Best Dog Heating Pads
Dog heating pads keep your pet cozy and warm, as well as relieve pain and discomfort for seniors. You furry four-legged friend deserves a cozy warm place of his own, so take a look and make your pick.
Winter is coming. Rough weather and snowfall are right around the corner, and that can bring all kinds of new experiences for your pupper. Each dog breed reacts differently to the cold weather, and depending on your pet’s coat, you’ll need to ensure they remain warm and dry throughout the winter. Now, we all know that dogs absolutely adore the snow – usually. Trudging about and rolling in the snowfall are seemingly their favorite pastimes in winter, much to the dismay of the pawrents who just want to get back inside where it’s warm and cozy. However, not all dogs enjoy the cold weather.
Depending on the size and breed of your dog, winter can affect him in various ways. Large and furry dogs might have less issues, but small, gentle and short haired breeds will definitely need your help in order to stay warm, dry, and, above all, healthy. In fact, leaving your four legged companion unattended after a long session of running and rolling in the snow can spell trouble for both of you, regardless of your pet’s size. The abrupt change of environments and temperatures – from the chilly outside to the warm interior – can be quite a shock for your dog. And this is especially true for seniors, puppies, or petite pooches. To balance everything out, you’d want to invest in a warm winter jacket, that will keep a lot of the wet and cold away when you’re outside. But what about the resting time? You would want to ensure that your furry friend has a warm and cozy place to lie down and retain the bodily heat. And that’s where dog heating pads come in handy!
A heating pad can be a great benefit for your dog, in several different ways. While a dog’s fur is often a good way for him to retain a part of its heat, his paws are not the same. In winter months, your pooch’s paws will always be cold, unless they have a warm place to rest. Also, heating pads might have a therapeutic effect on your pet – especially the senior doggos. We all know that elderly dogs love to snooze during the day, and in winter, a heating pad is the perfect and healthiest place to do so. It will keep the cold away, and by doing so, prevent joint pain and discomfort. But above all, a good heating pad will help your tired, cold, and damp pet to rest and regain its normal temperature in a fast and healthy way.
However, browsing through dog heating pads to find the right one can be a challenge, especially with all the choices on the market today. That’s why we are bringing you this short list of the best dog heating pads for dogs of all ages and sizes. With our list, choosing your doggo’s new favorite nap spot will be a breeze.
1. RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad
Practical to use and budget-friendly, this heating pad will keep your pooch perfectly toasty throughout the winter. The temperature can be set anywhere between 80 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It is powered by electricity, so it will need to be plugged into an outlet to be used, but no need to worry about safety: this heating pad has an auto shut off feature. It can be programmed for up to 12 hours in advance, making sure your pet is warm throughout the night or when you’re at work. RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad comes in medium, large, and extra large size.
2. K&H Pet Products Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer
An alternative to traditional electric heating pads, the K&H Pet Products Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer is a great option or those who may not feel comfortable leaving a heating pad plugged in or don’t have an available outlet near their pet’s favorite place to sleep. Made from a durable neoprene material, the pad can withstand ongoing use without showing significant signs of wear and tear.
Place the bed warmer in the microwave for approximately 4-5 minutes before placing it inside your pet’s bed under the foam/padding. The heat will last for approximately 12 hours before needing to be reheated once again.
This incredibly safe heating pad is made from non-toxic material. It’s also a great option to take with you for travelling, such as road trips, as you can heat it before taking off and the heat will continue to last throughout the trip. Clean up is easy, simply wipe it down with soap and water and leave it out to airdry completely before the next use.
3. K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed is a versatile option that will keep our pet comfortable in sheds, garages, outdoor patios, and any other outdoor area that you and your pet like to hang out. It has been both tested and certified by MET Labs to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards. It is thermostatically controlled to respond to changes in your pet’s normal body temperature, regulating heat and keeping your pet safe!
This heating pad is available in three sizes, with the largest measuring 25” x 36”. It includes soft orthopedic foam, making it ideal for senior dogs or those that are recovering from an injury while the fleece cover adds a soft, comfortable touch. Alternatively, if fleece isn’t your dog’s preferred sleeping option, the heating pad itself has a soft PVC cover. The 5.5’ power cord is steel wrapped to protect it from damage (including chewing of the cord) to keep your pet safe.
4. Aiicioo Dog Heating Pad
Cute and cozy, this durable heating pad will have your pupper sleeping like a log! Aiicioo Dog Heating Pad has a clever design that incorporates sturdy and reliable materials, such as layers of the durable Oxford fabric, as well as the chew resistant Dacon PVC material to ensure the pad will withstand wear and tear, but doesn’t neglect your pet’s comfort, either. The inside is filled with soft refractory wool, ensuring that your pupper will always enjoy a comfortable snooze.
With a traditional heating wire design, this heating pad follows all the latest safety protocols. Besides the two heat levels, you can also rely on the power-off protection design. What is more, the wire of the extension cord is also protected in order to be chew resistant – no worries that a naughty puppy could get in trouble! Moreover, the design of this pad is completely waterproof, and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Great to use all year round, it is an ideal source of warmth for your doggo, and can help any pooch relax and rest, from puppies to seniors.
5. K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pet Pad
If you want your pet’s crate to feel cozy in the winter, this self-warming heating pad is an effective and inexpensive solution. Instead of using electricity to activate its heating properties, this pad relies on your pet’s body temperature to keep them toasty. To do so, K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pet Pad uses reflective technology and insulated interior. This heating pad comes in a range of sizes from extra small to extra large to ensure a perfect fit for all kinds of dog crates.
6. Zobire Pet Heating Pad
With a built-in dual thermostat, Zobire Pet Heating Pad will have no trouble keeping the cold away from your dog. The pad keeps temperature consistently between 94 and 109 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal levels of warmth. As the dimensions of the pad are 27.6 inches by 15.75 inches, this heating pad is a best match for medium and large breed dogs. And as an added benefit, the soft, fleecy cover is machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting it dirty or smelly with use.
7. Beau Kinetic Warmer Pet Heat Mat
Measuring 19.7 inches by 27.6 inches, this heating pad is suited for large breed dogs. It is made with durable, water-resistant oxford cloth that’s easy to clean with a damp cloth- just wipe down any dirt your pet left behind. While there is no built-in timer or detailed temperature controls, you can set this heating mat to two warmth settings: high or low. The maximum temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. HD JUNTUNKOR Pet Heating Pad
With this heating pad, you don’t have to wonder what temperature it is emitting: just check what the LED indicator says! Adjustable between 95 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, this heating pad can be a toasty nap spot in the autumn and the dead of the winter both, thanks to its adjustable temperature range. This mat is designed with different layers of materials for water-resistancy, comfort, and safety from accidents. HD JUNTUNKOR Pet Heating Pad measures 17.7 inches by 17.7 inches and it’s suitable for small breed dogs.
9. RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad Large
Waterproof and easy to clean by hand, this heating pad is convenient and cozy both. The temperature it produces is up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can pick between low or high setting to make sure your pet is just warm and cozy enough after a long walk in the cold. The cord of this pad is encased in steel to make sure your pet can’t destroy it and hurt himself in the process. Available in two sizes that fit large and extra large dogs.
10. MARUNDA Pet Heating Pad
From the built-in dual thermostat to soft and plush cover, MARUNDA Pet Heating Pad is all about your pet’s comfort. The temperature range it offers is between 95 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can pick between high and low setting for optimal warmth at all times. And to make sure that you love this heating pad as much as your pet does–it comes with a cover that can be machine washed–no mess, no hassle.
Benefits of Dog Heating Pads
Both experts and pet parents agree that heating pads are an effective form of heat therapy. This can help with relieving pain and sore muscles – especially after some rowdy exercise outside. On the other hand, if your pup recently had a surgery or an injury, heating pads can be an effective way of providing comfort, reducing swelling, and relaxing him.
Heat therapy is also effective for older dogs with arthritis. Heat reduces stiffness, and improves the range of motion in the affected joints, with a natural focus on wrists and ankles of the legs. It is a perfect remedy after an outside walk. Heating pads can also effectively influence muscle spasms. Larger breeds can suffer from spine issues in their back and neck, and this can create pesky muscle spasms and strained muscles. Heat therapy is a perfect way to relieve this.
A heating pad can be a behavioral aid, too, and help with more than physical ailments. It’s no secret that certain dogs are shy, anxious, or often frightened – even in your home. Especially if you have recently adopted a new pet, and it isn’t adapting all too well. Surprisingly, dog heating pads can help in such cases. A warm nook is a real comfort zone for dogs, allowing rest and reducing stress. Providing your new pet with one can reduce anxiety and give him the true sense of security that a loving home should provide. He’ll grow to love his nook and quickly ease into his new surroundings.
Symptoms of Cold, Low Temperature, and Hypothermia in Dogs
If your pet has spent way too much time outside and on the snow, his body temperature might get too low. You wouldn’t want that to happen, so keeping an eye out and regulating the time spent on the outside is very important. Even if your dog is an outside pet, he still needs a warm place to rest in the winter, whether it is a warm dog house, a kennel, or the comforts of your own home.
A dog heating pad works well in any of those places, and will certainly help keep hypothermia at bay. So what exactly is hypothermia? In the simplest terms, it is the stage of a critically low body temperature. When too much time is spent in really cold weather, without managing to successfully raise your temperature, hypothermia sets in – what is in a sense the body’s panic mode. Dogs can get it too, and once you notice it, you need to react quickly. It might be tough, but you need to do all you can to increase and maintain your pet’s body heat, and consult a veterinarian immediately.
These are some signs that your pet has spent too much time in the cold and that warmth is necessary:
Shivering
Strong bouts of trembling and shivering are the first signs of low body temperature. This is the body’s natural way of attempting to generate heat – by causing muscle spasms, a.k.a, shivering.
Lethargy
In dogs, lethargy is rarely a good sign. And in this case, it clearly shows that the temperature is low. If exposed to cold weather for too long, dogs can become sleepy, weak, and inactive.
Cold Skin and Fur
Fur is a dog’s natural barrier against the elements. But it’s in no way an invincible barrier. When fur is exposed to snow for too long, the skin is next to suffer – and once that happens, body temperature plummets.
Keeping an eye out for any of these symptoms during the winter months is an important responsibility of a dog owner. And to keep these nasty issues at bay, a heating pad can truly come in handy. Limit the time spent on the outside, and balance it by plenty of time spent indoors, cozily snoozing on a warmed up heating pad. The perfect scenario for a happy pup.
What to Look For When Buying Dog Heating Pads
There are quite a few distinct features you should be paying attention to when choosing your heating pad. Ideally, you would want to find the one which is best suited for your circumstances, and that of your pet.
The breed of your dog is the first obvious aspect to keep in mind. Large, chubby, and furry dogs might need a larger pad with less of heat output, while the small breeds will do best with a small, well heated pad. A heated bed could also be a good alternative, especially for petite pooches.
The other aspect to keep in mind is your own schedule. If you or your family are at work or away for a part of the day, leaving your pet unattended with a heating pad on, might be a gamble. A good solution for this are microwavable dog heating pads. These are a great option if you need a short term solution, like providing a warm place for your dog in the early morning, or while you’re out. These unique pads heat up quickly, and can provide up to 10 hours of warmth! Simply pop them in the microwave for a few minutes and it will last a while. It is the safest option for an unattended pet. No wires, no danger, but heated nonetheless.
In addition to these important considerations, here are some other features to look for in dog heating pads:
Size and heating efficiency
Always purchase a heating pad that will match the size of your dog. Mismatching these two can result in wasted heat and energy, or fail to provide enough warmth for your pet.
Components
Some heating pads – those that generate more heat – will come with electrical components and cables installed inside them. If you have a rowdy pupper who loves chewing on things, consider this. You might need a heating pad without any electrical components.
Waterproof
Opting for a waterproof heating pad is a great decision if your pet isn’t disciplined about peeing, or if they are accustomed of barging into the home wet and messy. It saves time and energy, without having to clean the pad daily.
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A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.
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