How to Make a Heated Dog Bed

If you are a dog owner, you know that your canine is not just a pet, but a part of your family. A heated dog bed is a great way to say "I love you" to your dog, especially if it is sick or elderly. Heated dog beds are great for joint pain and during the winter months. These beds can be made very easily with simple household items, with pricing depending on the size of your dog. The following steps show a cost-efficient, easy way to create a decadently warm bed for man's best friend.

Things You'll Need

• Dog bed Heating pad with adjustable temperature

Instructions

1. 

   Purchase a dog bed from any pet or department store; it can be either a pillow-type bed with a zippered removable cover or a basket with low sides and a removable cushion.

2. 

   Place the bed on the floor in an area away from drafty windows or doors. Make sure a power outlet is within reach of the area you have chosen.

3. If you have a pillow-type bed, unzip it and place the heating pad underneath the cushion inside the cover. If you have a dog basket with a removable cushion, place the heating pad underneath the pillow, making sure that no edges are sticking out to avoid injury.

4. 

   Plug the heating pad into the wall outlet and adjust the temperature; for a thinner cushion, the temperature should remain between the lowest and mid setting. For a cushion more than 3 inches thick, the highest setting may need to be used.

5. Let the heating pad reach maximum power, then test the cushion with your palm; if it feels uncomfortably hot on your skin, it will feel uncomfortably hot on your dog's skin. Adjust the temperature as needed.

6. 

   For energy efficiency, turn the heating pad off when the dog bed is not in use.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use these same steps to create a heated cat bed. Avoid dog beds with high sides if you have a pet with joint pain.

• Heated dog beds are not meant to cure any ailment in your pet. You should always talk to your veterinarian before using a heated dog bed.

Resources

• Dog Arthritis Care
• ASPCA Dog Care