A question for dog owners …

[Blackswanwood]

Are cooling mats worthwhile?

Our puppy has slowed down a bit during the last few days and just spread herself out on our stone floors.



My wife thinks we should get a cooling mat but other than it being able to be taken with us if we go out I’m not sure it’s needed.

I’d be interested in the opinion of anyone who is using one as to whether they work or are overrated?

Cheers

 

[Trevanion]

I just wet the dog down with a bit of water on really hot days.

 

[Lons]

We have one Robert as my wife and daughter thought they were a good idea but it's rolled up and in the shed as like your pup our old Labrador prefers lying flat on the floor, usually in front of a door so you're sure to trip over her.

Whatr she does like is a bed on a frame which stands about 6" off the ground as it has a perforated surface but that's outside on the patio under the shade of the hedge. It just stays out in the summer as it's waterproof and washable. Something like this one but I'm sure ours would habe been much cheaper and it's quite large.

HiK9 Bed with Black Mesh Cover

Breathable, air flow allows dogs to regulate body temperature Dust and hair drops through mesh Ideal for dogs with allergies as stops dust mites from breeding in bedding Continence issues, puppy training pads can be inserted between the double layer mesh catching any accidents Great for dogs...

www.hik9.com

 

[Woodbloke]

Are cooling mats worthwhile?

Not when you've got a nice, cold stone floor. The pooch is hot and the floor is cold, simples - Rob....who's also sleeping downstairs on a cold tiled kitchen floor.

 

[duke]

Sounds like a good idea. On the flip side a buddy has warming mats outside of his side door in the winter and the dogs love it.

 

[HOJ]

We did have one, a large mat, gel filled thing, our FC Retriever did lay on it while it lasted, before it leaked. Now she just crashes on the stone floors, she does get a regular cold-water hose down, but that’s all year round anyway, which I have to say she really doesn’t mind and stands patiently whist its done, but then has a mad 5, and if I (I say I, because it’s always my fault) forget to shut the back door she shakes all over the house...

 

[AndyP]

Our poodle gets wrapped in a damp towel when very hot .

 

[Lons]

Our poodle gets wrapped in a damp towel when very hot .

A bit like Steve though I wouldn't call him a poodle.

 

[Blackswanwood]

Thanks for the replies. I will maintain my stance of not giving the pet shop another £25!

On the flip side a buddy has warming mats outside of his side door in the winter and the dogs love it.

We have UFH throughout and our previous dog had a favourite place to settle in winter which we could never work out why he chose. The plumber then pointed out that his dog did the same and it is where all the warm pipes start their journey from and to the manifold.

 

[HdV]

We used to have one. But later we noticed that our dog prefers a cooling collar (I hope that's what they are called in English). So, now the mat is somewhere where I'll probably can't find it when I meet someone who wants to have it.