Heated dog beds are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want to provide their pup with a warm and comfortable place to rest. But are they good for your dog’s health? According to veterinarian and author Doc Halligan, the answer is yes!
Heated beds especially benefit senior dogs with arthritis and other health issues.
“When dogs get older, they may benefit from having soft and heated bedding as their muscle mass decreases,” she says. “They may also develop calluses and sores and their joints can become stiff. Especially for older dogs or those with health issues, orthopedic and heated beds can greatly enhance their quality of life.”
There are many options available, but here are our top picks:
PetMate’s ASPEN Pet Self-Warning Rectangular Lounger; $29.99 – $69.99
1. PetMate’s ASPEN Pet Self-Warning Rectangular Lounger: This bed doesn’t require electricity. Made with soft and plush materials, it features a special heat-reflecting technology used in space blankets to radiate the pet’s own body heat to retain warmth. Comes in the color barn red and cream in sizes small, medium and large. $29.99 – $69.99; petmate.com
K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed; $142.99-$169.99
2. K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed: This bed warms to a dog’s normal body temperature only when the animal is in the bed. It is made of soft and plush materials and has a removable cover and pillow for easy cleaning. Comes in colors gray or sage/tan and in medium and large sizes. $142.99-$169.99; khpet.com
The Pet Life Dream Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling Smart Dog Bed; $94.99-$113.99
3. The Pet Life Dream Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling Smart Dog Bed: This high-tech solution for keeping your dog comfortable year-round features a heating unit to warm the bed and a fan to cool it. It also has a machine-washable removable fleece cover. Comes in colors gray, navy, burgundy red and mocha brown, plus sizes medium and large. $94.99-$113.99; shop.petlife.com
What to look for in a heated dog bed
Not just any heated dog bed will do. Shop for the best one with the following criteria in mind.
Safety – Pick a bed with a shut-off feature so it doesn’t overheat and cause a fire. Also, an adjustable thermostat prevents burns and a chew-resistant cord prevents electrical shock.
Size and Shape – A bed that’s too small won’t be comfortable, while one that’s too big won’t provide enough warmth. Measure your dog to ensure you get the right size.
Durability – This is especially important for pups who love to chew everything in sight. Look for a bed with a removable and machine-washable cover for quick clean-up of accidents.
A heated dog bed can be a great solution to keep your dog warm and cozy. Prioritize safety, size and durability when picking the right one for your pup, and I am sure your dog will have “sweet puppy dreams” in his new warm bed.