Are heaters bad for dogs?

Household heaters may be comforting for pets like Alfred, but can be dangerous. Not only are our furry friends at risk of overheating or burning their fur and skin, but they are in danger of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning from both gas heaters and fireplaces.

Most dog owners purchase heated beds or pet heating pads for their pets as the weather gets colder in order to keep them warm and comfortable. As your dog ages or if he has health issues that could affect his comfort levels, it’s especially crucial to keep him warm and cozy. The good news is that there are many heated beds available for purchase that can be selected based on your dog’s needs and age. Owners may be hesitant to buy a heated bed for their dog, as they are with many pet products. They might doubt its safety risks or whether it’s even worthwhile to invest in. In actuality, some dogs may benefit from heated dog beds, while others may not need them as much.

What May be Dangerous

What about propane and kerosene heaters? They typically cost less than other types of heaters. But it’s best to stay away from using them indoors, especially around animals. Kerosene or propane increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not properly vented.

Additionally, think about avoiding heaters with any openings where paws could come in contact with heated components. Instead, opt for fully closed grills. Of course, it may also be a good use of time to prepare for the unfortunate possibility of a fire.

Placement

Where you place your space heater contributes to its safety. Place the heater away from pets and children to prevent anyone from unintentionally knocking it over.

The manufacturer’s instructions on how much space to leave on either side of the heater should be read and followed. The heater should not come into contact with any furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials. The space heater should be positioned high enough off the floor so that pets cannot access it or the cord. As a result, there will be less chance of a curious dog or cat chewing on the cord or getting tangled in it.

Do All Dogs Love Heaters?

Dogs are very individual, just like people, so what works for one dog might not work for another, but most dogs will curl up by the heater on a chilly day.

On any chilly day, chances are your dog will be curled up next to the heater unless it is always warm or it is afraid of it.

FAQ

What heaters are safe for dogs?

The best space heaters for pets
  • Good: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater.
  • An improved model is the Pelonis NTH15-17BRA Portable 1500W Vertical and Horizontal Ceramic Tower Space Heater.
  • Best: Honeywell HCE200W UberHeat Ceramic Heater.

Can you put a heater in a dog house?

DO NOT use space heaters designed for human homes as they pose serious fire risks in a dog house’s enclosed space. Due to the difficulty in finding and high cost of finding heating units specifically made for dog houses, most people typically choose to use a heating pad instead.

Why do dogs like to lay by heaters?

Dogs love warmth and heat, and during the winter they frequently experience much colder temperatures than we do. In spite of the dangers they are unknowingly courting, they will want to be as close to your supplemental heating as they can.

Is it OK for my dog to lay on a heating pad?

Dogs and people react to heat in different ways, so your own heating pad or blanket shouldn’t be used with your pet. Invest in a heating pad designed specifically for dogs, and carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions to understand how it functions and how long your dog can use it without risking injury.