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The Benefits of a Dog Heating Pad
The logic behind why heating pads can be beneficial for dogs is the same for why they’re beneficial for humans. Namely, heat applied strategically to the body improves circulation and blood flow. It also offers a momentary increase in muscle flexibility.
The benefits your dog might get from a heating pad include:
While all of the benefits of a dog heating pad are temporary, they can be instrumental in helping your canine companion while they’re recovering from an injury. And as mentioned previously, they’re also a common fixture in homes with aging or older dogs and dogs who suffer from arthritis. As a bonus, many dogs simply love to lay on a heating pad, especially on a cold day.
5 Farm Innovators Heated Pet Mat
A fleece-covered dog heating pad for use both indoors or outdoors, this Amazon option has tons of strong reviews from happy pet owners. Many note the helpfulness of the LED light, which indicates that the mat is on and heating up, as well as the mats durable, weather-resistant material.
Shop now: Farm Innovators Heated Pet Mat, $71; amazon.com
Credit: Courtesy of Chewy
Dog Care Tips : About Heated Dog House Pads
Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a traveling, board-certified surgeon in Allentown, PA. His website is www.DrPhilZeltzman.com. He is the co-author of “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” (www.amazon.com).
Zee Mahmood, a veterinary technician in Reading, PA, contributed to this article. Heat therapy is an easy and effective way to make your dog feel happier while relieving pain associated with injury, surgery, exercise or even arthritis. Concept of heat therapy The application of heat is used to reduce stiffness and muscle spasms, increase blood flow and relieve pain. Unlike cold therapy, heat therapy is applied after the initial swelling and inflammation (a.k.a. irritation) stage of an injury. Typically, cold therapy is used for the initial 72 hours. Heat therapy can also be used for ongoing conditions such as arthritis. Click here to learn more about arthritis if your dog is having a hard time getting around. By reducing stiffness, heat therapy helps to improve joint range of motion during and after exercise. In addition to these healing benefits, heat therapy provides comfort, relaxation and anxiety reduction. Location of heat therapy Heat therapy is most commonly applied to joints: shoulders, elbows and wrists in the front legs; and hips, knees and ankles in the back legs. It can be used on any part of your dogs body where muscle damage, strain or spasm occurs. For example, a dog with a disc problem in the spine (neck or back) may have muscle spasms, which heat therapy can relieve. Technique when using heat therapy Many forms of commercial heating devices, wraps and electrical heating blankets are available in sporting goods stores and pharmacies. Instructions on the packaging should be carefully followed to avoid burning your dog’s skin. Alternatively, a simple homemade heating device consists of a tube sock filled with uncooked rice and tied at the open end. This “rice sock” can then be microwaved to the desired temperature. How long you need to warm it up will depend on your microwave. Before applying the rice sock on your dog’s skin, shake it a few times to make sure the heat is distributed evenly. [Editor’s Note: Check with your veterinarian before using any kind of heat therapy on your pet.] Danger of heat therapy Burning the skin is probably the biggest risk of applying heat therapy to a pet. Your heating device should be warm, never hot. Don’t apply the device directly to your pet’s skin. Padding, such as a thin towel, should always be used between the heating device and your dogs skin to avoid burning. Always test the temperature of the heating device on your inner wrist (similar to testing the temperature of a babys bottle) before applying it to your dogs skin. Test it on your skin for about 30 seconds before using it on your dog. Appropriate heat therapy usage After your dog has surgery, an injury, or goes through any strenuous physical activity, heat therapy may be an option. It is important however to wait for 72 hours before applying heat to the affected area: remember, cold therapy is applied for the first 3 days following surgery or an injury. If your veterinarian has recommended heat therapy he may suggest this course of action or something similar:
It is not unusual for your dog to fall asleep during the heat therapy process, which shows how soothing this treatment can be. If your dog displays any signs of discomfort during the therapy such as excessive movement, growling or biting, stop the treatment immediately and contact your veterinarian. Heat therapy is a simple, yet effective way to help your dog feel better after an injury, surgery or exercise. At the same time, it will increase comfort, relaxation, and happiness for both your dog and yourself. Questions to ask your veterinarian
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
