The £22 mat that's perfect for keeping dogs cool in a heatwave

We're all chuffed that summer has finally hit the UK, but our four-legged pals aren't always thrilled with the scorching temperatures. It's no secret that keeping your cats and dogs cool in the heat is crucial for their wellbeing, which is why we're big fans of Amazon's Easy-Fold Cool Mat for Dogs, available for £21.99 here.

This foldable cool mat is a swift and simple solution to help lower your pet's body temperature. Unlike other alternatives like fans or paddling pools, it's easy to pack up and tote around if you're planning a day out with your pet or have a staycation on the cards. The £22 Amazon mat is just the right size for cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes, measuring 90cm by 60cm, making it perfect even for larger dog breeds.

The mat is filled with a cooling gel that not only provides a thick, comfy bed for them to lie on, but also offers up to five hours of cooling. If you need more time, simply flip the mat over for another five hours, reports the Mirror. 

Constructed from waterproof 300D rip-resistant Oxford fabric, it's designed to minimise the risk of sharp claws tearing or puncturing it, and it can be easily wiped clean for its next use. Thanks to its convenient fold-up design, you can use it practically anywhere you and your pet might venture this summer.

You can fold it to fit inside a crate or carrier, lay it out on the back seat of your car, on the floor at your local pub, or even on the grass whilst at the park. Plenty of shoppers have also been singing the mat's praises calling it "brilliant" for keeping their dogs cool in the heat.

One wrote: "Bumble is a double coated, 40kg Alaskan Malamute. Even in winter, he runs on the warmer side. He is just over a year old and has always loved a cool mat. But he had outgrown all of his others, so for his birthday we decided to buy him a bigger one. He absolutely loves it!

"He can stretch out and get the full benefit of being cool all over. It also folds up and is easy to take with us wherever we go. He lays on it all night and we don't hear a peep out of him. I recommended it to a few people. It's strong, comfy and easy to clean. Would definitely buy again."

Another said: "One of my dogs struggles with the heat and some mats don't cool very well. But this mat does the job well. Good cooling gel. Decent size. The folding helps to reduce size if needed. My dog also has a bad leg so the cooling helps the swelling. Would definitely recommend... and seller seems lovely. Bonus all round."

One chuffed dog owner raved: "This is brilliant, we have a black rescue staffy who always has problems cooling off in the heat. We have had a couple of these in the past but this is by far the best. She doesn't like the plastic so we put a thin sheet over it so now when she gets hot this is her go-to spot."

But not everyone was thrilled. One said: "Disappointed with this product, the filling was not even throughout even when laying out flat and had less filling than a product purchased at B&M. It punctured very easily."

For those pooch parents seeking an on-the-go cooling solution, look no further than the Petface 30cm Cooling Dog Coat, a steal at £10 here (originally £14). Simply dress your dog in the coat, douse it with water, and voila. The innovative technology ensures your dog stays chilled for hours – perfect for those scorching walks.