When the temperature drops, most of us reach straight for the heater, the electric blanket or a plug-in heated bed — and our dogs and cats are usually first to claim the warmest spot in the house. The trouble is that the very gadgets keeping everyone cosy through an Aussie winter send a steady trickle of pets to the vet with burns, singed fur and the occasional electric shock.
The reassuring part? Nearly all of it is preventable. Here’s how to keep your dog or cat genuinely warm through the cold months without the nasty surprise of an emergency vet bill.
Why cosy can quietly turn dangerous
Pets don’t feel heat the way we do. A heated bed or pad that feels pleasant to your hand can slowly climb in temperature over hours, and a pet that’s fast asleep, elderly, arthritic or unwell may not stir to move away. Vets call these low-grade or contact burns, and because they build up gradually on skin hidden under fur, owners often don’t notice until the damage is done — sometimes a day or two later, when a red, weeping or hairless patch appears.
Heated beds, pads and electric blankets
Human electric blankets and heat pads are the biggest culprits. They’re built for people and can run far hotter than a pet safely tolerates, and a chewed cord adds the risk of mouth burns or electrocution. Pet-specific heated beds are a safer choice because they use low-voltage elements and temperature regulation, and better models add chew-resistant cords and an automatic shut-off.
- Use the lowest setting, and place a folded blanket between your pet and any heat pad so they’re never on the hot surface directly.
- Never leave a heated bed or pad plugged in while you’re out or asleep — supervise it while it’s on, then switch it off.
- Check cords regularly for fraying or chew marks, and unplug when they’re not in use.
- Skip heat pads inside crates or carriers, where a pet can’t move away from the heat.
- Keep the closest watch on senior, arthritic, very young, thin-coated or sedated pets — they’re the least able to shift position.
Heaters, fireplaces and open flames
Portable heaters, wood fires and gas heaters are the second hazard. Pets love to press right up against them, risking singed fur and burns, and a wagging tail or a bounding dog can easily knock a portable heater over. Keep a clear no-go zone around any heater, use a guard around open fires, and never leave a pet alone in a room with a running portable or unflued gas heater. It’s also worth having gas heaters serviced and keeping rooms ventilated.
The safer way to keep pets warm
You don’t need electricity to keep a pet toasty — and the cordless options are often the safest of the lot.
- Self-warming beds and thermal mats (widely sold at Petbarn, Bunnings and Kmart) reflect your pet’s own body heat back, with no cords and no shock risk.
- Move beds off cold tiles and away from draughts, and add extra bedding they can burrow into.
- A sunny window spot is free, safe warmth on a clear winter’s day.
- For short-coated or older dogs, a well-fitted coat helps on walks — see our guide on whether your dog actually needs a winter coat.
- Keep them moving: gentle indoor play and regular walks maintain warmth and muscle, which matters most for pets with winter arthritis.
Which pets feel the cold most?
Puppies and kittens, senior pets, small or thin-coated breeds (think Greyhounds, Whippets and many toy breeds), and animals that are unwell or underweight all struggle to hold their body heat. They’re also the pets most at risk from heat-pad burns, so they need both extra warmth and extra supervision. Consult a licensed veterinarian for advice specific to your pet, especially if you notice a burn, persistent shivering or a sudden change in behaviour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own electric blanket for my dog or cat?
It’s best avoided. Human electric blankets can run much hotter than pets tolerate and pose burn and electrocution risks if chewed. A low-voltage, pet-specific heated bed or a cordless self-warming mat is a far safer option.
How do I know if my pet has a heat-pad burn?
Look for red, darkened, blistered, weeping or hairless skin, usually where your pet has been lying. Burns can take a day or two to show. If you spot one, stop using the heat source and see your vet — contact burns are often deeper than they look.
What temperature is too cold for pets indoors?
There’s no single magic number, but healthy adult pets are generally comfortable at normal indoor living temperatures. Puppies, seniors, small breeds and unwell pets feel the cold sooner and benefit from extra bedding and a warm, draught-free spot.
Are heated beds safe to leave on overnight?
Only pet-specific beds with temperature control and an automatic shut-off, and even then many vets suggest switching off or supervising. Never leave a human heat pad or electric blanket running for a pet unattended.
Key takeaways
- Human electric blankets and heat pads can cause slow contact burns — use pet-specific, low-voltage gear instead.
- Always use the lowest setting, add a blanket barrier, supervise, and unplug when you leave or sleep.
- Keep pets a safe distance from portable heaters and open fires, and never leave them alone with one running.
- Cordless self-warming beds, extra bedding and a sunny spot are the safest warmth of all.
- Puppies, seniors and thin-coated breeds need the most warmth and the closest watch.
