Small dogs and ones who don't have a lot of fur appreciate a heating pad in their bed, but they're not the only ones. Older dogs and even a mother with a litter of pups will benefit. It's never advisable to use an electric blanket or a heating pad meant for human use in a dog bed. There are different types of heating pads for dog beds. How you use them depends upon which style you choose and what situation you're using it for.
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Choose the Ideal Heating Pad
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You'll have a number of choices when you start searching for a heated pad for Moxie's bed. The plug-in versions made specifically for dogs have no settings and are made not to heat above a certain temperature, typically 102 degrees, which is a normal temperature for a dog. If your dog is a chewer, a heating pad with an electrical cord isn't the best choice. An alternative is a self-warming pad that has special material in the core that reflects your dog's body heat. Another option is a pad that you heat up in the microwave and place under your dog's bedding. This heating pad stays warm for up to 10 hours. Both cordless options provide warmth without electrical cords, plus they offer an alternative for dog parents who don't feel safe leaving a heating pad plugged in.
For Momma and Her Litter
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Use a heating pad to maintain the proper temperature in the canine nursery when the mercury drops. Look for one that has been developed specifically for puppies. The temperature won't go above 95 degrees, so puppies will stay comfortable without getting too hot. Additionally, heating pads made for puppies have reinforced cords so teething pups won't be capable of doing any damage -- to the cord or themselves. Pads that have cushioned covers don't need additional bedding placed on top of them. If your puppy pad only has a thin cover similar to a pillowcase, however, lay a dog blanket over it before placing the puppies on it.
For the Elderly
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Slip a dog heating pad into your older dog's bed, under her blanket. As a dog ages, her ability to regulate her body temperature diminishes, leaving her less able to tolerate cold weather. Also, older dogs often get arthritis, making their joints stiff and painful. Giving your elderly pooch a heating pad for her bed will help alleviate pain and stiffness in her joints in addition to giving her a warm, comfortable place to sleep.
Keep it Clean
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When you use a heating pad for your dog's bed, keep it clean for your pooch's comfort and health. Most have removable covers that are safe to toss in the washing machine. Because this should be done weekly, it's convenient to have at least one extra cover so that Moxie doesn't have to go without heat in her bed while the cover is in the laundry. Shake off the dust, dander and dog hair from the cover before putting it in the washing machine.
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