As autumn nears and the air fills with the scent of pumpkin spice, you might be considering ways to keep your beloved pets snug as the weather turns cooler.
Amazon buyers are buzzing about a heated pet pad that ensures cats and dogs stay warm, especially after a ‘dramatic’ cold snap is forecasted to hit the US and Canada.
But are these pads safe for pet use? We’ve gathered insights from a pet expert to address this question.
Dr. Anna Foreman from Everypaw Pet Insurance shares, “Heated beds are a good way to help keep your pet warm during the winter.”
She explains that with rising fuel prices, it might not always be feasible to heat the entire home for our animals. Instead, localized heating solutions like heat mats, beds, and lights tend to be more economical. This advice applies not only to dogs and cats but also to smaller mammals and reptiles.
However, Dr. Foreman advises that it is crucial to use products specifically designed for pets, rather than repurposing human heated blankets. Pet-specific products usually have chew-proof cords, operate at lower temperatures, and are low-voltage.
PDSA Vet Emma Fisher highlights additional benefits of heated pet beds or pads, particularly for pets with specific health issues. “They can help dogs with stiff joints or arthritis, pets recovering from illness, and small breeds, puppies, or dogs with thin coats that feel the cold more.”
She also emphasizes caution: “We always recommend supervised use of any heated bed or mat. Check the temperature with your hand, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.”
Pets are known to be creatures of habit. If your pet already loves its current bed, you can simply add a warming pad like the Toozey pet heating pad. This product, praised by an Amazon reviewer as a ‘game changer,’ can be incorporated into their existing favorite spot.
The Toozey heating pad, available in various sizes starting at $29.69, is designed for cats and small dogs, while larger versions are suitable for bigger breeds. It features a waterproof design and a chew-resistant cord.
You can also set a timer on the pad, which is handy if your house tends to get particularly cold during certain times. With six temperature settings ranging from 86-131℉, it includes a cozy outer layer over a flame-retardant coating to prevent burns.
The pad’s control comes with an LED screen to select the desired temperature. It has received over 10,000 reviews on Amazon.
A satisfied customer shared, “This heating pad has been a game changer for my cat! It warms up to a safe temperature, perfect for keeping her cozy throughout the day or night.”
The reviewer also mentioned the pad’s soft material, even heat distribution, adjustable timer, and easy-to-clean removable cover, all contributing to their positive experience.