Cooling Dog Bed Covers: A Practical Buying Guide
By Dazy Dog: Australia's Best Value Luxury Dog Beds | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Buying Guides
Choose the right cooling dog bed cover by matching your dog's heat signs, crate setup, and washing routine. Practical rules for hot Australian summers.
Quick answer
If your dog seeks cool tiles or pants at night, a cooling dog bed cover is the fastest fix. For most Australian homes, start with a cooling cover that fits your existing bed or crate mat, then add a washable cotton or waffle cover for backup. If your dog is a senior with joint issues, choose a cooling cover that fits over a supportive memory foam base rather than replacing it.
Match the cover to your dog's heat signs, not the season
A dog that sprawls on tiles, digs at bedding, or wakes repeatedly is telling you the bed surface is too warm. A dog that sleeps through the night but feels warm to touch may only need a lighter cover, not a full cooling system. Cooling covers work by moving heat away from the body, so they help most when your dog is actively seeking a cooler surface. If your dog avoids the bed entirely in summer, the cover type matters less than whether the bed itself traps heat.
Fit rules: measure the mat, not the dog
Cooling covers are sized to the bed or crate mat underneath, so measure the mat's length and width before choosing a size. A cover that is too loose bunches up and reduces airflow; one that is too tight strains the seams and can be hard to remove for washing. For crate mats, check whether the cover is designed as a slip-on or a fitted sheet, because the two fit differently. If your dog is between sizes, size up only if the cover has elastic or a tuck-in flap; otherwise stay with the exact mat size.
Material trade-offs: cooling technology vs everyday washability
Cooling covers often use specialised fabrics that feel cool to the touch, but they may need gentler washing and can lose effectiveness if dried on high heat. Cotton and waffle covers are breathable and easy to wash, but they do not actively reduce overheating the way a dedicated cooling cover does. A practical setup is a cooling cover for the hottest weeks and a cotton or waffle cover for the rest of the year. Rotating covers also extends the life of both.
Crate mats and cooling: what actually works
A cooling crate mat works best when air can move around it, so avoid placing it in a closed crate with thick bedding on top. If your dog is crated during hot weather, use a cooling cover over a thin crate mat rather than a thick padded bed. For dogs that chew, check that the cooling cover does not have loose gel packs or beads, as these can be a hazard. If you already have a crate mat, a quick cover is often cheaper than replacing the whole bed.
Washing and care: keep the cooling effect working
Most cooling covers are machine washable, but follow the label: cold water and air drying protect the cooling fibres. Avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and reduce their cooling performance. Wash cooling covers separately from heavy items to prevent stretching. If your dog has accidents, keep a second cover on hand so the bed is never out of action while one is drying.
Decision rules for cooling dog bed covers
- Rule 1: Choose active cooling if your dog pants or seeks cool floors: If your dog shows clear heat-seeking behaviour, pick a cover described with cooling technology, such as the Cover - Cooling Natural, over a standard cotton or waffle cover. Active cooling is worth the extra cost for dogs that overheat.
- Rule 2: Choose breathable cotton or waffle if heat is mild or washing is frequent: For dogs that are only slightly warm or that have accidents, a breathable cotton or waffle cover is easier to wash and dry, and still reduces heat compared with thick bedding. Washability matters more than cooling technology for some households.
- Rule 3: Match the cover to your existing bed or crate mat: Measure the mat and choose a cover that fits it exactly. A cooling cover that does not fit will bunch, reduce airflow, and be harder to wash. Fit is the most common reason cooling covers fail.
- Rule 4: Keep a spare cover for hot spells: Buy two covers if your dog overheats often, so one can be washed and dried while the other is in use. A spare cover prevents a hot night without cooling.
Product facts
- Cover - Cooling Natural: The Cover - Cooling Natural is a cooling cover for dogs, offered in sizes S and XL. It is described as using Thermo-technology and NASA cooling technology, with the aim of helping reduce overheating, and as reducing overheating up to 48%. This is the most direct cooling option if your dog overheats easily, but it only comes in two sizes, so measure carefully before ordering.
- Crate Mat Quick Cover - Waffle Navy: The Crate Mat Quick Cover - Waffle Navy slips easily over your existing dog bed mat, adding softness and protection. The plush waffle texture enhances comfort while helping keep your dog bed cleaner for longer. A practical backup cover for cooler nights or for protecting the mat underneath, and it is easy to swap out for washing.
- Crate Mat Quick Cover - Cotton Fitted Sheet Khaki: The Crate Mat Quick Cover - Cotton Fitted Sheet Khaki is designed to slip over your Dazy Dog crate mat for simple, stress-free cleaning. Crafted from soft, breathable cotton, it adds comfort while protecting the mat underneath from everyday wear, fur and accidents. A breathable cotton option for mild heat or for dogs that need frequent washing due to accidents or fur.
Fit guidance
Best for
- Dogs that seek cool surfaces or pant at night during Australian summers
- Owners who want to upgrade an existing crate mat or bed without replacing it
- Households that need a washable cover for accidents or fur
Not for
- Dogs that chew bedding, unless the cover has no loose gel or beads
- Owners who want a complete bed replacement rather than a cover
- Dogs that need orthopaedic support, unless the cooling cover is used over a supportive memory foam base
