6 Best Heated Dog Beds for Winter
Updated: May 01, 2023
Your dog will be cozy and warm while sleeping on one of these top-rated heated pet beds.
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Buying a Heated Dog Bed
Heated dog beds are a worthwhile investment for short-haired dogs prone to being cold, like Greyhounds and Great Danes, as well as for older dogs with arthritis or achy joints.
Most heated pet beds fall into two categories. Electric-powered beds that plug into an outlet are the most common. The alternative, self-warming beds that reflect the animal’s body heat, offer plug-free portability and safety.
What to look for in a heated dog bed
It’s important to decide whether a corded model or a more easily-transported cordless design is better for you. Corded models rely on active electric power components to produce a slow, steady stream the same way heated blankets do. Any electric heating element can be dangerous if used improperly, so be sure it has safety features built-in. Chew-resistant cords and waterproof liners are a good start. It’s also a good idea to supervise your pet while they’re using the bed, and make sure they can get off it if they get too hot.
Cordless models look and act more like typical dog beds, but with heat trapping and reflecting materials that add extra coziness to your dog’s cuddling. These beds trap and recirculate existing body heat. No matter which style you ultimately choose, it’s important to choose a heated dog bed that can be cleaned quickly and easily. After all, you will probably need to treat it with a dog stain remover and deodorizer on a regular basis.
How we chose the best heated dog beds
We looked at the overall ease of use and setup with each heated dog bed, and then compared the warming functions. Models that required little to no set up won us over, because who has time to walk Fido and fiddle with complicated gear? Visually appealing designs with either machine-washable components or removable covers also gained points, as well as those with impressive user ratings and value-driven price points.
Best overall
K&H Lectro-Soft Heated Pet Bed
The K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Heated Pet Bed is ideal for indoor and outdoor use thanks to three sizes made to accommodate different dog breeds. It has a durable steel-wrapped power cord and comes with a fleece dog bed cover to keep your dog cozy. Of all the heated dog beds we looked at, this one offered the best safety features.
“I have had this mat plugged in for a year,” writes verified Amazon purchaser, Linda Prefontaine. “It truly is weight sensitive and only heats up if sat on. It’s on a loveseat that my dog likes to sleep on, so I’ve actually sat on it myself. The heated pad works great to keep him warm and also to dry him off without getting chilled after he has been in the creek. This purchase is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Available in three versatile sizes, making it one of the best choices for dogs of all breeds
- Easy to operate
- Thin footprint won’t add bulk or clutter to your space
- Weight activated, meaning it only turns on when it senses something cuddling up to it
- Steel-wrapped cord
Cons:
- Only available in one color tone, though it’s a neutral shade
Best control settings
Riogoo Pet Heating Pad
Many heated dog beds only have one setting, but the Riogoo pet heating pad offers multiple options. Set the control pad to a specific temperature based on your pet’s preference. Then, select an automatic shut-off timer. The pad comes in four sizes with a removable cover for easy washing.
Heat selections range from barely-there to a robust, winter-friendly heat that reviewers note is helpful during emergencies. It’s a popular choice for always-cold basements and barns, as well as a whelping pad for experienced dog parents. With heat timers of up to 12 hours at a time, it’s a welcome dose of help for households with new puppies that need to be kept warm throughout the night.
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature settings with digital read-out
- Built-in timer
- Removable cover that can be machine washed
- Budget-friendly
- Available in four sizes
- Seven-layer protection structure with UL-approved heating wire
Cons:
- Only one available color
- Thin format makes it better as a top layer over other dog beds or as a crate addition
Best self-warming
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Bed
If you’re worried about buying an electric bed for your dog, the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Bed is a safe alternative. This bed comes in four sizes, and has a special interior layer that amplifies your pet’s body heat to keep them toasty warm.
Over 8,000 Amazon ratings make it one of the most popular affordable heated dog bed options on the market. Reviewers note how easy it is to clean, take on the road for travel and move from room to room. The heat-reflective cloth is also popular for other pets, keeping them warm all winter long.
Pros:
- Made of self-warming poly fabric that traps and distributes heat evenly
- Reflective heat cloth
- Cord and power-free design makes it a safe choice for unsupervised pets
- Portable
- Cushy design meant to be used directly on floors or platforms
Cons:
- No powered heating element means this is best for using in temperature-regulated indoor settings
Best for crates
Frisco Self-Warming Pillow Pet Bed
The Frisco Self-Warming Pillow Pet Bed comes in two sizes that will fit perfectly inside standard-size crates. Made from a special material that reflects the dog’s own body heat to keep them warm, you won’t have to worry about them getting too hot. The easily-maneuvered texture makes it one of the most pliable heated dog beds and an excellent option for crate use.
“I bought the pet bed as a liner for my boxer’s crate,” one happy pet parent writes on Chewy.com. “I put a blanket on top of it for more padding. Even without the extra blanket, it is soft and keeps him warm.”
Pros:
- Neatly slips inside standard-size crates
- Heat-reflective material
- Ideal for both dogs and cats
- Machine washable
- Under $10 price point
Cons:
- No bolsters for cuddling
Best for outdoor use
K&H Pet Self-Warming Elevated Dog Bed
Does your dog like to stay outside all day, even when it’s chilly? Ensure they’re warm enough with the K&H Self-Warming Elevated Dog Bed, which is made for both indoor and outdoor use. The cot-style bed is available in two sizes and provides a generous lift. It’s one of the best heated dog beds for decks and patios thanks to an elevated format keeping it high and dry. Lined with self-warming sherpa, the center traps your pet’s body heat to provide a cozy sleep spot. It can be used on its own, or layered with additional heating pads or blankets. The
“I was not sure if our girl would even use it, but I was wrong,” one pet parent says on Chewy. “She was on it immediately and loves to move herself around on the deck.”
Pros:
- Elevated cot-style design keeps it lifted off the ground to keep Fido dry
- Cozy, heat-reflective sherpa lining that traps heat
- Easily washed thanks to a removable portion
- No assembly required
- Two convenient sizes
- Use indoors or out
Cons:
- The frame is lightweight, though a bit bulky, so it’s best for homes with plenty of deck or patio space
Best portable heated dog bed
K&H Microwavable Cat & Dog Bed Warmer
You can keep your dog warm on the go with the K&H Microwavable Cat & Dog Bed Warmer, which can be inserted into their existing bed. After a few minutes in the microwave, this insert delivers up to eight hours of warmth for your pet. It’s ideal for travel, leaving with your dog’s babysitter and taking along on long car rides to keep jittery pets calm.
Reviewers note that it works for up to six hours at a time, allowing cozy ambient heat beneath an existing dog bed or blanket. The affordable price and versatile format makes it a popular choice for dogs of all types and sizes.
Pros:
- Pops into any microwave for a few minutes to create hours-long ambient heat
- Placed into any type of dog bed or blanketing system
- Offers hours of gentle warmth
- Compact and portable enough to take anywhere
- Affordable
Cons:
- Microwave access is required
- It loses heat quickly when used outdoors
Originally Published: December 09, 2020
