Heated pet beds are not only great for warmth on cold winter nights, but they also aid in soothing your pets aching bones and muscles. Some older pets may, unfortunately, suffer from arthritis, and if they could talk, would surely beg you for a soft warm place to snuggle. Completely safe and extremely comfortable you may find yourself crawling down to their level and curling up with them on their heated pet beds.
Before shopping for heated pet beds do some planning first. This will save you a lot of time and frustration. Here a few tips to make sure you get the right one:
The heated pet bed that you select must meet UL standards in order to prevent electrical shock to you or your pet. Heated pet beds that do not have a UL endorsement should be avoided. There are plenty of beds that DO carry the UL seal of approval, so don't take any chances. Your pet and your family are too important to ignore this important requirement.
Keep in mind that certain beds can only be used either indoors or outdoors. Most heated pet beds are constructed for indoor use only. Also keep in mind that too much heat is not necessarily a good thing. Research has shown that most pets will not use heated pet beds that warm up to above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The bed in cases like this will be too hot and your pet will avoid settling into it.
The answer? Search for heated pet beds that come with a thermostat that you can control. You'll know you have the proper settings when your beloved pet settles in with no more hesitation than when they settle into your lap.
Price: Heated pet beds can be very expensive, but they don't have to be. In fact, you can find reliable, safe beds for less than $100 and many are less than $50. If money is not an issue, then go for what your heart desires. But for the rest who are in a budget, you can still provide your pet with a warm, cozy bed and not break the bank. But make sure you get the right size of heated pet bed.
Before you buy a bed, answer these questions:
How big is your pet?
Do you have a place in mind for the bed? If so, what is the size? Don't buy a bed that you cannot fit into your planned corner or pet area. Is it close to an electrical plug or will you have run extension cords ? If you're buying a heating pad , will it fit inside your pet's bed?
It seems like a lot to think about, but it's not. It's just common sense and a matter of being careful to protect your family and your pet.
