6 Best Heated Dog Beds of 2024
Updated on April 03, 2024
There is nothing like curling up in a warm, cozy bed on a cold night, and the same goes for our canine companions. One way to ensure your pup gets the best sleep possible is to invest in a heated dog bed. These beds or bed inserts are the perfect way to keep your dog comfortable wherever they rest their heads at night.
If you think your dog deserves a heated bed — and let’s face it, they all do, right? — we’ve rounded up some of our favorite choices to get you started. There are different types of heated pet beds to choose from, so we’ve also included some tips for how to pick the right option for your dog.
Best Heated Dog Beds: Our Top Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
- Overall Best Heated Dog Bed: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed
- Best Self-Warming Dog Bed: Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed
- Best Outdoor Heated Dog Bed: K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog Bed
- Best Heated Dog Pad: Toozey Pet Heating Pad
- Best Heated Orthopedic Dog Bed: K&H Pet Products Heated Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Best Budget Heated Dog Bed: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Round Cuddler Bed
6 Best Heated Dog Beds to Consider
Ready to discover some of our favorite heated dog beds? From those with adjustable thermostats, to pads designed for outdoor use, and self-warming beds that don’t require any electricity, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect choice for your pup!
Overall Best Heated Dog Bed
Our Pick: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed
This heated dog bed has it all — a thickly padded base and side walls, snuggly soft fabric, and a heating element that provides a gentle warmth that will keep them feeling cozy even on the coldest winter days. It’s made by K&H, a well-recognized and reputable pet product brand that offers numerous heated dog bed options—a few of which made our list. The internal thermostat heats up to 102 degrees when your dog is in the bed, and reverts to eco-mode to save power as soon as they step out of it. The removable cover can also be washed when needed. During warmer months, you can take out the heating element and use this as a regular dog bed instead!
Highlights
- Soft foam walls provide comfort
- Energy efficient
- Choose from two sizes
- Safety certified to the highest standards
- Includes a one-year limited warranty
- Removable cover for easy washing
Things to Consider
- Only comes in one color
- May be too big for very small dogs
Best Self Warming Dog Bed
Our Pick: Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed
Self warming beds contain a special material that reflects your dog’s body heat back to them, helping to keep them cozy and warm without the need for electricity. The soft faux sherpa fleece lining of this bed adds another layer of warmth, while the neutral corduroy outer layer will blend in with a wide range of home decor. With over 11,000 reviews, this self warming bed has proven to be a firm favorite with thousands of dogs — and their owners! The only thing we don’t like is that the manufacturers don’t recommend machine washing. It can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth, though.
Highlights
- Choose from six sizes and two styles
- Excellent value for money
- Textured, non-slip base
- Warms without the need for electricity
Things to Consider
- Not machine washable
- Padding in the base is quite thin
- No temperature control since it’s self-heated
Best Outdoor Heated Dog Bed
Our Pick: K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog Bed
If your dog enjoys spending time outside, from camping trips to backyard hangouts, an outdoor heated dog bed can help keep your pup warm and cozy during chillier months. Made with soft therapeutic foam, a heating element with internally-regulated thermostat, and a removable fleece cover, this heated dog pad is also water-resistant. The 5.5-foot steel-wrapped cord means this heated bed can be placed wherever your dog chooses to sleep. The removable and washable fleece cover is also easy to keep clean. One thing to bear in mind is that this bed doesn’t have a manual thermostat, so you can’t increase the temperature during very cold weather.
Highlights
- Soft, orthopedic foam base for comfort
- Includes a soft washable fleece cover for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Internal thermostat heats to your pet’s standard body temperature
- Water-resistant
- Safety-certified to the highest standards
- Available in three sizes
Things to Consider
- Expensive; the largest dimension bed is close to $70
- No manual thermostat to control temperature
Best Heated Dog Pad
Our Pick: Toozey Pet Heating Pad
Dog bed heating pads are a great choice for crates but you can also place pads within your dog’s existing bed as long as it lies flat, not folded or crumpled. This pad has a control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and time, with six temperature settings and five time settings. The high-quality construction includes a certified heating wire plus seven layers, including flame retardant material, waterproof film, and a super soft crystal velvet cover. The cover can either be wiped with a damp cloth for small stains, or machine washed for a deeper clean.
Highlights
- Waterproof cover
- Reinforced, chew-proof cable
- Machine washable
- Choose from four sizes and colors
- Timer function provides auto shut-off range (4-24 hours) for safety
- Temperature sensor to prevent overheating
Things to Consider
- Base is not non-slip
- High temperature settings may be too hot for some dogs
Best Heated Orthopedic Dog Bed
Our Pick: K&H Pet Products Heated Orthopedic Dog Bed
The heat from the best electric heated dog bed can help soothe an older dog’s achy joints, but it’s also important to make sure the surface they’re sleeping on is supportive. This bed not only contains a heating element but also is made with two layers of orthopedic foam to create a comfortable place for your dog to rest and recharge. The heating element within this bed is tested to exceed the highest safety standards and includes an internal thermostat that only heats up when your dog is in their bed. The cover comes in a choice of a cozy sherpa fleece or soft synthetic microsuede.
Highlights
- Choose from three sizes and two colors
- Low, energy-efficient wattage
- Machine washable cover
- Tested and certified to exceed electrical safety standards
Things to Consider
- Expensive
- No sides for additional support
Best Budget Heated Dog Bed
Our Pick: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Round Cuddler Bed
This soft and snuggly self heated pet bed uses the same technology found in space blankets to reflect your dog’s body heat back to them rather than relying on an electric heating element. This is a great option if you’re on a budget, or don’t like the idea of leaving a heated dog bed plugged in while you’re away from home, but still want to help your pup feel as cozy as possible. While this dog bed is hand washable, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as using hot water or your dryer can damage the heat-reflective material inside.
Highlights
- Heat-reflecting technology warms your pet using their own body heat
- Great value for money
- Available in different sizes and shapes
- Stuffed with eco-friendly, recycled polyester
- Non-skid base
Things to Consider
- High side walls may collapse
- Not as effective as electric beds
What is a Heated Dog Bed?
Heated dog beds are designed to provide more warmth than your average dog bed. They do this in two ways: using electricity or heat-reflective materials.
Electric heated dog beds contain a heating element and thermostat. Once plugged into an electrical outlet, the heating element provides consistent warmth when your dog is in their bed. If you’re considering an electric heated dog bed, you’ll want to make sure there are built-in safety features, like chew-resistant wires or waterproof bedding material.
Self heating dog beds don’t require electricity but instead use the same kind of silver, heat-reflective material that’s found in space blankets. This material is contained within the bed, so you can’t see it. When your dog gets into their bed, their body heat is reflected back to them, keeping them toasty warm! Obviously, since self-heated dog beds rely on your pet’s own body heat, you can’t control the level of warmth provided.
Both categories of heated dog beds have the same primary benefit: they provide a comfortable resting spot that’s warm, especially during the colder months.
You’ll find heated dog beds in a wide range of styles, from beds with deep sides, to a simple mat or pad designed to sit within a crate or on top of your dog’s existing bed.
How We Chose the Top Warming Dog Beds
When selecting our top heated dog bed recommendations, we considered a range of factors, including:
- Durability
- Washability
- Ease of use
- Brand recognition
- Safety
- Price point
We checked that every bed either includes a heating element or a reflective, warming material — as not all beds that claim to be heating actually include these! We also used our own experiences as pet parents to three dogs, all of whom love their creature comforts.
Lastly, we considered the reviews left by customers who have tried these beds with their own dogs. Reviews are a great place to find out what a range of owners, and their dogs, think of each specific product. We only selected dog beds with a high number of positive reviews.
Heated Dog Bed Buyer’s Guide
Heated dog beds are usually more expensive than a regular dog bed. Before you fork over the money, take the time to consider your dog’s preferences and individual needs. Here’s what we recommend keeping in mind:
Size
If your dog loves the size of their current bed, then try to find a heated dog bed with similar dimensions. If a heated bed is too big, your dog may not reap the benefits. It’s also worth considering if your dog likes to sleep curled up against a bed with side walls, or laid out flat on a dog heating pad or mat. From pads that fit nicely within crates to bolster beds that envelop your pet in warmth, there are a multitude of styles, dimensions, and materials to choose from.
Heat Source
Electric heated dog beds provide a more reliable source of heat, and they’ll feel warm as soon as your dog steps into them. But some dog owners don’t like the idea of leaving these plugged in when they’re out of the house. While these beds use very little electricity, you may still notice a difference in your bills over a long winter. Self-warming beds don’t need to be plugged in, but they do take a while to warm up, and will feel cool when your dog first gets in.
Safety Considerations
Make sure any heated dog bed that needs to be plugged in has been tested to exceed specific electrical safety standards — in the U.S., they should be tested and certified by MET Labs. It’s also worth checking that they have a steel-reinforced cable. This is especially important if your dog likes to chew things! Make sure the bed materials are flame-retardant. If using a dog house heating pad designed for outdoor use, make sure it’s covered with a water-resistant material so moisture can’t reach the heating element inside.
Heated dog beds should always be used with caution, especially if your dog has a thinner coat or hair loss. This is because heating elements have the potential to cause thermal burns when placed against any exposed skin.
Ease of Cleaning
We all know dogs can get a little stinky at times, so having a bed that can be thrown in the wash is always useful! Many electric heated dog beds have a removable cover that can be washed. Never wash the whole bed before removing the heating element. A lot of self-warming heated beds are also washable, but take care to follow the manufacturers’ instructions. The reflective material inside these beds can be damaged if you wash them at a high temperature or use your dryer on a hot setting.
Whichever heated bed you choose for your dog, we hope they let you know just how much they appreciate those extra long cozy naps and a restful night’s sleep!
