Are hot water bottles safe for dogs?

When the cold weather comes and the leaves become a bit crunchier, it’s natural to wonder if your dog’s cosy enough. Most dogs have their fur to keep them warm, but for smaller, short-haired dogs especially, it’s easy to wonder if their coat is enough.

In these moments, it’s easy to pick things that keep us humans snug, like an extra blanket. But what about dogs and hot water bottles? Are they safe? Can dogs use hot water bottles?

Here, we discuss how to use a hot water bottle for your dog, share some quick dos and don’ts, and explore other ways to keep your pup warm.

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Hot water bottle safety: can you give a dog a hot water bottle?

Hot water bottles are generally safe for dogs as long as you take care and supervise them, and we’re sure, as a pet parent, you know what’s best for them.

But we would say that if you have alternative heating methods - like pet-safe heat pads or blankets - choose those first. They’re less risky.

Here’s a quick hot water bottle safety checklist if you need it.

• Always use warm water, never use boiling water. Warm water keeps your dog toasty while reducing any risk of burns.

• Insulate the hot water bottle thoroughly with a blanket, towel, or cover. Don’t place the bottle directly against your dog’s fur or skin without insulation.

• Don’t leave your dog unattended with the hot water bottle, as they may chew or knock it over.

• Use a secure bottle to minimise leakage.

• Replace old bottles regularly and keep an eye out for wear and tear.

• Make sure your dog actually needs it, and never give it to a dog that isn’t feeling cold. It can cause overheating and make them uncomfortable.

How to use a hot water bottle for your dog

1. Fill the hot water bottle with warm, not hot or boiling, water.

2. Securely wrap the bottle in a blanket or towel.

3. Place the bottle in your dog’s bed or crate to provide warmth. Avoid direct contact with your dog.

4. Supervise your dog while they’re resting with the hot water bottle. This is mostly to prevent chewing and make sure they’re comfortable.

When to avoid using a hot water bottle

While we always recommend other heating methods anyway, there are some times that we’d definitely avoid using a hot water bottles:

• Your dog’s a chewer - hot water bottles are unfortunately made out of a thick rubber that dogs love to chew on, so just avoid them if you can.

• Your dog has a long, thick coat - it’s very unlikely your dog will need warming up with a thick coat, and you can opt for a blanket or something lighter to keep them warm.

• Your dog is being left unsupervised - leaving your dog on its own with a hot water bottle is risky, especially if they like to chew.

• Your dog is a puppy - young puppies are much more sensitive to extremes of temperature than an adult dog, making hot water bottle burns more likely. Most puppies will have their mother to keep them warm in the early days, or failing that you should use other pet-safe alternatives.

• You have heat pads or other heating options on hand - if you have a pet-safe heat pad or other warming options on hand, it can be better than taking the risk with a hot water bottle.

Do dogs like hot water bottles?

It depends on the dog, honestly. Some dogs will find them too warm and annoying to be near, while others will appreciate them.

For example, an old, thin dog may see it as an essential source of comfort and warmth, while a young, thick-coated dog may find it a nuisance.

Other ways to warm up your dog

So, as mentioned, hot water bottles aren’t the first things we’d go for to warm up your dog. There are safer options to keep your dog warm around, like:

Cosy blankets

There’s nothing wrong with the old reliable blanket, especially if your dog is only a little cold.

Moving their bed or crate

Sometimes, moving their bed or crate to a warmer part of the house or near a radiator is all you need. Just make sure they’re not overheating, as some dogs do like to lie directly against the radiator.

Indoor exercise

A quick game of fetch or playing games indoors can warm up your dog if they’re feeling the chill.

Dog clothes

For hairless or very thin coated breeds, you may want to consider dog clothes to keep them warm. A comfortable fleecy jumper or jacket can provide an extra layer for pets that need it. Just make sure that you get the right fit and choose a practical design so that your pet is able to move freely.

Pet-safe heat pads

Pet-safe heat pads are our some of our most preferred options.

Frequently asked questions

What if my dog chews a hot water bottle?

If your dog’s a chewer, don’t give them a hot water bottle. If they have accidentally grabbed hold of one, see if they’ve swallowed any of the rubber. If they have, take them to your vet as soon as possible.

Things like rubber can cause blockages, become choking hazards, and may need surgery to resolve. Some hot water bottles could be toxic if ingested, too.

What if my dog is afraid of the hot water bottle?

Dogs are funny creatures, and like us humans, they can become afraid of random things sometimes. A dog may dislike a hot water bottle because it’s too hot for them, unfamiliar, or they may just be weirded out by the noise it makes.

If your dog’s afraid, we wouldn’t go to the effort of desensitisation training; just pick an alternate heating method, like a heat pad.

What if the bottle leaks?

Don’t use it. It increases the chances of your dog getting burned, plus a wet, damp bed will be more likely to make your dog chilly once the water temperature cools.

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