Knock, knock! FedEx delivery!
Pearl’s new heated kitty bed just arrived. We’re telling her it’s a heated pet bed
The following are some of the candidates for a heated pet bed:
- Older pets, like Pearl. Their metabolism is slower than a younger dog, just as older people often need extra heat because of slow metabolism.
- Pets with low thyroid function.
- Ill pets whose disease process may be prevent them from maintaining a normal body temperature.
- Cats, in general, who tend to like warm places.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Never use a heating pad for pets. Veterinarians can tell horror stories of pets burned by heating pads, as well as occasional cases of electrocution. Heating pads are dangerous for pets. Heated pet beds, on the other hand, are specially manufactured to carefully control the temperature and isolate electrical parts from pets’ teeth and claws. Pearl’s bed is designed for outdoor use, so it is even safe to use in areas that might become damp.
Much of the southeastern United States is experiencing record low temperatures this weekend. Our low last night was 19.2 degrees and our anticipated high for today is 35. Pearl will be enjoying her heated pet bed. I wonder whether Martha will try to share it with her. Or will she just go online to Amazon.com and order her own?
See you Monday, Dr. Randolph.
Why is a heated bed good for animals with a low thyroid function?
Think of thyroid hormone as the “accelerator pedal of the body.” When thyroid function is low the body can hardly get above an idle. Therefore, metabolism slows down and these pets become real heat-seekers. Makes sense, huh?