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As the temperature begins to drop, you might be looking for ways to keep your dog warm. A winter coat and can help with navigating icy sidewalks. But what about when your dog is indoors? Some dogs have thick fur coats but others including toy breeds, senior dogs, short-coated breeds, and dogs with certain medical conditions may need extra help with regulating their body temperature.
One option is to purchase a or . Depending on your dog鈥檚 age and needs, there are plenty of heated dog beds to choose from. Understandably, you may have concerns about whether heated beds are safe for dogs and if they鈥檙e worth the investment. Before purchasing a heated dog bed, it鈥檚 a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Read on about which dogs can benefit from heated beds, types of heated dog beds, and how to keep them clean.
Which Dogs Should Use a Heated Bed?
鈥淗eated dog beds can benefit some dogs and for others, they鈥檙e not as necessary,鈥� says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club. Some dog breeds have fluffy coats that are made to withstand cold-weather climates. These include the Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Newfoundland, and Siberian Husky. If your dog doesn鈥檛 belong to one of these breeds or is getting older, they鈥檙e likely to be affected during the winter months.
A heated dog bed can be helpful for senior dogs, particularly if they suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, circulation issues, spinal injuries, or other conditions that affect their joints, he says. The heat from the bed can help alleviate pain from sore muscles and stiff joints. However, your dog could be at risk of overheating or getting burned if they have mobility issues and can鈥檛 get up easily. Heated beds can also be a concern if kept inside a crate where your dog doesn鈥檛 have much room to maneuver.
It鈥檚 important to supervise your dog any time they鈥檙e using a heated dog bed or pet heating pad. In such cases, you may consider purchasing a to provide an extra layer of comfort for your dog. Orthopedic dog beds contain memory foam, which tends to sag less and provides pressure relief for dogs with joint pain and inflammation.
Another instance when dogs may benefit from a heated bed is if they have a thin coat or no fur. Small breeds and those with short and fine hair like a Boxer or Greyhound are good candidates for heated dog beds. These dogs tend to lose heat more quickly compared to dogs with thick and fluffy coats like a Saint Bernard.
Types of Heated Dog Beds
Heated beds come in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials, allowing you to pick one that鈥檚 suitable for your dog. If you decide to invest in a heated bed, you鈥檒l need to consider your dog鈥檚 age, breed, and health. Here are some product features to keep in mind as you鈥檙e shopping for heated dog beds.
Electric
Some heated dog beds have an electrical cord that needs to be plugged into an outlet. If you鈥檙e looking for a bed to fit inside your dog鈥檚 crate or pen, make sure there鈥檚 enough space for your dog to move away from the bed if they get too hot. The product description can tell you if the bed is safe for indoor or outdoor use.
Electric beds have adjustable temperature settings or a digital timer, so you can program the heat to go off at a specific time. These beds may also have a thermostat that adapts to your dog鈥檚 body temperature and prevents them from overheating. If you鈥檙e concerned about electrical cords and burns, another option is a heating pad that you can warm in the microwave and place under your dog鈥檚 bed or a blanket to keep them warm.
Self-Warming
If your dog has a habit of chewing, a safer and low-tech alternative to electric beds is wireless or self-warming beds. The self-warming technology refers to the way these beds warm up to your dog鈥檚 body temperature. Since there are no cords or power sources, you don鈥檛 have to worry as much about your dog overheating, and you can use them 24 hours a day.
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One option for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep is a . Look for one with a cozy lining like faux shearling, shag fur, or microfleece. Your dog can use the walls of a donut bed to rest their head or elevate achy joints. If you鈥檙e using a self-warming bed inside a crate, make sure there鈥檚 enough room for your dog to move around and regulate their body temperature.
Safety Precautions for Heated Beds
Chances are, you may already have an electric blanket or heating pad designed for humans. While it might be tempting to share it with your dog, this isn鈥檛 a good idea. 鈥淚nstead, you鈥檒l want to get them their own heated dog bed since there are differences in our body temperatures,鈥� Dr. Klein says. 鈥淗eated dog beds heat up to a safe temperature for a dog鈥檚 needs, and work on low voltage, making them safe for dogs.鈥�
When buying a heated dog bed, look for a chew-resistant cord and keep the cord out of your dog鈥檚 reach to avoid injury. Other safety features include an automatic power shutoff and a non-skid bottom to keep your dog from slipping and falling. If you鈥檙e using a heated dog bed for a puppy or senior dog, be extra careful and always supervise their use. Self-warming beds can be a safer option if your dog has a habit of chewing or has difficulty getting up or changing their position.
鈥淪upervised use of heated dog beds is always the best way to go, and regular dog beds should be the go-to for overnight sleeping,鈥� Dr. Klein says. 鈥淎s always, follow any safety directions on the product to avoid possible injuries.鈥� Even if your dog is in good health and has a fluffy coat, be mindful about letting them out in temperatures below 50 degrees. They should have a comfortable space to rest that offers protection from the wind and rain.
Cleaning and Maintaining Heated Dog Beds
Heated dog beds can be a welcome addition to homes with senior dogs, hairless or short-coated breeds, dogs with a medical condition, or those who enjoy being outside in the winter. To keep the bed in good condition, make sure to read the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions. Some heated dog beds come in a waterproof material, making it easier to clean up leaks and accidents. This material can also protect any electrical parts inside the bed.
Self-warming beds can be laundered in the same way as a regular dog bed. In the case of electric dog beds and heating pads, wait until the bed cools completely before folding or washing it. See if the electrical cord is detachable and whether it鈥檚 safe to submerge the bed in water. If the bed has a removable cover, check to see if it鈥檚 machine washable or requires handwashing.