The Toozey Dog Heat Pad 70 x 50 cm is our overall pick for most dogs, because it pairs six heat levels and a timer with a chew resistant steel cord and a soft cover that comes off for washing. For a large dog that stretches out, the Bedsure Large Heated Bed 90 x 60 cm gives more room and carries UKCA marking.
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How we chose these heated dog beds: every product is an electric or microwavable heated pad or bed sold for dogs, each was in stock on its UK product page on 7 October 2026, and sizes, heat ranges and safety features come from the makers. We have not tested every pad ourselves, so treat temperatures as the maker’s stated figures.
What Is a Heated Dog Bed?
Most heated dog beds sold in the UK are flat heated pads rather than full beds. A low wattage element sits inside a sealed, waterproof inner pad, and a soft cover goes over the top. You can use the pad alone, lay it inside an existing dog bed, or slide it into a crate. A few, such as the SnuggleSafe, have no cable at all and hold heat after a few minutes in the microwave.
Heat helps dogs that struggle to keep warm: young puppies, older dogs, short coated and thin breeds such as greyhounds and whippets, and dogs recovering from surgery. Many owners of stiff, arthritic dogs also find gentle warmth makes getting up easier in the morning.
Are Heated Dog Beds Safe?
A well made pad is safe when used as the maker intends. Look for four things. First, an overheat cut out or thermostat that switches the pad off above a set temperature; the Toozey, Angelpet and Helining all state one. Second, a chew resistant cord. Steel wrapped cables, as on the NICREW and RC SLL, are much harder for a puppy to bite through than plastic. Third, a sealed, waterproof inner pad, so a toilet accident or a wet coat cannot reach the wiring. Fourth, a UK plug and a recognised safety mark; the Bedsure lists UKCA.
Always lay the pad flat, never fold it while it is switched on, and leave your dog room to move off the warm area. A pad should cover part of the bed, not all of it, so a dog that gets too warm can shift to a cooler spot. If your dog is very young, unwell or unable to move easily, choose a low setting and check on them often.
Which Size Heated Dog Bed Do You Need?
Measure your dog lying down, nose to the base of the tail, and compare it with the pad’s long side. Small breeds manage on a 45 x 40 cm or 45 x 45 cm pad. Most spaniels and collies suit pads around 70 x 45 or 70 x 50 cm, such as the Toozey, NICREW and Helining. Labradors and larger dogs need 90 x 60 cm, which is the size of the Bedsure and the Angelpet XL. For a large crate or a whelping box, the RC SLL 75 x 120 cm mat covers most of the floor.
If the pad goes inside a crate, check the crate floor size first. Our crate bed size guide lists typical crate floors from small to extra large.
What Is the Best Heated Dog Bed for Outdoors?
Most electric pads are for indoor use only, so read the listing before putting one in a kennel or shed. The Petace Outdoor Heating Pad is sold for kennels, garages and porches, with a water resistant base and constant temperature control. Any cable still needs a dry, covered socket, ideally on an RCD protected circuit. For a garden kennel with no power, the SnuggleSafe disc is the simple answer, giving up to ten hours of warmth after heating. Pair either with a well insulated dog kennel that is raised off the ground.
How Much Does a Heated Dog Bed Cost to Run?
Very little. A typical pad draws between 15 and 75 W, far less than a fan heater. The NICREW 70 x 40 cm pad is rated at 75 W maximum, and at full power that is 0.075 kWh per hour. At 25p per kWh, eight hours on the highest setting costs around 15p, and lower settings cost less because the thermostat cycles the element off. The pressure activated uncn pad saves more again, as it only warms while your dog is lying on it.
How Do These Heated Dog Beds Compare?
| Name | Stated Size | Heat Control | Timer | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toozey Dog Heat Pad 70 x 50 cm | 70 x 50 cm | Six levels, 30 to 55°C | 2 to 24 hours | Most medium dogs |
| Bedsure Large Heated Bed 90 x 60 cm | 90 x 60 cm | Six levels | 0 to 24 hours | Large dogs indoors |
| Angelpet Heating Pad XL 90 x 60 cm | 90 x 60 cm | 30 to 60°C in 1°C steps | Up to 24 hours | Large dogs, spare cover |
| RC SLL Heating Pad 75 x 120 cm | 75 x 120 cm | Nine settings | 1 to 24 hours | Big crates, whelping |
| NICREW Pet Heating Pad 70 x 40 cm | 70 x 40 cm | Six settings | 4, 8, 12 hours or continuous | Puppies that chew cables |
| uncn Pressure Activated Heating Pad | About 45 x 56 cm | 35 to 60°C | Heats when used | Low running cost |
| SnuggleSafe Microwave Heat Pad | 22 cm disc | Microwave heated | Up to 10 hours warmth | Puppies, no socket |
| Petace Outdoor Heating Pad 50 x 40 cm | 50 x 40 cm | Constant temperature | None stated | Kennels and garages |
| Emwel Dog Heated Mat 45 x 70 cm | 45 x 70 cm | Twelve settings | Adjustable | Owners who want a display |
| Helining Pet Heating Pad 40 x 70 cm | 40 x 70 cm | Seven options, 30 to 55°C | 4 to 24 hours | Messy or elderly dogs |
How Do You Clean a Heated Dog Bed?
Unplug the pad and let it cool before you touch the cover. Most covers zip off and go in the washing machine on a cool cycle, including those on the Bedsure, Toozey, NICREW and uncn pads. The Angelpet XL comes with two covers, so one can be on the pad while the other dries. Never put the heated inner pad in the machine; wipe it with a damp cloth instead. Sealed pads such as the Helining, rated IP68, cope well with spills, which helps with puppies and older dogs who have the odd accident.
For more ways to keep a dog warm, see our guide to washable dog beds, which pair well with a heat pad underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Heated Dog Beds Good for Arthritis?
Many owners find gentle heat eases morning stiffness in older dogs. Pick a low to medium setting, a pad large enough for your dog to stretch out, and talk to your vet about pain relief as well.
Can a Puppy Use a Heated Dog Bed?
Yes, with care. Use a low setting, cover only part of the bed, and choose a steel wrapped cord like the NICREW, or a cable free disc such as the SnuggleSafe, for a puppy that chews.
Can You Leave a Heated Dog Bed on Overnight?
Most pads here can run continuously with a thermostat holding the temperature, but a timer setting of eight or twelve hours adds peace of mind for a dog left alone overnight.
What Is the Best Heated Bed for a Small Dog?
A 45 x 40 cm or 45 x 45 cm pad, such as the smaller NICREW or Angelpet, fits most small dog beds and crates without crowding them.
Do Heated Dog Beds Use a Lot of Electricity?
No. Most draw well under 100 W, so a night on a medium setting usually costs only a few pence.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026.
Heated Dog Beds to Compare
Toozey Dog Heat Pad 70 x 50 cm
A 70 x 50 cm electric pad with six heat levels from 30 to 55°C, a timer up to 24 hours and a soft velvet cover that zips off.
Bedsure Large Heated Bed 90 x 60 cm
A large 90 x 60 cm heated mat with six heat levels, a 0 to 24 hour timer, UKCA marking and a machine washable cover for indoor use.
Angelpet Heating Pad XL 90 x 60 cm
An XL pad set in single degree steps from 30 to 60°C, with an IP67 rated core, a steel sleeved cord and two washable covers.
RC SLL Heating Pad 75 x 120 cm
A very large 75 x 120 cm mat for big crates and whelping boxes, with nine heat settings, a timer to 24 hours and a steel cord.
NICREW Pet Heating Pad 70 x 40 cm
A 75 W pad with six heat settings, a 4, 8 or 12 hour timer or continuous mode, a 2.1 m steel wrapped cord and a fleece cover.
uncn Pressure Activated Heating Pad
A low voltage 12 V pad that only warms while your dog lies on it, set between 35 and 60°C, with a zip off washable plush cover.
SnuggleSafe Microwave Heat Pad
A UK made 22 cm disc you warm in the microwave for up to ten hours of gentle heat, with no cable, and a fleece cover included.
Petace Outdoor Heating Pad 50 x 40 cm
A constant temperature pad with a water resistant base, an inflatable inner cushion and a steel wrapped cord, made for kennels and garages.
Emwel Dog Heated Mat 45 x 70 cm
A 45 x 70 cm dog mat with twelve heat settings, a timer and a display that shows the set temperature, plus hard covers at the cord entry.
Helining Pet Heating Pad 40 x 70 cm
A sealed IP68 PVC pad with seven heat options from 30 to 55°C, five timer choices up to 24 hours and a washable fleece cover.