Dog Cooling Mat Size Guide

The golden rule: the mat should extend about 5 cm on each side of your dog when they are lying down. Measure from nose to base of tail, then add 10 cm.

How to measure your dog

Lay your dog on its side in its natural resting position. Take two measurements: the length (nose to base of tail) and the width (shoulder to floor). Add 10 cm to each to get the minimum mat size.

If your dog curls up to sleep rather than stretching out, you can drop down a size. Dogs that sprawl out full-length, on the other hand, need the larger size.

Size chart by weight and breed

Weight Typical breeds Size Dimensions Price
2-8 kg All cats, very small dogs S 40 × 30 cm £16.99
2-10 kg Chihuahua, Yorkshire, Cavalier, Bichon, Shih Tzu M 50 × 40 cm £19.99
10-25 kg Cocker, Beagle, Border Collie, Springer, French Bulldog L ★ 65 × 50 cm £24.99
25-45 kg Labrador, Golden, German Shepherd, Husky, Boxer, Dalmatian XL 100 × 70 cm £29.99

Special cases

Long or dense-coated dogs

Breeds such as the Husky, Samoyed, Chow Chow or Newfoundland have a thick coat that traps heat. For these dogs, go up one size from the standard recommendation. A 25 kg Husky is better off with the XL than the L.

Senior and arthritic dogs

If your dog is over 7 years old or has joint problems, choose the largest size that fits their resting spot so the whole body stays in contact with the cool surface. According to the Royal Veterinary College (2022), 67% of arthritic dogs show improved mobility with supportive, comfortable bedding, and a cool surface helps reduce restlessness in the heat.

More than one pet

If your pets share a resting area, go for the larger size or two separate mats. Each animal should have access to enough cool surface. A cat and a small dog can comfortably share an L mat.

Use in the car

For a standard back seat, the L (65 x 50 cm) or XL (100 x 70 cm) works perfectly. The mat folds easily for storage in the boot. Remember: a cooling mat really matters in the car, where the cabin temperature can climb past 40 degrees even with air conditioning on.

Hannah Whitmore

Written by

Hannah Whitmore

Veterinary nurse & canine welfare advisor

An RCVS-registered veterinary nurse for over 12 years, Hannah advises British dog owners on heat safety and everyday comfort for their pets.

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