Cool help on hot days: the cooling mat for your dog
High temperatures are not only a burden for us humans - our dogs also suffer considerably in the summer heat. Especially on hot days, a cooling mat can be a sensible and simple way to actively help your dog to regulate its body temperature, reduce stress and prevent health risks.
Heat as a stressor - an underestimated danger
Stress in dogs can be triggered by a wide variety of stimuli - so-called stressors. In addition to noise, fear, pain or boredom, climatic influences such as extreme heat or cold are also among the main triggers. The body reacts to such stimuli with an increased release of the stress hormone cortisol. This can be useful in the short term, but in the long term it impairs the immune system, the gastrointestinal tract and general well-being.
Well thought-out management can counteract this - and this is exactly where cooling mats come in: They not only help to regulate temperature, but also make an important contribution to reducing stress.
How does a dog regulate its body temperature?
Dogs have very few sweat glands - mainly on the pads of their paws, and these serve more to mark their territory than for active cooling. Their most important ‘air conditioning system’ is panting: excess heat is released through evaporation. In addition, there are other mechanisms such as
- Conduction (heat conduction): e.g. through contact with a cool surface
- Convection (heat transport): e.g. through air movement
- Radiation: the passive radiation of heat
- Evaporation (evaporation): via panting and to a limited extent via the skin
Conduction - the direct exchange of heat with a cooler surface - is particularly effective. This is exactly where the cooling mat comes in: how does the dog regulate its body temperature?
Functionality and advantages of a cooling mat
Most cooling mats work completely without electricity or cooling in the freezer compartment. They contain a gel that is activated by pressure and enables constant cooling over a longer period of time. The dog can voluntarily lie down on the mat whenever it gets too warm.
Important: Use should always be self-determined - the dog must be able to remove itself from the mat at any time. For puppies and older dogs in particular, it is important not to leave them to sleep on the mat unsupervised, as there is a risk of hypothermia.
Special care for dogs at risk
Some dogs are particularly at risk in hot weather, e.g:
- Short-headed breeds such as French Bulldogs or Pugs
- Long-haired or very thick-coated dogs (e.g. husky, Bernese mountain dog)
- Overweight dogs, puppies, senior citizens or sick animals
These dogs are much less able to regulate their body temperature. If the core body temperature rises above 42-43 °C, there is a risk of heatstroke - a life-threatening situation that requires rapid action (symptoms: panting, weakness, vomiting, loss of consciousness).
Thermoregulation is individual - cooling mats help with customisation
The ability to release heat depends on the dog's body mass and surface area. Small dogs lose proportionally more heat through the skin, while large dogs cool down more slowly. Heat is mainly produced in the core of the body, while heat is released via so-called thermal windows (e.g. between the front legs).
One advantage of the cooling mat is that these areas come into contact with the cool surface. This allows your dog to actively contribute to regulating its body temperature.
Also a real helper in everyday life and when travelling
Whether at home, in the car, on holiday or when acclimatising shelter dogs from other climate zones - dogs can't simply get dressed or changed like we can. A cooling mat provides a quick remedy. It is lightweight, mobile and can be used wherever your dog gets too warm.
Dog cooling mat coolnis
The coolnis dog cooling mat offers your dog a permanently refreshing resting area - whether at home, in the office or when travelling. Thanks to innovative air conditioning technology, the mat actively cools to up to 10 °C below the ambient temperature, providing pleasant cooling on hot days.
Special advantages at a glance:Dog cooling mat coolnis
- Permanent cooling: As long as the mat is supplied with power, the cooling performance remains constant - without gel or regeneration.
- Robust and waterproof: The scratch-resistant, water-repellent surface withstands stormy play and daily use.
- Flexible use: With the 12 V adapter, the mat also stays pleasantly cool in the car or camper.
- Safe and quiet: Cooling takes place with normal tap water and at a low volume.
- Easy to clean: The surface is uncomplicated to wipe down - hygienic and easy to clean.
- Can also be used without cooling: Thanks to the clever plug-in system, the mat can also be used as a comfortable resting place without active cooling.
Conclusion: A cooling mat is much more than just a summer gadget. It is an effective tool to support your dog's health, reduce stress and avoid acute dangers such as overheating. And best of all, your dog can decide for himself when he wants to use it. Whether as prevention, for existing problems or simply as a comfort zone on hot days.
Veterinary surgeon Dr Julia Vietmeier
holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and specialises in chiropractic and acupuncture in her practice.
She attaches great importance to the holistic treatment of her four-legged patients.