Heat Pad v Heat Lamp for Puppies

Heat Pad v Heat Lamp for newborn puppy that needs a temperature of around 29 to 32 degrees Celsius (85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), during the initial three days of their lives. As the puppy gets older, the temperature requirements drop to 24 to 27 degrees Celsius (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).

Since puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, external devices like heat lamps and heat pads are often required to keep them warm.  If you are a new breeder, you may be confused between a heat lamp and heat pad for your pups.

So, which of the two heating options is better? In this guide, we will attempt to answer this question.

What Are Heat Pads?

A heating pad is a pad that, when plugged into a wall, creates an artificial feeling of warmth under a pillow or blanket. Heating pads should be placed under the whelping box so that your puppies are not in danger of getting burned.

Other than that, a heating pad should not cover the entire whelping box so that the puppies have the option to move away from it should they start feeling too hot.

What Are Heat Lamps?

Heat lamps, meanwhile, are infrared lamps that are often surrounded by a cage for safety reasons. The bulb produces heat and helps keep your puppies warm inside their whelping box.

Most conventional heat lamps are infrared. Recently, though, ceramic heat lamps have gained a lot of popularity due to the fact that they produce no red light. While there is no research that links infrared light to eye problems in puppies, many contemporary breeders feel that their puppies are better off without the red light.

Heat Pads v Heat Lamps for Puppies

Why Heat Pads?

1)     Heat Pad v Heat Lamp Uniform Heat

Unlike heat lamps, heat pads offer even warmth throughout the whelping box.

This means that the breeder can create a warmer region on one side of the whelping box. Whilst simultaneously making a cooler space for the mother on the other side.

2)     Heat Pad vs Heat Lamp Allows Puppies to Move Away

Since heat pads are placed in a set space, puppies have the option to move away from the pad if they start to feel uncomfortable.

Rather than move completely away from the source as is the case with heat lamps. The puppies can simply jump off the heating pad and benefit from an instant reduction in temperature. They will also not need to move too far away from the source to get out of the heat range.

3)     Lower Risk of Dehydration

Since heating pads deliver warmth from below and do not depend upon a light source, they pose a lower risk of dehydration in puppies.

Instead, they can stay warm and cozy without suffering from the drying effects that infrared lights tend to create.

4)     Allows the Creation of a Den-Like Setting

Many breeders use a heating pad to create a den-like setting for their dogs and puppies.

This is done by placing the heat pad under the whelping box and placing a blanket over the top of the box.

Some breeders even install a makeshift curtain around the box. This curtain helps retain the heat produced by the pad. This making the entire place warmer and cozier for puppies and parents. However, if you decide to create such a setting, make sure to install a thermometer inside the box and regularly monitor the temperature to prevent the space from getting too hot.

5)     Heat Pad vs Heat Lamp Versatility

The use of heat pads need not be restricted to whelping boxes or nursery bins (when the puppies need to be separated from the mom).

These pads are extremely versatile. They can be used in cars when you need to take the puppies to the vet, or for individual puppies needing a bit of extra warmth and comfort.

6)     Ability to Fine-Tune the Temperature

Finally, heating pads allow you to fine-tune the temperature, particularly if you couple them with a digital thermostat. This way, you can customize the temperature according to the needs of your pups.

Why Heat Lamps?

1)     Heat Pad v Heat Lamp Temperature Variance

A heat lamp offers variable heat. The area directly under the lamp is the hottest, and the temperature dips as you move further away from the lamp.

This allows puppies to move through the various temperatures until they find the optimal level. Moreover, you can also play around with the lamp height to alter the temperature gradually.

2)     Safety

Since heat lamps can be hung to a wall or ceiling, they do not pose a burning risk for the puppies or their mother.

Additionally, heat lamps are installed outside the whelping box. This means you do not have to worry about your inquisitive puppies reaching for the electrical cords as they get older.

3)     Heat Pad vs Heat Lamp Hygiene

As we mentioned, heat lamps are installed away from the puppies, which also keeps them immune to mess. They remain clean and therefore require minimal, if any, maintenance.

Once you are done with them –usually when your pups are around three to four weeks old. You can simply pack and store them until the time of the next litter.

4)     Eliminate Humidity

Yet another advantage of heat lamps is that they can remove humidity from the whelping space. The chill resulting from a cool and damp place can quickly prove fatal to newborn puppies.

For this reason, if you reside in a particularly humid region, a heat lamp might well be a necessity. Lamps are also great if you are raising puppies in any place that is not your home or is inadequately insulated.

Final Word

To sum up, while heat lamps have their own set of advantages. Theys are probably not enough to render them better than a heating pad. The uniform heating, reduced risk of dehydration, and the temperature-adjustment ability are just a few of the reasons that a heating pad is a better option for your puppies and the winner of the ‘pad vs. lamp’ debate.

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