Looking for heated dog blanket outdoors solutions? Have you been worrying about the safest way to keep your dog warm in its outdoor bed this winter? Are you confused about outdoor dog bed heaters? Don’t reach for potentially dangerous electric blankets made for humans that can overheat or even electrocute your dog.
This article will help you narrow down the perfect outdoor bed heating option for you and your furbaby. Here we will explain the two different options on the market for outdoor dog bed heating: 1) electric and 2) self heated beds, pads, and mats. If you have an outdoors dog, then there is more to learn on how to keep an outdoors dog warm in this other article.
Stick with us and we’ll help you find the right product for your loved one.
What Determines The Best Heated Bed For Your Dog?
The following factors will determine which kind of bed is best suited to your fur baby, if you own an outdoors dog that spends the majority of its time sleeping in a kennel. It’s vital that you have some kind of heated bed option for your pet when the temperature drops.
Size
The size and weight of your dog will have an effect on its ability to keep warm. It may, for example, impact your decision on whether to buy a self-heated bed or one that uses electricity. For your ease, all suggestions in this article have been broken down into two categories: beds for smaller dogs and beds for larger dogs.
Age
Young dogs may still seek the warmth of their litter or mother and may feel most comfortable in an extra-padded, cozy bed. Senior dogs benefit greatly from heated beds as it can soothe arthritis, back pain, circulation issues, and provide an ideal place to rest. That said, they may struggle to lift themselves up from certain beds or move when they feel uncomfortably hot. Age should be taken into account when buying your outdoor heated bed.
Climate
The type of bed you need will depend greatly on the climate you live in. If you’re after an option during occasional cooler spells, a mat or a self-heating bed may be best suited. On the other hand, in snowy, windy, and excessively cold climates, you should probably consider investing in an electric option.
Fur
Your dog’s coat is his number one way of keeping warm, so consider the length and volume of hair before choosing which bed you want. Long-haired dogs can generally keep themselves warmer, whereas short-haired or dogs with no fur will need extra help keeping warm overnight.
Your Dog’s Pamper Level
Every dog is an individual, and its needs are just that as well. While some dogs will happily curl up on the concrete floor for a snooze, others need a pile of blankets, ten pillows, and soft toys before they can even consider dozing off. (Yes, dachshunds, I’m talking to you!) This will, of course, be a factor when buying your bed as you chose the level of comfort and space that your baby will need.
Electric Heated Dog Bed or Self-Heated Dog Bed?
Most electric beds, mats, and pads are self-regulated and will not heat up above 102-degree F (38.9 C), ensuring your dog is comfortable while outside. For elderly dogs or those who spend the majority of their time outside in cold climates, this is probably the best answer.
However, there are drawbacks to electric beds, mats, and pads. For example, if the weather is not as cold as anticipated, your dog could become uncomfortably warm if the pad is set to full temperature. While technology has improved, many people worry about the safety of their dog using electric blankets outdoors that may expose them to electrocution if the dog is prone to chewing through wires.
Electric beds are also more expensive to buy because of the amount of pampering that they provide but can also be expensive to run if they are not low-voltage and need to run for several months of the year.
Self-heating Beds
Self-heating beds or body-activated heat blankets are certainly the cheaper option, particularly mats and pads. They are more environmentally friendly than electric options as they use the dog’s own body heat to keep warm. Self-heating beds for outdoor dogs are simpler, and usually easier to clean and are safe for dogs that chew beds apart, depending on the stuffing materials used.
However, a self-heating bed will not discharge the same amount of heat as an electric bed. They take longer to warm up and may not be appropriate for extremely cold weather situations.
Best Heated Dog Beds To Choose Based On Your Unique Needs
Below we’ve put together a few tables to help you choose the perfect heated dog blanket for outdoors. It takes into consideration the level of heat you need, safety precautions, ease of cleaning, cost, size, convenient features, and comfort.
Jump straight to your applicable Best Outdoor Dog Bed of choice by clicking on any of the product lists below:
- Seven Best Electrically Heated Beds For Large Dogs
- Seven Best Self-Heated Beds For Large Dogs
- Seven Best Electric Beds For Small Dogs
- Seven Best Self-Heated Beds For Small Dogs
- Seven Best Heated Outdoor Dog Beds By Price
The Seven Best Electrically Heated Beds For Large Dogs
Here is a mix of beds, mats, and pads with a range of features and styles to suit every kind of large dog.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable with borders.
- Thermostat with indoor/outdoor mode.
- Removable fleece cover
- Steel-covered cord
Cons
- Air-filled bolsters are not stuffed.
- Protective cover shrinks over time.
- Not ideal for dogs who chew.
Pros:
- Waterproof- perfect for older dogs who may have leaks.
- Extra-long cable.
- Chew-proof mat and cable.
- Thermostat, electric shock protection, and power-off protection from over-heating.
- Good traction.
Cons:
- No padding or borders might make it uncomfortable with some dogs.
Pros:
- Igloo shape suits a variety of styles of dog house.
- Half-size gives the option of stepping off when too hot.
- Low power usage.
- Thermostat control
- Machine washable cover included.
Cons:
- House not included.
- Not suitable for dogs who chew.
- Low durability.
- No extra padding.
Pros:
- Thermostat control
- Includes a comfortable fluffy cover
- Long, steel-wrapped cord
- Good durability
Cons:
- The free cover is cheap and doesn’t stay in place (could cause difficulty for old or injured dogs when standing)
Pros:
- Internal thermostat
- Removable warmer
- Removable and washable cover
- Long, steel covered cord
- One-year warranty
- Double layered orthopedic foam
Cons:
- No borders
- Small heater for a larger bed
- Low temperature
Pros:
- Uses infrared technology for heat which reaches deep but does not burn or dry out the skin
- Great for pain relief and blood flow
- Soft bedding and borders
- Removable and washable cover
Cons:
- Hard, uncomfortable base which requires blankets
- More suitable for medium-sized dogs than large
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Timer and heat control
- Fire resistant
- Thermostat controlled for safety
- Comfortable and soft
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs that chew
- No border/ extra padding
The Seven Best Self-Heated Beds For Large Dogs
These beds do not use electricity to warm up but can still be a warm alternative when the weather is not too harsh. Or you can team up these products with other heating options for outdoor dogs.
Pros:
- Non-slip bottom for stability
- Easy wash
- Made from recyclable materials
- Comfortable with borders
Cons:
- Sides don’t stand up well
- Thin padding
Pros:
- Non-skid bottom
- Faux lambswool and plush sides
- A choice of colors and stylish design
- Cozy and comfy
Cons:
- Must be hand-washed
Pros:
- Memory foam for special comfort
- Head and neck support for added comfort
- Waterproof to protect mattress
- Removable cover for easy wash
Cons:
- Not good for chewers
Pros:
- Slit corners mean it fits well into most crates and kennels
- Non-slip bottom
- Soft micro-fleece top
- Easy Wash
Cons
- One-inch thick might not provide enough warmth for colder environments
- Not chew-resistant
Pros:
- Supportive walls
- Extra soft and comfy
- Memory foam
- Weight activated thermal technology
- Luxury
Cons:
- Not suitable for extra larger dogs (better for Pitbulls for example)
- Not chew-proof
Pros:
- Comes in XXX Large sizes
- Padding and cushion
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Not suitable for chewers
Pros:
- Easy clean
- Non-slip
Cons:
- No cushion
- Not chew-proof
Most of the time small dogs aren’t as adept to staying outdoors overnight. But in the event you need to keep your little pooch warm while he’s outside, here are a list of highly rated electric dog beds for your little doggy.
Pros:
- Orthopedic foam
- Thermostat control
- Long, steel wrapped cable
Cons:
- No pillows
Pros:
- Low voltage
- Chew resistant cord
- Waterproof
- Overheating protectors
- Fireproof
Cons:
- No cushions
Pros:
- Instant heat
- Very warm
- Long protective cable
Cons:
- No pillows
Pros:
- Durable
- Chew-proof
- Protective cable
- Faux lambskin fleece included
- Thermostat controlled
Cons:
- No pillow
Pros:
- Safety chew resistant chord to prevent your dog from chewing through the electrical chord
- X-Large heating pad gives full heating coverage for your dog
- Waterproof
- Comes with matching blanket
Cons:
- Not easy to wash.
- Not recommended for extreme outdoor conditions
Pros:
- Steel wrapped chord to protect against chewing
- Removable fleece cover for comfort
- Thermostatically controlled to keep the pad withing your pet’s body temperature range
Cons:
- May not be warm enough for dogs with need for high heat
Pros:
- Self adjusts temperature to keep your doggy at a normal body temperature 102 F
- Easily removable heater to machine wash the bed padding
- Small size for placement in snug places
- Great for old or arthritic dogs that need extra warmth at night
Cons:
- Not suited well for outdoor use
- Can become uncomfortably hot for doggy’s sensitive to heat
Pros:
- Vegan-friendly
- Round shape promotes curling for warmth
- Raised rim
- Removable shell for easy cleaning
- Water and dirt resistant base
Cons:
- Weak seams could be easily torn
- Base does not provide lots of support
Pros:
- Supports better sleep
- Cosy and easy to nestle into for young dogs
- Waterproof bottom perfect for outdoors
- Made with safe materials
Cons:
- Does not provide as much heat as an electronic bed
Pros:
- Non-slip bottom
- Made with recyclable material
- Easy wash
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Less heat than an electric bed
Pros:
- Easy wash and care
- Self radiating heat material
- Cozy
Cons:
- Noisy due to filling
Pros:
- Blanket hood great for snugglers and extra warmth
- Easy to wash
- CertiPur foam mattress for extra comfort
Cons:
- Not chew proof
- Not good for very cold environment
Pros:
- Blanket hood great for snugglers and extra warmth
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- Not chew proof
- Not good for very cold environmen
Pros:
- Includes two mats
- Several layers of heat reflective material
- Slip-proof
- Hypoalergenic
Cons:
- Difficult to wash
- Only moderate heat
Here’s our pick of highly rated heated electric beds for outdoors listed from highest to to lowest price.
$$$
Electric
Internal thermostat keeps temperature at 102 F (38.9 C) on average. Grounded 6-foot long waterproofed cord. No weight is needed to activate it. It stays on for as long as it’s plugged in.
$$
Electric
Thermostatically controlled, this bed warms to your dog’s normal body temperature. Waterproof and chew resistant pad and cord protects dog from electrocution. Energy efficient using only 18 watts.
$$
Electric
Use all winter inside a large dog house. Helps maintain body heat. Heating pad offers comfort for arthritic hips. Shake to get rid of pet hair. Washable. Cord is chew proof. Heats the entire surface regardless of dog laying on it or not.
$$
Electric
Excellent for outdoors! The temperatures for this pad can get up to 100–104° F (37.8 to 40 C). Excellent for extreme cold condition or arthritic animals having to stay outdoors in the cold.
$
Electric
Designed for dogs weighing from 10 to 70 lbs., it’s an ideal heating mat for senior dogs suffering from arthritic or large new born requiring to remain out in the garage in the cold or dogs recovering from illness or injury.
$
Electric
This pad will powered off automatically if you forget to turn it off. It sets when turned on 6 hour by default. But you can set for 1 to 2 hours before shutoff or as much as 12 hours of heating. The wiring is designed to prevent your dog from getting burned. Excellent for lining a dog house. Portable. Washable. Reaches from 80 to 130 F (26.7 to 54.4 C).
$
Electric
Pad and blanket together! Heat from 0 to 12 hours, reaching a maximum of 112 F (44.4 C) and as low as 95 F (35 C). Chew resistant for easy going chewers. High temperature setting is meant for short time period, however. Low settings can last all night long.
Now that you’ve had the chance to look at all these excellent products, you won’t have a reason to worry about keeping your dog safely warm outdoors or indoors during winter.
These blankets and pads are designed specifically to keep dogs from chewing through the chord, or overheating from hours of operation. Some even time out automatically.
Once you decide based on size of your dog, the age of your dog, the amount of fur and the climate that your dog will be facing, you can decide the level of pampering that you’d like to give your dog according to your budget. Whatever decision you make will be best because we know you love your dog to be heated outdoors with it’s own blanket.