Heated dog beds create a warm and cozy spot for your dog to curl up, which can be of benefit for many different dogs. This can include elderly dogs which may suffer from arthritis and stiff joints which can be made worse in cold weather. Dogs with thin coats can also suffer from the cold and love having somewhere warm and safe to curl up. Given the chance, we think most dogs would love the opportunity to enjoy a heated dog bed of their own!
We reviewed dozens of heated dog beds to identify the best of the best. We looked at features including removable and washable covers, how each bed works to generate heat, whether or not the bed is suitable for outdoor use, and which size of dog each bed is designed for.
Our Top Pick of all the heated dog beds out there, is the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Self-Warming Cuddler. This machine washable bed has a non-slip base, and a self-warming filling to keep your dog cozy without the need for electricity, whatever the weather outside.
The 5 Top-Rated Heated Dog Beds
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Self-Warming Deep Dish Cuddler Dog Bed | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Buy | Petmate Aspen Self-Warming Dog Bed | 4.6 |
| Best Heated Dog Bed for Large Dogs | K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Dog Bed | 4.3 |
| Best Heated Dog Bed for Small Dogs | K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Nuzzle Nest Pet Bed | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Self-Warming Cuddler
The cozy and comfortable Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Self-Warming Cuddler bed is flexible enough to accommodate your dog in any sleeping position they choose – whether that be curled up in a neat ball, or sprawled on their back with all 4 paws in the air! The stylish color range is combined with the highest quality, premium fabrics. The high back helps to support your dog’s head, and neck when they decide to sleep curled up.
The self-warming aspect of this bed is provided by the AirLOFT fiber filing, which not only helps radiate heat back to your dog, but keeps its loft for up to 3 times longer than the recycled fibers used in many other dog beds. If you plan on using this dog bed on hardwood or tiled floors, then the non-slip base will prevent it from moving around, as well as protecting your floors.
Available in a huge range of 14 colors, you’re bound to find one to suit your color scheme at home. This bed is machine washable, as well as being dryer safe. That means keeping your dog’s bed clean is a quick and easy task.
Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Key Key Features:
- Available in 2 sizes: standard, and jumbo
- Warming faux fur and high sides provide a sense of security
- Premium, pet safe materials
- Satisfaction guarantee
Our Runner Up Pick: K&H Products Thermo-Sunggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed
The Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed by K&H Pet Products takes our Runner Up Pick. This heated dog bed plugs into an electrical socket to provide a reliable source of warmth for your dog. When plugged in, the bed will heat up to 10 – 15 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient room temperature. The dual thermostat prevents the bed from heating above the average body temperature of dogs.
Washing this heated dog bed is easy – simply remove the heater from the base of the bed, before running the cover and padded base of the bed through a gentle, cold water, cycle in your washing machine. The bed can either be line dried, or placed on a no heat cycle in your dryer. This bed can be left plugged in all day, and is specifically designed for operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It uses just 6 watts, generated from a MET safety tested heater.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Sunggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed Key Features:
- Measures 20 inches x 26 inches x 5.5 inches
- MET tested
- 1 year warranty
- Lowered front for easy access
Best Budget Pick: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Dog Bed
As the Best Budget Pick, the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Dog Bed in a rectangular lounger shape is a great way to treat your dog. Measuring 30 inches by 24 inches, this bed uses heat-reflecting technology placed within a special interior layer, to reflect your dog’s body heat in order to provide warmth and comfort.
The fleece interior of this bed is combined with a chunky corduroy exterior. The thick, bolstered sides are designed to provide a sense of security, as well as allow dogs to burrow into the bed as they make themselves comfortable. This bed can be hand washed, with the lightweight polyester design meaning it won’t take too long to dry.
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Dog Bed Key Features:
- Easy care
- Textured, non-slip base
- Contains a layer of heat-reflective Mylar
- Lightweight, and travel friendly
Best Heated Dog Bed for Large Dogs Pick: K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Dog Bed
This large, paisley patterned K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Dog Bed is our pick for the best heated dog bed for large dogs. With a size of 32 inches x 40 inches, your dog will have plenty of room to stretch out on this roomy bed. The side and bottom are stuffed with a poly-fil mix made from recycled bottles, which provides a combination of thickness and comfort.
The self-warming component of this bed is a layer of heat-reflective material contained within the pillow base of the bed. This unique, 2-layer fabric helps to first capture heat, and secondly, reflect this back to your dog. This allows your dog to stay toasty and warm without the need for any electricity.
The high front and back of this bed create the ideal spot for your dog to rest their head, and also add a sense of security as they snuggle down into the bed. The lowered front means the bed is easy to get into for elderly dogs who may have trouble climbing into a bed with higher sides all round.
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Dog Bed Key Features:
- 1 year limited warranty
- Machine washable liner
- Non-slip base
- Available in 2 colors: gray/black, and tan/brown
Best Heated Dog Bed for Small Dogs Pick: K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Nuzzle Nest Pet Bed
If you have a small dog, they may not feel comfortable in a large bed. This small, K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Nuzzle Nest Pet Bed is the perfect choice for them. If you’re worried about leaving an electric heated dog bed plugged in while you’re away from home, this self-warming bed means you can rest safe in the knowledge that your small dog will still be kept warm.
Once again, this dog bed utilizes K&H Pet Product’s unique 2-layer fabric, which both insulates your dog from cold outside temperatures, while also reflecting their own body heat back into the bed. This combination means that even if your small dog feels the cold, this bed will keep them feeling warm and toasty.
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Nuzzle Nest Pet Bed Key Features:
- 1 year warranty
- Machine washable
- Extended side walls add security
- Easy wash and care
Who Should Buy a Heated Dog Bed
Much as we love snuggling up in front of the fire in winter, our dogs also appreciate a cozy spot where they can curl up and take a nap. If you have an older dog, they may be starting to develop arthritis, or circulation issues. Both of these can be exacerbated by cold weather, and you may see signs that your dog is suffering over winter. Selecting a well padded heated dog bed can help ease their discomfort and soothe their pain. If you’re looking for other ways to support your elderly dog, we’ve also reviewed the best dog steps and stairs.
Female dogs with puppies will always be keen to find a safe and warm place for their babies, and a heated dog bed is the perfect way to provide them with a safe space. No matter the age or condition of your dog, if you live somewhere with harsh winters, or keep a working dog outside, then a heated bed is a great way to ensure that they are kept warm, no matter the weather.
Important Features to Consider
A heated dog bed should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a heated dog bed:
- Powered or self-warming. Powered heated dog beds use electricity to generate warmth, while self-warming dog beds use your dog’s own body heat which is reflected back to them. An electric bed may be a better choice for an older dog, as it will be kept warm for them while they’re not in it. Self-warming beds won’t have any running costs after your initial investment.
- Size of bed. If have a medium sized dog, but use a large dog bed normally, consider reducing the size of a heated dog bed. This will increase the efficiency, as there won’t be any wasted energy.
- Bed placement. Many owners of working dogs choose to keep their dogs outside, but during a cold winter it can be a good idea to provide a heated dog bed. Make sure you select a bed that’s specifically designed for outdoor use. These will have reinforced power cables, and are often made from waterproof materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heated dog bed and how does it work?
Heated dog beds keep your dogs warm by generating heat. They do this in one of two ways. Electric heated dog beds are plugged into a power source, and generate heat in the same way as an electric blanket. Self-warming dog beds incorporate a heat-reflective material such as Mylar. These beds work by reflecting back the body heat that is radiating from your dog, thus keeping them warmer.
Do self-warming dog beds work?
Yes, they do. Your dog may take longer to feel the benefit of a self-warming bed when compared to an electric heated dog bed. This is because an electric bed will stay warm even when your dog isn’t in the bed. With a self-warming bed, your dog will need to be lying in it for a little while before their body heat starts being reflected back to them.
Are electric blankets safe for pets?
The electric heating pads used within heated dog beds are safe for canines, but don’t be tempted to use an electric blanket designed for humans instead. Heated dog beds are designed to heat up only to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, the average body temperature of dogs. An electric blanket designed for humans may heat up more than this, which can out your dog at danger of overheating.
Can I wash a heated dog bed?
Most heated dog beds are washable. For those with electric heated components, you will normally need to remove the fabric cover, which can then be washed. Self-warming heated dog beds can usually be washed as they are. Be sure to check the specific instructions from the manufacturer of your specific dog bed.
