How to Keep an Elderly Dog's Bed Warm

Elderly dogs sometimes have myriad health problems that reduce their ability to regulate body temperature as well as they did when they were younger. Conditions like arthritis can make an older dog's body ache, and having a nice warm bed to curl up in can help alleviate pain and discomfort.

  1. Inside Housing

    • Ideally you should provide your elderly dog with 24-hour access to indoor accommodations. Even a dog that has been an outside pet his entire life needs greater access to climate-controlled shelter as he ages. Consider a kennel in a heated garage or basement, if not in your main living area. Install a doggie door, if necessary, to allow your dog to come into the house or an outdoor shed when he needs to warm up.

    Insulated Housing

    • If your dog must be kept outside, provide him with an insulated doghouse with a door that faces away from the prevailing wind. Add lots of bedding material, like straw or hay, and change it frequently, as your dog can bring moisture into the shelter, making it less effective at retaining warmth and more prone to mildew.

    Dog Sweaters

    • Dog clothing can help keep your dog warm and snug in his bed. Make sure clothing items fit well, cover the body and extremities, and are not binding in any way. Change and wash clothing as necessary, especially if it becomes wet, which can increase the chill your elderly dog feels.

    Commercial Heated Dog Bed

    • A variety of commercially produced heated dog beds are available for purchase. Many of these beds are designed to be orthopedically comfortable for aging joints and bones, and are warmer, softer and more supportive than a traditional dog bed. Look for beds with a removable cover you can wash as necessary. If your dog is still chilled or shivering, place his bed near a heat register or child-safe space heater for additional warmth.

    Cold Weather Tips

    • Elderly dogs are not susceptible only to the aches and pains that come with age; animals kept outdoors in cold temperatures are also susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, and elderly dogs are more likely than pups to lose their footing on icy surfaces. Always keep a close eye on older dogs when they̵7;re outside, limiting the time they spend in the cold and monitoring their activity to guard against injury.