Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels, Crates and Beds 35x55

Purchased an Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat 35-in x 55-in (Large) Pad originally July 2022. This review is being posted March 2023 so 8 months of use at the time of posting.My rescue Great Pyrenees spent her first year "recovering" from the medical and emotional effects of extreme abuse and neglect. The emergency veterinary care included having to shave her completely to treat 100's of flea bites, infected areas from licking and chewing herself not to mention the extremely matted under coat on her undernourished body. Though we are managing it better today, the PTSD flight piece is better managed almost 3 years in but does affect her acclimation to anything new in her environment.I mention all of this because it factored into which cooling mat might work for her. I bought and returned no less than 8 different types of cooling mats while evaluating and dismissing many more in person. The critical need for her was to mitigate her lack of ability to self regulate her temperature until her full coat grew back in. Not to mention, we live in Florida so effectively live on the sun in terms of heat & humidity during the summer especially.I gave this 4 stars for the following reasons: (1) Though this is the best cooling mat I have found so far, there are some challenges I'll leave in the Cons. Some are specific to my usage but others may apply to you for consideration. (2) After 8 months of usage at the foot of my bed or on a 40-in x 40-in over sized ottoman, it has permanent wrinkle texture to the mat. Though I don't see separation at seams or wear issues in any spots, I am concerned this is a sign of gel deterioration that could lead to this.I have purchased a second of these mats so you should know I clearly recommend them with the above caveats but you MUST purchase a cover for the mat IMO. They work well for dogs and humans to cool from ambient heat and or hot flashes.***** Pros *****+ Uses a Gel for cooling rather than water, etc.+ This Arf mat is the most effective cooling mat of the eight I tried. It keeps the gel under the silhouette of my Great Pyrenees rather than dispersing to the seams as other gel mats did in my observation.+ Comes in a GIANT BREED size 35" x 55" that allows my 117-lb girl to adjust on the mat for a cooler spot without rolling off.+ Does have an Arf cover available that is sized for this mat. It adequately helps protect the gel mat from dog nail scratches and clawing during getting up and down from the mat. It is a stiffer material and has only an envelope closure (for bottom) so has a less than ideal fit. NOTE: If you find one that works better, please message me. If I find one, I'll update this review.+ Easy to move because it folds and is lighter weight than other options.***** Cons *****- A cover for this mat should be part of the purchase price rather than an added $15. It's great that extras can be purchased to rotate for cleaning but at least one should be included at the $70-$75 price point this mat retails.- Arf mat cover - is a stiffer material and has an envelope closure (for bottom) so it has than a less than ideal fit.- At 8-months in, the mat is no longer smooth. It has a consistent wrinkled surface that cannot be smoothed out.***** Observations in Assessing Cooling Mats *****There were varied cooling mat types in my search. Here are some experiences and considerations that came from our odyssey that might help you:* Water filled mats - Though it was a couple of months in, I had the inevitable leaking issue on my wood flooring in spite of my putting it in a tray. Also, they are noisy as no matter how diligent you are at purging air bubbles, some will always remain. If your dog has any PTSD issues involving noises and or movement, run don't walk away from water filled mats. A negative for any usage, once filled they are not moveable without draining.* Not all gel is the same and thicker is not always better/ more effective - Some mats that were thicker with a gel product went completely flat in use. The weight pushed all the gel to the sides of the mat around my 117-lb girl's silhouette thereby NOT actually cooling anyplace she touched the mat.* Some feel cool to initial touch but do not sustain cool with much time in use. I tried them all myself before having her try them so I was surprised at how ineffectual some mats were that had many 4-star and 5-star reviews which makes me question the source of reviews as well but that's a different topic.* Some were too small and would require multiple pads for my girl which would be completely ineffective for any large or giant breeds.

This mat does help cool my dog. She won't lay directly on it so I have a sheet placed over it but the cooling still works great. I had a similar one previously and her nails broke through the fabric. Having the cotton sheeting over it helps to prevent this while letting her stay cool and comfortable. A stronger material would be fabulous but this one works.

We needed a mat to practice long downs and place commands for our 75-pound labrador retriever. We have tried different mats before, but the dog doesn't like lying on them because they are too warm for him. This mat provides a cool spot for him. He also likes to slowly crawl of most mats, but this one accommodates his long limbs nicely. The mat is made of high quality, non-toxic material. It is heavier than most "regular" dog mats/beds. It folds up nicely to pack away. It is well worth spending the extra money.

Bought some smaller ones for my dogs. HVAC system completely upped and died and my income doesn’t afford me fixing it right now. I’ve been sleeping on this mat and it’s been a very nice relief. Worried about the 100 degree weather coming up but less so with this mat. Highly recommend for dogs and humans. And cats. One of mine is on them often.

I wish it wasn't so expensive so I could keep one in every room! Our 60lbs golden shepherd runs hot all the time. She's always trying to lay on the vents and on the cold kitchen floor. She's loves this mat! It stays in the bedroom for bed and she sleeps on this mat instead of her bed. Absolutely wonderful product!!!