In this post, we will look at the best heating pads that you can use for your dog’s arthritis.
As you may know from your personal experience, applying heat to stiff joints or back pain can really ease the discomfort.
The same is true for dogs. The electric pads lie on the floor or in the dog’s bed, and the dog can then make itself comfortable.
By the way, if you have a dog that is suffering from hip dysplasia or arthritis, they can sometimes struggle to run about and enjoy life as much as they used to.
If this sounds familiar, check out our Guide on Dog Wheelchairs. Getting a set of wheels for your dog could give him or her a whole new lease of life!
Ok, now let’s look at warming pads for your pets to help make your dog more mobile and pain-free.
- OUTDOOR WARMTH: Outdoor heated dog bed with soft orthopedic foam base and includes free soft washable fleece cover
- KEEP PET COMFY: Thermostatically controlled to automatically warm the surface of the bed to your pet’s normal body temperature only when in use by…
- FLEXIBLE FOR ANY SPACE: Ideal waterproof outdoor dog bed for sheds, garages, barns, or any sheltered area your outdoor pets hang out; not recommended…
Table of Contents
- Important Features to Consider When Buying an Electric Heating Pad for a Dog
- Video – Dog Loves the Heating Pad
- What is it About Heat Therapy That Helps Dogs Arthritis?
- What Conditions are Heating Pads Good For?
- What is a Safe Way of Using Heat Pads on Your Dog
Important Features to Consider When Buying an Electric Heating Pad for a Dog
When buying a warming mat or pad for arthritic dogs, it is important to make sure that you get the right quality product.
These are some of the most important features you need to think about when doing your research (we will look at each in detail further down):
(BTW – Using an orthopedic dog bed is another great way to reduce their pain, and so is using a Dog Hip Dysplasia Brace).
Safety Features
Obviously, the most important feature of any heating pad you buy for your dogs is safety.
The pads are powered with electricity, so there are two main risks; electric shock or overheating.
The safest option is to buy a pad with a chew-proof cord powered by a low voltage power supply.
For overheating, the pads must have temperature protection.
Level of Controllability (Both for Time and Temperature)
You should be able to control the temperature of the heat pad and ideally set a timer for when the pad is on or off.
Size of the Pad
Getting the right pad for your dog is important if you want them to really get the benefit of heat therapy.
To help your dog, the heat needs to get to the right parts of their body, and you also want to think about if you want to use it in the dog bed or just on the floor.
Obviously, if you are going to put it in the dog bed, you need to get the size right.
How easy is it to Clean and Wash?
All dogs get dirty and shed hair. Some also have leaky bladders, especially when they are asleep.
Making sure the mat you buy is easy to wash, or clean will be really useful, especially if the dog spends a lot of time using it.
How Long Can the Pad be Used For?
Some pads are perfectly safe to be run 24 hours a day, whereas others have time limits.
Does it Come with a Guarantee?
The better manufacturers will usually offer a no quibbles one year guarantee on their heat mats.
Obviously, this is a no-brainer. If you can get one with a guarantee, we highly recommend it.
Video – Dog Loves the Heating Pad
What is it About Heat Therapy That Helps Dogs Arthritis?
Heat applied to arthritis or hip dysplasia in dogs can really help ease the dog’s discomfort.
Heat therapy has a few effects on your dog:
- It reduces joint stiffness by relaxing muscles and ligaments.
- It reduces muscle spasms.
- It increases blood flow to the affected areas of the dog’s body.
- These factors then reduce pain and discomfort for your pet dog.
So for the low price of buying a warming pad to apply the heat therapy, you can make a big difference to your dog’s day-to-day well-being.
What Conditions are Heating Pads Good For?
Using a pad to apply heat therapy to a dog is great for:
- Arthritis
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Stiff joints
- Back pain
- Spinal disc problems
- Muscle spasms
- Rehabilitation from injuries or operations
- Joint inflammation
What is a Safe Way of Using Heat Pads on Your Dog
The first and most important thing to say is that pet owners should always consult a fully qualified vet if they have any doubts at all about a dog’s health or well being.
Secondly, always read the manufacturers instructions for pet owners and guidelines before using the warming pad on your pet.
We also advise that you start slowly and gently. Do not use the pad on too high of a setting, and do not leave it on for too long.
Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of pain or unease; if this occurs, take the heat away from the dog.
As you get used to using the heating pads with your dog, you will feel how much heat they can handle and what is safe from them.
Over time you will really start seeing how much the heat can help your dog feel much better. You can even put it in their dog bed for extra coziness.