Arf Pets
Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Dog Mat, 27 x 43 in
A pressure-activated solid gel mat that needs no water or power, at a premium price for the 27 x 43 inch size.
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Our review
Arf Pets is the established name in gel cooling mats. The mat has a solid gel interior that works by pressure: your dog lies down and the gel absorbs body heat, with no water, power or refrigeration. The listing says it cools for up to three hours and recharges after 15 minutes of nonuse. The 27 x 43 inch size is listed for dogs up to 80 pounds, and smaller and larger sizes are sold.
Owners say it works. Cooling comes up often in buyer feedback, and one owner of a puppy in Missouri says it pulls the heat out and you feel the cool right away. One owner has bought three: one for a senior, front-leg amputee dog, one for the car and one for travel. Buyers also say it is easy to wipe clean and has no odor.
It is the priciest option here, and reviewers list the trade-offs. One says a spot gets toasty after about an hour if the dog does not move, that the mat is slippery on some floors and that it is heavy. Another says dog toenails tore a hole on the first day. A third reports the cloth edging coming off with wear, and feedback on durability and value is mixed.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Solid gel needs no water, power or refrigeration
- Listing says up to 3 hours of cooling, recharging after 15 minutes of nonuse
- No water, power or refrigeration needed
- Wipes clean and sold in several sizes
What to watch
- The most expensive mat in this comparison
- One owner says a spot gets warm after about an hour if the dog does not move around
- Reviewers report it is slippery on some floors and heavy to move
- Some owners report tearing from claws, and one saw the cloth edging come off
Specifications
| Size | 27 x 43 x 1 in (L x W x H) |
|---|---|
| Dog weight | Up to 80 lb (per listing) |
| Material | Nylon cover, solid gel interior |
| Cooling | Pressure-activated, up to 3 hours; recharges after 15 min of nonuse |
| Power | No water, electricity or batteries needed |
Who it's for
- Dogs that lie flat on a mat and spread out
- Owners who want the longest listed cooling time
- Crates, kennels and car trips, where the mat can sit on a flat surface
The verdict
The strongest cooling claim and the heaviest buyer buzz, if you can live with the weight and the premium price. Pick a size with room to spare so your dog can shift around.