Heated dog beds are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want to give their pup 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 older dogs with arthritis and other health issues.
“As dogs age, they may benefit from soft, heated bedding as their muscle mass decreases,” she says. “They may also develop calluses and sores and their joints may become stiff. Especially for older dogs or those with health problems, orthopedic and heated beds can greatly improve their quality of life.
There are many options available, but here are our top picks:
PetMate ASPEN Auto Warning Rectangular Pet Lounger; $29.99 – $69.99
1. PetMate ASPEN Pet Auto Warning Rectangular Lounger: This bed does not require electricity. Made with soft and plush materials, it features special heat-reflecting technology used in space blankets to radiate the pet’s body heat to retain heat. Available in barn red and cream colors in sizes small, medium and large. $29.99 – $69.99; petmate.com
K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed; $142.99 to $169.99
2. K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed: This bed warms to a dog’s normal body temperature only when the pet is in the bed. It’s made of soft, plush materials and has a removable cover and pillow for easy cleaning. Available in gray or sage/beige colors and sizes medium and large. $142.99 to $169.99; khpet.com
Smart Dog Bed, Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling The Pet Life Dream; $94.99 to $113.99
3. The Pet Life Dream Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling Dog Bed: This high-tech solution to keeping your dog comfortable all year round includes a heating unit to warm the bed and a fan to cool it. It also has a removable machine washable fleece cover. Available in gray, navy, burgundy red and mocha brown, as well as sizes medium and large. $94.99 to $113.99; shop.petlife.com
What to look for in a heated dog bed
Not just any heated dog bed will do the job. Buy the best by keeping the following criteria in mind.
Security – Choose a bed that has a shut-off feature so that it doesn’t overheat and cause a fire. Plus, an adjustable thermostat prevents burns and a chew-resistant cord prevents electric shock.
Size and shape – A bed that is too small will not be comfortable, while a bed that is too large will not provide enough warmth. Measure your dog to ensure you get the correct size.
Sustainability – This is especially important for puppies who like to chew everything in sight. Look for a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover for quick cleanup of accidents.
A heated dog bed can be a great solution for keeping your dog warm and comfortable. Prioritize safety, size, and durability when choosing the right one for your pup, and I’m sure your dog will have “sweet puppy dreams” in his warm new bed.