Heating pads for large dogs. help me pick one

[MunchingonHay]

Hello All,

I did a search for heating / heated pads for dogs and while a few came up in the search; most were a few years old and we all know tech gets better. I am overwhelmed with the options.

I have a 70lbs, older, 12.5 yr old boxer cross with arthritic hips and I am sure he would benefit from a heat source at night.

We are in North Central PA and while we have been here a year. He is a FL dog through and through and loves the heat and lives in a wool sweater (don’t worry he has many to choose from ) for most of the winter.

Last winter he slept with me. But he runs and howls in his sleep and while its cute while I am wake, its not when he is interupting my slumber. I tolerated it last winter, and I can’t do another winter with him in my bed.

Do I want to get a “self warming” pad that uses his body heat to reflect back up to him, or get a proper plug in one. (leaning this way).

What brand do you like?

His bed is a tempurpedic bolster bed from Orvis that I line with a sheep skin.

Let’s go shopping!

[Simkie]

I’d definitely go with a pet heating element, and not a human one. I use the K&H ones in my barn for the cat. It looks like this (and goes under or inside a bed):

K&H PET PRODUCTS Thermo-Farm Animal Mat, Black, Black, Small, 12.5 x...

A “self heating” throw is a good addition, too? They’re just so inexpensive, you might as well have a couple!

[MunchingonHay]

I like the way you think!

The K & H products are at the top of my list.

Thanks Simkie!!

[Simkie]

Something else you might want to try (or have in your back pocket, at least) is one of those heartbeat puppies? If your guy is craving companionship, it might help, too:

https://www.chewy.com/smart-pet-love-snuggle-puppy

[GoodTimes]

Depending on how his bed is set up you could also try a seedling heat mat. Instead of raising my last batch of chicks with a heat lamp I used a two seedling mats to make a cave for them to simulate a mother hen. One was set up with a thermostat so the temp would stay consistent. They worked quite well, and they’re designed to at least be water resistant. I put some puppy pee pads over them, but I’m sure you could put a sheet or a light blanket over them as well.

[MunchingonHay]

@GoodTimes

seedling heat mat

A seeding mat would be a great idea, but he is 70-75lbs and I would be worried his weight on the mat, plus something to keep between him and the mat.

He is also a “digger”/ bed maker"

[Warmblood1]

I would personally use a heating pad that reflects heat. I think it would be safer because it is cordless and you don’t run the risk of the pad becoming too hot and possibly burning the dog.