It’s winter in Colorado and the mountain temperature at night is dipping below freezing. While there are many ways to keep your pooch warm and snuggle together, if you have a small or shorthaired dog who tends to run cold all year long, you know it can be extra challenging to keep them cozy warm during our cold Colorado winter nights.
While you should consider weather-suitable dog clothing, like sweaters, hoodies and coats, like humans who sometimes reach for an electric blanket when the mercury dips, a heated dog bed for your pup can come in handy.
A common-sense approach to ensuring your dog stays appropriately warm is “if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them,” meaning you should keep your pet inside with you during the winter. Heated dog beds should not be used outside or as substitutes for the warmth proper shelter provides. A heated dog bed is designed to be used indoors where you can properly supervise the apparatus and some of these beds contain electric elements not rated or safe for outdoor use.
Benefits of a Heated Bed
Heated dog beds are especially good for dogs who can’t regulate their body heat, such as seniors, puppies and dogs who are ill. Older dogs may suffer from arthritis pain; a heated bed can ease their joint discomfort.
In addition to regulating their body temperature, heated beds are great for puppies who may miss cuddling with their mother and littermates. A warm bed can create a familiar, comforting environment and help them sleep better.
Types of Heated Dog Beds
Heated dog beds come in a few different styles and designs.
-
Bolster
A bolster dog bed is a traditional type of bed. The heating element in the bolster style of dog bed is positioned in a cushioned bottom, along with raised walls around it where the dog can rest his or her head. Bolster heated dog beds are great if you want a comfy and warm bed for your pooch.
-
Flat pads
A flat, cushioned pad is a good choice for a crate or confined space. Without the bolsters on the sides, flat pads fit in any area with the same dimensions as the bed. Usually flat bed pads are constructed out of orthopedic memory foam pads. Flat bed pads are easy to wash – usually they come with a zippered cover you can remove and wash.
-
Crate-specific
A crate-specific heated dog bed comes with slits in the corners, allows you to hook the slits into the crate, preventing the mat from sliding around under your dog. These dog beds come in a variety of sizes so you can get the perfect size for your needs.
-
Heated furniture cover
A version of a heated dog bed is a flat sheet-like cover for the sofa with a heating element inside. The heating element can be moved around so you can adjust the warm area for your dog while you sit on the other end.
-
Outdoor heated beds
Does your dog spends some time outside? Some heated beds are intended for use in outdoor locales like a barn or dog house. The best beds for outdoor use are made of sturdy material, like PVC. This will ensure the bed stays dry while still being comfortable. Many PVC dog beds come with a removable fleece liner for comfort and easy cleaning.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Heated Dog Bed
There are a few different factors and features to consider when purchasing a heated dog bed.
-
Heating element and safety
There are two ways heated dog beds work. One is electric, and the other is self-warming.
An electric bed needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet and a self-warming bed uses the dog’s own body heat to warm up. Both types of beds are tested and considered safe. Still, if your dog is prone to digging or chewing his or her bed, you might want to avoid an electric-based bed.
Check to make sure the bed you select does not have any frayed cords and test the bed on yourself to make sure it doesn’t get too hot before you allow your dog to sleep on it. If the bed is designed for outdoor use, make sure it has a steel cover for the plug to prevent water and animals from damaging the plug.
-
Size
Make sure the size of the bed you are considering is the right size for your canine and the space where it will be placed. If you will be using a crate, be sure to get the measurements of the crate. If you will be using the furniture-cover style of heated bed, measure the dimensions of the sofa or loveseat before buying a cover.
-
Washability
Make sure the bed you are considering can be easily washed. Look for beds with a removeable cover so you can throw it in the washer and not worry about spot cleaning.
-
Quality
While attention to quality is essential for all dog beds, it’s even more important for heated bed. Poorly made heating materials can break down quickly, leading to a safety or fire hazard.
Quality materials will ensure the bed is durable and can withstand heat and your dog’s activity. Look for a bed with a non-slip grip on the bottom to prevent the bed from moving.
Look for materials like fleece and polyester, which tend to hold up to wear and tear longer than cotton or other materials.
-
Portability
If you travel or move your dog crate often, you may want a dog bed that can be moved easily. Also, consider a self-warming bed so you’re not caught without a plug while traveling.
-
Warranty
Look for a bed with a warranty to ensure you receive at least a few years of solid use.
Top Heated Dog Bed Picks
In my research, I came across four heated dog beds, which coincidentally, are made by K&H Pet Products here in Colorado Springs. K&H is the largest manufacturer in the U.S. dedicated to making heated pet products. Their products have been recommended by thousands of veterinarians for animals who need an extra boost to maintain body temperature, such as senior, short-haired, ill and young dogs.
K&H works with MET Laboratory to ensure the safety of their products, with the comfort and warmth of your pet as the main priority. Each of the following four dog beds listed below feature quality and comfortability.
The K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad features a 1” thick foam pad covered in quality microfleece. They come in 6 different sizes and 3 colors, fitting into most crates and room décor. They feature corner slits and a non-slip bottom. They are machine washable.
The K&H Outdoor Heated Bed is a new take on an old favorite. Made with an orthopedic foam covered in an extra-soft and waterproof PVC fabric, this bed is great for its extra-warm surface.
Featuring a steel-wrapped cord, you won’t have to worry about this bed’s safety. The heating element is designed to never heat higher than the body temperature of your dog, so your dog won’t get overheated.
This bed includes an ultra-soft fleece cover easy to remove and clean in the washer.
The K&H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper is an oval heated dog bed, with comfortable cushioned bolster walls to give your pooch a sense of security while providing warmth at a low wattage.
This bed comes in two sizes and has a removable cover making it easy to wash. You can also wash the entire bed after removing the heating element.
The nice thing about this bed is the dual-thermostat heating element feature, giving your dog a warm, but not too hot, bed for your dog to sleep. This bed is especially nice for senior dogs experiencing arthritis.
The K&H Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper is a popular heated dog bed. Known for it’s comfort and stability, this bed features bolsters with extra cushioning. It’s available in 3 sizes and is washable.
The Deep Dish Cuddler is a self-heating bed will keep your dog warm without requiring electrical power. It is a plush, luxurious bed for smaller dogs. It has extra-tall bolsters to provide a sense of security and warmth.
This bed is available in 15 colors and comes in 2 sizes, Standard for dogs under 25 lbs and Jumbo for dogs 25-35 lbs.
This bed is machine washable and you can dry it in the dryer on a low setting.
The ALEKO Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed will keep your dog nice and warm on cold winter months. It features an internal heating element and has a built-in self-regulating thermostat. The thermostat is built into the bed, meaning it will stay at the right temperature without having to be monitored.
This is a comfortable bed. It has a unique, octagonal shape and is very soft. It also features overstuffed bolsters to provide comfort, security and insulation. The product dimensions are listed as 19x19x7.
The American Kennel Club Self-Heating Pet Bed is a high-quality, affordable self-heating pet bed. The self-heating feature is constructed out of a reflective foil, which redirects your dog’s body heat right back toward them.
This comfortable bed has a durable foam backing and a plush, quilted sleeping surface. It has short, bolster-like edges, helping your pooch feel safe and secure. The bottom has a non-skid material and is machine washable.
The bed is only about 22 inches long by 18 inches wide, making it too small for most medium and large sized dogs.
This bed uses self-warming technology to keep your dog warm and cozy. It has a Mylar lining, the same material used in space blankets to reflect the body’s heat to radiate heat.
The exterior is durable and comfortable and features a non-slip bottom.
The self-heating feature makes this bed easy to take along when traveling and has 30 x 24 x 9 inch dimensions.
Heated dog beds can make the coldest months a little easier for your fur baby, but make sure the bed is safe and won’t overheat and burn your dog.
Read more:
What You Need to Know About ID Tags to Keep Your Dog Safe
15 Custom Dog Portrait Gifts You Need to Order Soon to Have in Time for Christmas
How to Choose the Right Car Restraint for Your Dog
The Worst Holiday Gifts for Dogs and What to Give Instead
New Puppy Checklist: Supplies You Need When Bringing a Puppy Home
Leave a Reply