Are heating pads safe for cats and dogs?

Few things are as welcoming as the soothing warmth of a heating pad — especially when your joints are sore and tired. And your aches and pains seem to melt away when using one. Many pet parents have experienced their furry companions trying to share that warmth. But is sharing your heating pad with your bestie a good idea? The answer might surprise you.

Human Heating Pads Can Be Dangerous for Pets

While household heating pads are helpful for a human's aches and pains, they can be dangerous for pets. Often, those high temperatures feel good to you and your achy joints, but they are too hot for your furry friend. Human heating pads generally range from 110°F to 160°F (give or take a few degrees). These temperatures are much higher than your dog or cat's body temperature of 102°F.

Dogs and cats don't sweat like we do when they overheat. Instead, they regulate their body temperatures by grooming, panting and drinking lots of water (among other things). Because dogs and cats handle heat differently from humans, heating pads designed for people can cause heat stroke, thermal burns or internal organ damage.

Simply put, using a heating pad designed for dogs and cats is much safer. Heated products created for your pet don't get as hot as the heating pad you love to crank up to the highest setting. Luckily, you have great options to help address your pet's needs without the hazards of a human heating pad.

Indoor Heated Products

The K&H Thermo-Kitty Mat is a comfy, reversible bed with a dual thermostat buried deep inside its soft foam exterior. The bed's temperature hovers around 15°F above your home's temperature until your furry BFF lies on it. Once your pet snuggles down for a nap, the mat warms to your pet's normal body temperature. This mat's petite design is perfect for cats or smaller dogs.

With a one-piece pillow, soft fleece cover and an efficient heater, it's not surprising the K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Heated Cat Bed is one of K&H's best-selling cat beds — especially with its 6-inch luxurious walls. The small tan Pet Bed Warmer (included) rests within the bed's soft poly-fil bottom, creating soothing heat for your precious kitty. This bed's surface remains 10 to 15 degrees higher than room temperature when unoccupied but will gradually heat your cat's natural body temperature when in use.

Outdoor Heated Products

If you're looking for a heated pad to use outside, consider the K&H Extreme Weather Heated Kitty Pad. With a fleece cover, this pad is perfect for covered porches, garages, outbuildings or any hard surface sheltered from harsh weather. Once plugged in, the pad heats up to your kitty's standard body temperature, leaving her warm and toasty.

Or consider the K&H Lectro-Soft™ Outdoor Heated Pet Bed Gray to keep your dog or cat comfortable in almost any weather condition. This soft bed is the first orthopedic indoor/outdoor heated pet bed on the market and will leave your pet content and toasty warm.

Both beds include a steel-wrapped cord to help keep your pet safe. And these snuggly beds can be moved indoors when the outside temperature drops too low for your pet's comfort — they can go just about anywhere!

Heated Products for Pets with Mobility Issues

While the beds mentioned above are safe, comfortable and effective warming options, it's always a good idea to check with your family veterinarian before using any heating products with very young pets or pets struggling with extensive mobility issues. If your pet cannot voluntarily move away from a heating source (blankets, heating pads/beds, fireplaces, etc.), you need a pad with an adjustable feature. The K&H Deluxe Lectro-Kennel™ Heated Pad is the professional's choice for whelping puppies, motherless kittens or pets needing post-surgery care.

Pet-Safe Heated Bedding Is a Therapeutic Treasure

It's no secret that pets love to snuggle and seek out warm napping areas — in beds, under covers, on top of pillows and welcoming laps. If your pet needs a heated bedding option, it's time to keep the household heating pad to yourself and find a pet-safe heating option for your furry snuggle buddy. And offering your pet a heated bed option is a year-round cozy escape he'll certainly enjoy for years to come.