K&H Cool Bed III Water Cooling Dog Bed

The K&H Cool Bed III is a cooling bed you fill with water. Its water core draws your dog’s body heat toward room temperature, with no gel, ice or power.

Who it suits

Owners who want to avoid gel, for indoor rooms or shaded patios. It is not chew-proof, so supervise dogs that chew.

Key facts

• Water-filled Cool Core that draws heat toward room temperature (K&H)
• Small 17 by 24 inches (1 to 1.5 gallons), Medium 22 by 32 (2 to 3 gallons), Large 32 by 44 (4 to 6 gallons) (K&H)
• Indoors or outdoors in shade; never in direct sunlight, never frozen, and only in temperatures under 100 F (K&H)
• Clean with a damp sponge and mild dish soap; do not machine wash (K&H)
• The maker says it is not intended to be a life saving device; two-year limited warranty (K&H)

What reviewers say

Business Insider named it the best water mat after measuring that “its surface temperature rose by only 3.6 degrees” after a 30-minute lie-down indoors. Its downside: it “Doesn’t retain coolness as well as gel mats”. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: No gel inside; filled with water you add
• Pro: Business Insider measured only a 3.6 degree rise after 30 minutes
• Pro: Three sizes up to 32 by 44 inches
• Con: Does not retain coolness as well as gel mats (Business Insider)
• Con: Has to be filled and must never be frozen or left in direct sun (maker)
• Con: Claws can puncture it; the maker says keep nails trimmed

Cautions

• K&H says the Cool Bed III is not intended to be a life saving device and should be used under 100 F, out of direct sun, on a smooth surface.
• Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to avoid punctures, and supervise dogs that chew.
• Use it alongside shade, fresh water and rest, not instead of them.
• A cooling mat is a comfort aid, not a treatment. Heavy panting, drooling, weakness or collapse in the heat can be heatstroke, which is an emergency: cool your dog and go to a vet at once.