Keeping Your Dog Warm: Top 5 Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs in 2023
What's covered in this review...
Introduction
Understanding Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs
Types of Dog Heating Pads
Reviewed: Top 5 Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs
1- K&H Lectro-Kennel Outdoor Heated Dog Pad
2- K&H Lectro Igloo-Style Heated Pad
3- K & H- Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog Bed
4- Furhaven Self-Warming Mat
5- Paws & Pals Self-Warming Dog Crate Pad
Choosing the Right Outdoor Heating Pad
Factors to Consider Based on Dog’s Needs
Essential Safety Tips
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Dogs are our companions who are not just our pets but family. They want snuggles and a cozy environment to feel safe and secure. But this is harder to achieve if your dog sleeps outdoors particularly as the temperatures get cooler. That’s where outdoor heating pads for dogs can help to keep your dog warm and comfortable. Keep reading to know the types, benefits, working mechanisms, safety considerations and five top-rated outdoor heating pads for your dog.
Keeping Your Dog Warm: Understanding Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs
Heated dog pads for outdoors are trendy nowadays. They reduce muscle stiffness and soreness. After all the running and jumping, dogs need some relaxation, and dog heating pads provide such ease.
Additionally, cold weather mostly worsens joint pain in senior dogs. For this, orthopaedic heating pads are used to reduce pain and calm the dogs.
Why Use a Dog Heating Pad?
If you own a dog, you know every dog needs love and care. Sometimes they may feel under the weather, have muscle stiffness, or suffer from arthritis, in the case of an elderly dog. For all these circumstances, a dog heating pad poses great importance.
If you want to create a warm environment for your dog in the shelter or dog house outdoors, then a dog warming pad is the best option. But as a dog owner, you must find a heating pad best suited for your dog as they come in many types.
Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs – What You Need to Know
If you are getting an outdoor heating pad for your dog, you need to keep some points in mind. You should know things like the working mechanism, precautions, and benefits. If you are buying an outdoor dog heating pad, make sure it is water resilient and has a removable cover. Let’s have a look at the benefits, working mechanism and safety considerations of dog heating pads.
Benefits of Using Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs
Using a heating pad is beneficial if you own a dog. As a veterinarian, I can confirm that tired muscles are soothed by the warmth provided by the dog heat mat. And if you own an elderly dog suffering from arthritis and joint pain, then warmers are necessary.
These heating pads are also highly beneficial for puppies. In the beginning, puppies cannot regulate their body heat, so heating pads are essential. These heating pads also increase circulation, as poor circulation leads to health problems.
How Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs Work
Different heating pads have different mechanisms. There are three main types of outdoor heat pads for dogs. The first type is the electric heating pads that use electricity to generate heat. The second type is self-heating pads that change their temperature automatically according to the dog’s warmth. And the third type is thermal mats that utilize the insulation and reflection mechanism to keep your dog warm.
Safety Considerations When Using a Dog Heating Pad
There are some precautions you should always keep in mind if you are using dog heating pads.
- For outdoor heating pads, ensure they are water resilient and that the cord and wire are not chewable.
- If you are using self-heating pads, then supervision is not mandatory, but if you are using electrical pads, then keep supervising your dog to prevent them from extreme heat.
Exploring Different Types of Dog Heating Pads
When buying a dog heating pad, you will face a problem while selecting the type. These heated pads to keep your dog warm outside come in various types having different qualities. Ensure you know your requirements to make the best decision for your dog. Following are the different types of dog heating pads.
Electric Heating Pads for Dogs
Electrical heating pads plug-in directly into the wall and have a cord. They come with a thermostat that aims to keep the temperature constant. If your dog is a chewer, it’s best to keep an eye on the cord lest it be chewed.
Self-Heating Pads
Self-heating pads are like regular warmers, except they keep the dogs warm by maintaining their body temperature. These pads are used for dogs living in colder areas or with thin fur. Elderly dogs who cannot self-regulate their body temperature can also use this type. These beds retain the heat and keep your furry partner cozy and relaxed.
Thermal Mats for Dogs
Another type of outdoor heated mat for dogs is the thermal heating pad. These have a particular layer reflecting the pet’s body heat. The excellent point is that there is no cord attached to the pad and also no need for supervision as they can only get as warm as your dog’s body heat.
Reviewed: Top 5 Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs
There are a lot of heating pads in the market, and each has pros and cons. Some are self-heating beds, and some are electrical. We have collected 5 top-rated outdoor heating pads for dogs to make your search for the best solution easier.
1. K&H Lectro-Kennel Outdoor Heated Dog Pad – Best Electric Dog Heating Pad
K&H Lectro-Kennel Outdoor Heated Dog Pad
This hard plastic outdoor heating pad for dogs will keep your dog warm in its shelter. This pad is made of orthopaedic foam, and it has an ABS exterior that keeps it dry and clean. It can fit flat on the floor or even be attached to the side wall for heating. Both adults and puppies can use this warmer. It is safety certified, and the 5.5 ft. cord is wrapped to ensure safety.
Pros
Durable ABS plastic exterior
Fleece cover included
Chew Proof
Internally regulated thermostat (80 watts)
Wrapped cord
It can be used for both adult dogs and puppies
Cons
Temperature cannot be adjusted
2. K&H Lectro Igloo-Style Heated Pad – Top Self-Heating Pad for Dog
K&H Lectro Igloo-Style Heated Pad
K&H products are made especially for pets and are used to warm their bodies. This K&H outdoor reflective heating pad for dogs heats up only when your pet uses the bed. You can test it by placing a pillow on top. After some time, you can feel warmth only, no extreme heat. It’s available in a half-moon shape to fit igloo-style dog houses. It stays in half of the surface so the dog can quickly get on and off the pad.
Pros
Removable and washable fleece
Thermostatically controlled
Safety certified
It can be used Indoors and outdoors
Cons
Temperature cannot be adjusted
3. K & H- Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog Bed
K & H- Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog Bed
Giving your pet comfortable rest is your duty, and it is possible with this K & H- Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog Bed. This is the Deluxe version of the original K&H LECTRO heating pad. This new version is not only softer but also comes with a removable bolster and a free washable fleece cover.
It comes in four sizes which are small, medium, large and extra-large and can be used for dogs of any size. The outstanding feature of this pet heating pad with thermostat is that it can be used in a garage, porch or dog house.
Pros
Removable and washable cover
Suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use
The bolster design provides hip and neck support
The internal thermostat heats up to your dog’s body temperature
Cons
Not chew proof
Not odour resistant
4. FurHaven Self-Warming Mat for Dogs
FurHaven Self-Warming Mat
FurHaven self-warming mat is a safe option for dogs as it has a self-heating system, and excessive heating can be avoided. You can provide your dog with a comfy rest as this mat can be inserted under the sheet. This comes in various sizes and can also be cut to fit the size of the bed your dog is using.
Pros
Chew proof
Moderately priced
Washable
Self-warming with no wires
Suitable for all breeds
Cons
Not waterproof and may produce a crinkly noise
5. Paws & Pals Self-Warming Dog Crate Pad – Highly-Recommended Thermal Mat
Paws & Pals Self-Warming Dog Crate Pad
With its microfleece material, this self-warming pad will keep your dog snuggly in winter. The inner layer keeps the dog warm using your dog’s body heat. This self-warming pad can easily fit all the pet crates and pet carriers. This makes it suitable for travelling. It also has a non-slip textured bottom.
Pros
Self-warming
Ultra soft microfleece
Non-slip texture
Cons
Not ideal for chewers
Choosing the Right Outdoor Heating Pad for Your Dog
While choosing a heating pad for your dog, you must consider your dog’s characteristics. Keep in mind the size of your dog, whether it’s going to chew the wires or not, and the placement of the heating pads. Some factors you need to consider before choosing a dog heating pad are described below.
Factors to Consider Based on Dog’s Needs
First, check the size of the heating pad. It should be large enough according to your dog’s size but not so large that it occupies ample space. Make sure you know all the features of the heating pad, as they all come with various functions. Some come with thermostats and timers. Choosing a heating pad with a shut-off option is best to avoid overheating.
Weather and Usability Considerations
While using an outdoor dog heating pad, ensure it has an automatic turn-off feature to avoid overheating. Also, add a towel to the pad to prevent direct contact of fur to the pad. The other thing that you should take into consideration is the weather conditions. Some countries are cold yearly, so dog heating pads are necessary.
Additional Tips for Keeping Dogs Warm Outdoors
Other than dog heating pads, there are different ways to keep your dog warm. Please do not go overboard in grooming, and keep it bundled up. If you are feeling cold, then your dog is also feeling cold. Provide a warm shelter to your dog if it is remaining outdoors. Keep an eye on your dog, and if you see any signs and symptoms of shivering, rapid breathing, or increased urination, take it to the veterinarian.
Essential Safety Tips for Using Outdoor Heating Pads for Dogs
While using heating pads for your furry partner, keep some safety tips in mind. Following are the tips that you should follow when using outdoor heating pads for your dog:
- Supervise your dog when the heating pad is on.
- Ensure the wires are intact and non-chewable if your dog is a chewer.
- Use a towel or a cloth on the heating pad to avoid direct contact of dog fur and skin to the pad.
- Only cover half of the space with the heating pad so that the dog can move when it feels hot.
Conclusion: Finding the Ideal Outdoor Heating Pad for Your Dog
There are different types of outdoor heating pads for dogs. These include thermal heating pads, electrical pads, and self-heating pads. If your dog is very energetic and is a chewer, then it’s best to use the one with protected wires and cord. But the pad itself can only be protected if you supervise.
As a veterinarian, I recommend the best outdoor heating pad for dogs is K&H Lectro-Kennel Outdoor Heated Dog Pad because it is chew-proof, water-resistant and durable. But, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, there is no better choice than FurHaven Self-Warming Mat, which is chew-proof, has no wires, and is best for travelling.
The best dog heating pad you purchase will depend on the size and space it occupies and whether it fits your budget. Also, keep the precautions in mind while applying the warming pad. After all, all that matters is the happiness of the warm dog.
FAQs
Are heating pads safe for dogs?
Yes, it is safe to use heating pads to keep your dog warm. But make sure you are following all the precautions. Ensure that the heating pad has an automatic shut-off on overheating. Before allowing your dog to use the heating pad, check the temperature with your hand to test whether it’s bearable.
Is it safe for a dog to lay directly on a heating pad?
Whenever you use a heating pad, use a towel or a cloth to avoid the direct contact of dog fur with the pad. It will prevent the chances of overheating. Additionally, place the heating pad in such a way that it covers only half the floor. This will allow the dog to move when it feels hot.
Meet the Writer:
Meet Dr. Manthar, a clinical veterinarian specializing in the care and treatment of cats, dogs, and other beloved pets. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan and has since dedicated his career to providing the best possible care for his animal patients. Dr. Manthar enjoys sharing his expertise writing articles concerning pets.