This cool Mat aasists in keeping your pet cool by absorbing body heat & dissipating this back into the air through evaporation via the areas of the cool mat not in use. This is better for your pet as it will gradually cool your pets body rather than your pet laying on an already cold surface. Your pets body temperature will eventually cause the mat to warm up so it is best to remove the cool pad from under your pet and allow the temperature to reduce back down.