Best Heated Dog Beds

One of the best heated dog beds might be beneficial whether you have a new puppy, an aging fur baby with arthritis, or a breed like Dalmatian or Chihuahua who gravitates to warmth.

But, if you’ve never purchased one before, you probably have quite a few questions.

Are heated dog beds safe?

Do they run on electricity?

What are some of the best options?

You have questions, and we have answers. So, we’re covering everything you need to know about heated pet beds.

Pros and Cons of Heated Dog Beds

1. K & H Pet Products – Mother’s Heartbeat Heated Bolster Puppy Bed

Our first pick for the best heated dog beds is specifically designed for puppies. It’s a bolster-style sleeping area with two features for tiny fur babies to replicate sleeping next to their moms. 

A unique heartbeat device customized for small, medium, and large breeds is hidden inside a cute little pillow. So, for example, small breeds feel the pulsing of 100 to 140 beats per minute, while large breeds experience 60 to 100.

The warming feature is electric but only activates when the pup uses the bed. Then, it adjusts to their optimal body temperature. And, despite all the little add-ons, everything is removable so that the cover can be machine washed.

Bottom Line – We recommend the Mother’s Heartbeat heated dog bed with a caveat. It’s a product that needs strict supervision. Puppies tend to chew, and this model has an electric cord. So, if you’re in the room and paying attention, it’s an excellent choice for calming and comforting your new family member. But it’s not an ideal bed to use through the night when everyone’s asleep. 

2. FurHaven – Luxury Faux Fur Self-Warming Pet Bed

The FurHaven brand has an expansive catalog of dog beds in various shapes and sizes. However, it’s not known for its line of heated pet beds. 

You won’t find electric models in the FurHaven lineup. But the Luxury Faux Fur Self-Warming option is an affordable option, especially for puppies needing a transitional bed. Both sizes are relatively small, and, as it’s a donut-style bed, the bolsters take up some of the sleeping space.

This particular heated dog bed uses a removable thermal “space blanket” to crank up the heat a few notches, keeping things calm and cozy for smaller fur babies.

Bottom Line – FurHaven’s self-warming dog bed gets the job done for smaller pups who just need a little extra warmth and coziness. It’ll raise the temperature a few degrees, which might be plenty. But if you need a heated pet bed for orthopedic reasons, you might appreciate our next pick – the Kuranda heated blanket.

3. Kuranda – Heated Blanket

Kuranda is primarily known for its top-notch line of elevated dog beds. But the brand also offers an impressive list of accessories to customize those beds. One of the most highly-rated by Kuranda consumers is the heated blanket.

The warming pad relies on electricity, so it’s not for pups that love to chew. But if you’ve got a calm older dog who needs some joint or muscle pain relief, the combination of the elevated bed and this particular “low voltage constant temperature heating pad” is ideal. 

A fleece cover protects the pad and is machine washable. Additionally, elastic bands fit around the bed frame to hold everything in place.

Bottom Line – Like the K & H Mother’s Heartbeat heated dog bed, Kuranda’s warming pad isn’t for every pup. It’s not chew-proof, so you don’t want to take a chance on dogs that could do some damage. But our precious pooches tend to be calmer as they age, so we love this option for older fur babies.  

4. K & H Pet Products – Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bolster Dog Bed

The Deluxe Lectro-Soft heated dog bed by K & H Pet Products is one of the few outdoor-rated models. It’s ideal for pets with dog houses or who live on farms, as it’ll keep them at a pleasant  102 degrees regardless of what’s happening around them.

This is a low-profile 20-watt warming bed with dual temperature controls. The soft fleece cover is easy to remove to pop it in the washing machine. And, if you designate this bed for outdoor use, you’ll probably need to clean it frequently.

Bottom Line – It’s handy to have a heated dog bed that’s safe to use outside and a rare find. Even though it’s perfect for dog houses, barns, or covered areas, you still can’t expose it to rain or snow.

Are heated dog beds safe?

Heated dog beds are safe for supervised use when provided by a quality brand. While dog beds come in all price ranges, it’s best to spend more on a heated dog bed to ensure it has all the safety features needed to avoid overheating. Another consideration is the user. If you have a pup who tends to gnaw on things, opt for a self-heating model and avoid electric cords.

Do self-heating pet beds work?

Self-heating dog beds provide mild warming for their users. You won’t find a significant difference or have the ability to maintain a consistent temperature. But self-heating models work with your pet’s body heat to add a few degrees of warmth to the sleeping surface, so there is some benefit.

Why would dogs need heated beds?

Ideal heated dog bed candidates tend to be puppies or aging pups. Puppies appreciate the warmth as it substitutes for sleeping next to their moms. And, for aging pups with joint or muscle issues, a heated sleeping area can provide significant pain relief, especially when used in combination with a raised bed or an orthopedic mattress.

Can I use a heated dog bed outside?

There are very few heated dog beds rated for outdoor use. But if you’re a savvy shopper, you’ll come across some rare finds. K & H Pet Products has a heated dog bed ideal for dog houses, barns, or covered patios but won’t withstand the elements like rain or snow.

What’s one of the best brands for heated dog beds?

FurHaven is an excellent choice for self-warming pet beds, and we recommend Kuranda for warming pads. But you’ll find that K & H Pet Products is one of the top overall providers of heated dog beds. K & H has a variety of options, including an outdoor model.

Tips for Buying the Best Heated Dog Beds

Consider electric models carefully – Heated dog beds that rely on electricity are the best for significant warming options and temperature control. However, they’re not ideal for fur babies who tend to gnaw or scratch, as there could be safety issues. Finding a self-heating model is better if you think your pup could do some damage.

Don’t skimp when you buy a heated pet bed – We typically provide dog bed options at various price points. However, when shopping for a heated (not self-warming) dog bed, it’s best to look for a quality option with low wattage and plenty of safety features.

Heated pads are ideal alternatives – Options are relatively limited for genuine heated dog beds. However, a heated pad that you can use on its own or as a bed topper is just as effective. You might even appreciate it more as you can plug it in only when needed.

When you’re buying for orthopedic use – One of the most significant benefits of heated dog beds is pain relief for aging dogs with arthritis or other muscle or joint issues. So, it’s best to look at the whole package, which includes a quality warming feature combined with an orthopedic mattress. Another option is an elevated dog bed with a removable heating pad.