and put on your dog to keep them cool while lazing in the sun — no fridge or freezer required!

Velcro straps ensure the GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest fits comfortably. And the vest's anti-microbial technology helps keep small pests off your fur-baby. It comes in 8 sizes, ranging from XS to 4XL.

GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest

GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest

Why Wag! loves GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest

  • Easy-to-prepare cooling vest that doesn't require refrigeration
  • Velcro straps for a comfy fit
  • Helps keep away invisible pests
  • Available in 8 sizes

Considerations & concerns

  • Some pet parents note sizing isn't always accurate

What pet parents say about GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest

"I got the cooling vest for my Frenchie, we live in Florida, our obedience classes are outside, he was overheating. This Vest really helped a lot, we were able to get through the whole class."

"I bought different kinds of cooling vests over the years and I have been disappointed with most of them. I am glad I finally found this. It is the best cooling vest I have ever bought. It is very light but it keeps my dogs cool during warm weather."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright GF Pet.


Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy

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Best water toy

Encourage your dog to make a splash with the Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy. This floating toy is made of sturdy unsinkable material, similar to a pool float.

Plus, Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy's bright colors make it easy to see in the water. It's the pawfect toy tug of war on the beach or a game of poolside fetch.

Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy

Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy

Why Wag! loves Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy

  • Floating toy ideal for water play
  • Made of strong material similar to pool floats
  • Brightly colored for easy visibility

Considerations & concerns

  • Not designed for aggressive chewers
  • Visibility of toy depends on water conditions

What pet parents say about Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy

"Our pups can’t get enough of it whether playing on land, beach or in the pool! One of their faves!"

"this is one of my German Shepherd's favorite toys! She loves to leap to get it, and it is very easy to throw. It is also a great water toy, since it floats."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright ChuckIt!.


Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana

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Best cooling bandana

A bandana is one of the best products for keeping dogs cool, especially for pups who object to wearing a vest.

Your pooch will look cool while keeping cool with the Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana. Wet the bandana, wring it, and wrap it around your doggo's neck to keep them feeling fresh.

It snaps to fit and is made of mesh layers to promote airflow. The Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana comes in 2 stylish designs: tie-dye and smiley face pattern.

Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana

Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana

Why Wag! loves the Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana

  • Stylish, easy-to-use cooling bandana
  • Mesh layers promote airflow
  • Contains no chemical coolants

Concerns & considerations

  • Some pet parents report sizing issues

What pet parents say about the Canada Pooch Tie Dye Cooling Dog Bandana

"This product is well made, and works great. Like the snaps and the colors. No smelly chemicals"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Canada Pooch.


Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Flavor Ice Cream

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Best frozen treat

Treat your fur-baby to a special summer snack with pup-friendly ice cream! Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Flavor Ice Cream is lactose-free and contains only 5 ingredients, all of which are safe for puppers.

This dog ice cream comes in powder form, which means you can keep it in your pantry. Whenever you're ready, just add water and freeze for a refreshingly cool treat!

Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Flavor Ice Cream

Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Flavor Ice Cream

Why Wag! loves Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Flavor Ice Cream

  • Lactose-free dog ice cream
  • Only contains 5 ingredients
  • Powdered for long shelf-life — just add water and freeze

Concerns & considerations

  • Should be fed as special treat due to sugar content

What pet parents say about Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Flavor Ice Cream

"My pug loved this ice cream. I have also been putting it in her food because she enjoys it so much. I would even buy this not on her birthday as a treat."

"I bought the peanut butter flavor for our dog's birthday as a special treat. It was super easy to make and both of our dogs LOVED it! I will definitely get it again and try other flavors, too."

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Pooch Cake and Pooch Creamery.


PetSafe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Dog Toy

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Best cooling puzzle toy

Looking for a summer cooling puzzle toy? PetSafe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Dog Toy is a penguin-shaped toy with a hollow snowflake-shaped hole you can pack with treats. Fill with water or doggy ice cream, and watch your pup go to work.

This toy is made from robust rubber and has a rounded bottom to make getting the treat more challenging. These toys are stackable, so you can place several in your freezer, one on top of another!

PetSafe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Dog Toy

PetSafe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Dog Toy

Why Wag! loves the PetSafe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Dog Toy

  • Freezable rubber puzzle toy
  • Rounded bottom for added challenge
  • Stackable design for freezing several at once

Concerns & considerations

  • Difficult to clean

What pet parents say about PetSafe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Dog Toy

"We just got these today. I put sweet potato and yogurt inside and froze. Gave them to my girls 10 mins ago and they are still licking them! Idk why I didn’t think of this sooner."

"My Great Dane and German both have a small one and I fill them each night and freeze them so in the morning, they have a little treat. It’s just big enough to not be too much!"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Radio Systems Corporation.


Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed

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Best cooling bed

Is your fur-baby's regular cozy bed too warm for summer? The Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed is made from a cooling gel memory foam — ideal for warm weather. Plus, its orthopedic qualities benefit older dogs and dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia.

The Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed is super easy to clean, too. Just remove the cover from the bed and stick it in with the rest of your laundry.

Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed

Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed

Why Wag! loves Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed

  • Cooling gel memory foam bed perfect for summer snoozing
  • Memory foam supports dog with orthopedic conditions
  • Machine washable

Concerns & considerations

  • Not suitable for chewers due to durability

What pet parents say about Frisco Cooling Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed

"The Golden loves the bed. The extra large comfortably accommodates a Golden and Greyhound. Unlike the typical foam beds, I do not expect the Frisco will break down and become sagging or lumpy. I expect the Frisco to hold up as well as the two like type Brindles which were sized to fit two 24" x 48" crates."

"All 6 of my dogs have loved and enjoyed this bed! Every dog that comes to visit goes right for it! 100% recommend!"

Read more reviews on Chewy.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Chewy.


FAQ

Do dog cooling mats work?

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Do dogs sweat? How do they cool off?

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Can I use ice or frozen treats to keep my dog cool?

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My dog is brachycephalic — how can I keep my fur-baby from overheating?

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How do I know if my dog is overheating?

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