| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Zoo Med Avian Sun Compact Fluorescent Lamp |
| Best for Affordability | Exo Terra UVB150 Desert Lamp Light Bulb |
| Best for Temperature Monitoring | Zacro Heat Lamp with One Digital Thermometer |
| Best Emitter | Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter 100 Watt |
| Best for Outdoor Doghouses | BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter Infrared Lamp Bulb |
Winter can be hard on dogs. They do not get the much-needed walks and morning sunshine that they need. The temperature is also cold for long periods, which can lead to hypothermia if not properly handled.
Even when your dog has a thick coat, it could still feel cold, depending on the weather. Puppies, in particular, need help with regulating their body temperature in winter. That’s where heating lamps come in. They help to keep your doghouse or kennel warm throughout the year.
There are many important things to keep in mind when choosing the best heat lamp for your dog. The first thing to ensure is your dog’s safety and comfortability with the heat lamp in use. Here are some of the best heat lamps for your dog that you should consider buying.
- Zoo Med Avian Sun Compact Fluorescent Lamp
- Mimics UVA and UVB rays
- UVB rays help dogs use ingested calcium
- Provides source of warmth for dogs
- Durable, long-lasting bulb
- Exo Terra UVB150 Desert Lamp Light Bulb
- Great for puppies and older dogs alike
- Great for use in the doghouse or crate
- Available in both 13 and 16 watt options
- Functions for 24 hours
- Fits most standard bulb fittings
- Affordable pricetag
- Zacro Heat Lamp with One Digital Thermometer
- Lamp comes with thermometer to help monitor the temperature
- Warmth-producing lamp offers 24 hours of heat
- Zero light is created from this bulb
- 99% thermal efficiency
- Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 100 Watt
- Heat-emitting lamp with zero light
- Great for keeping puppies warm
- Available in 100- and 150-watt models
- Ideal option for dog houses
- BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter Infrared Lamp Bulb
- Trusted, reliable heating product brands
- Low-cost bulb
- Energy-efficient design
- Ceramic infrared emitter
- Water-resistant
1. Best Overall- Zoo Med Fluorescent Bulb
The Zoo Med Fluorescent Bulb is the best overall option when it comes to buying the best heat lamp for your dog. This heat lamp mimics both the UVA and UVB rays that your dog gets with sunlight. UVB rays, in particular, are what help your dog utilize the calcium they consume.
While larger than other bulbs, this lamp’s 26-watt bulb also offers warmth to your dog. This makes it great for dogs in the winter. The Zoo Med Fluorescent Bulbs are also known for being durable and long-lasting.
- Mimics UVA and UVB rays
- UVB rays help dogs use ingested calcium
- Provides source of warmth for dogs
- Durable, long-lasting bulb
2. Best For Affordability- Exo Terra UVB Heat Lamp
The Exo Terra is a favorite for owners of puppies and elderly dogs who need help with their calcium intake. It also emits UVB rays which are beneficial and helps your dog to utilize the calcium that it takes. You can use it for your doghouse, beds, or crates.
The Exo Terra Heat Lamp comes with 13 watts and 26 watts options and can function for 24hrs. It can also fit into most bulb fittings. However, dog owners love this heat lamp mostly because of how affordable it is. This is why it’s the best for affordability on our list.
- Great for puppies and older dogs alike
- Great for use in the doghouse or crate
- Available in both 13 and 16 watt options
- Functions for 24 hours
- Fits most standard bulb fittings
- Affordable pricetag
3. Best For Temperature Monitoring – Zacro Heat Lamp
The Zacro Heat Lamp comes with a thermometer that helps check the temperature of its surroundings. This is a great feature as it provides your dog with warmth and comfort. The Zacro Heat Lamp provides 24hrs warmth too.
Another feature of this lamp that you’ll love is that it does not emit any light. This means you don’t have to worry about your dog finding it hard to sleep at night. The Zacro Heat lamp flat face design gives a 99% high thermal efficiency.
- Lamp comes with thermometer to help monitor the temperature
- Warmth-producing lamp offers 24 hours of heat
- Zero light is created from this bulb
- 99% thermal efficiency
4. Best Emitter – Fluker’s Ceramic Emitter
Fluker’s is another heat lamp that also emits heat without light, thus making it great for the nighttime. It has a large circular design, just like the Zacro Heat Lamp above. If you have puppies you want to keep warm, this is the best heat lamp to work with.
The Fluker’s Ceramic Emitter comes in 100-watt and 150-watt models. So, you have to give it a bit of distance for the best results. A minimum of 1 foot is great to avoid your dog accidentally scalding itself. It’s an excellent buy for large dog houses, beds, or areas.
- Heat-emitting lamp with zero light
- Great for keeping puppies warm
- Available in 100- and 150-watt models
- Ideal option for dog houses
5. Best For Outdoor Dog Homes – BYB Ceramic Infrared Emitter
BYB is a trusted and reliable brand when it comes to making heating products. They are known for low-cost, energy-efficient designs. You get the same when you buy the BVB Ceramic Infrared Emitter. It is great value for the price.
The BYB Ceramic Infrared Emitters are also water-resistant. This makes them an excellent idea for outdoor dog homes. It’ll keep your dog warm and comfortable, and you don’t have to worry about moisture affecting it. What a great product!
- Trusted, reliable heating product brands
- Low-cost bulb
- Energy-efficient design
- Ceramic infrared emitter
- Water-resistant
Choosing The Best Heat Lamp For Your Dog What To Look For
When selecting the best heat lamp for your dog, it is important to pay attention to the factors below. They’ll help you choose a heat lamp that keeps your dog safe and warm.
Usage
How long do you intend to use the heat lamp for? There are heat lamps which last for 24hrs in which case you can leave them on for as long as you want. However, dog spaces should be in the range of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so the aim is to keep the temperature in this range.
Heat Emitted
The amount of heat your dog house will get depends on how many watts your bulb is emitting. The amount of space available also plays a role. If your dog space is very large, it is possible that you might need more than one heat lamp to get the best results.
Wattage
People make the mistake of thinking that going for the higher watt bulb is always best. This isn’t true, however If you have a small dog house, a lower watt is often more than enough to do the job. You also need to ensure that your light socket can handle the wattage you choose.
Color
Heat lamps come in many colors. They could be white, black, or red. Black ceramic lamps are known to emit the most heat. For dog houses, many owners choose to go with red infrared bulbs. The heat that these emit is moderate, and they are great for smaller enclosed places like a dog house.
Safety Features
It is crucial that your heating lamp does not compromise the safety of your doghouse. So, you might need safety features like grids or an enclosure the protect your dog from it. For safety, some heating lamps also need to be at least one foot away from your dog.
Extra Costs
Your heat lamp might not be all you’ll need to purchase to keep your dog warm. You might also need extension cords, clamps, and some of the safety features mentioned above. These add up to your costs and should be considered when choosing.
The Different Types of Heat Lamps: Pros and Cons Compared
There are many types of heat lamps that can be used to keep your dog warm in the winter. Some of them are cordless, while the others come with cords. Below are the pros and cons of cordless and cord having heat lamps.
Cord Having Heat Lamps
Cord having heat lamps are popular, easy to get, and as a result, cheaper than cordless heat lamps. They are also more convenient to install but might need to come with an anti-chew cord to keep your dog protected. Cord having lamps should ideally be placed high with the cords secure.
Cordless Heat Lamps
Cordless Lamps are easier to install and manage when it comes to your dog house. However, they might be more expensive and harder to find than cord having heat lamps. You won’t have to worry about protecting your dog from cords with a cordless lamp.
Verified Review: User Experience
Zoo Med Fluorescent Bulb
All buyers of the Zoo Med Fluorescent Heat Lamp testify to its goodness. This customer says, “I was told to get this for my prairie dog who was having issues… it is helping so much and has made him a lot happier.“
However, a few customers complained about this bulb seeming to stop working all of a sudden. You will get a refund if they are faulty. “This is a great lamp, but if they are faulty, you will not get a replacement, only a refund.“
Exo Terra UVB Heat Lamp
Buyers of the Exo Terra UVB Heat Lamps love it for its UVB. This reviewer says, “After the recommended time where the UVB is less, we found these to be the best.“
Some buyers, however, seemed to receive bulbs that did not work or did not last as they should. “Did not work. Had to ask for a replacement bulb.” Please keep in mind that you can always ask for a replacement.
Zacro Heat Lamp
Buyers of the Zacro heat lamp love the results and are especially happy with the thermometer. This reviewer says, “Okay, everyone, this is honestly the best ceramic lamp I’ve ever purchased. The bonus that hit the spot was the thermometer!”
Customers, however, complain about it being hot and burning lamp holders. This customer admits, “This turned out to be much too hot for me to use.” Please ensure that your lamp holders and sockets match the requirements for this bulb.
Fluker’s Ceramic Emitter
The Fluker’s Ceramic Emitter buyers are happy with how much heat it gives out. This reviewer says, “This heat emitter works very well. Gets good and warm (almost hot).“
Some people, however, noticed that their bulb died really quickly. “The bulb has been here a little over a month and is done already.“
BYB Ceramic Infrared Emitter
Buyers of the BYB Ceramic Infrared Emitter testify that it lives up to expectations. This reviewer says, “This has definitely lived up to the claims. It heats wonderfully…“
Some customers, however, received a faulty product that was rectified immediately after the company knew about it. This customer testifies, “The replacement works so much better than the original one.“
UP NEXT:
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Zoo Med Avian Sun Compact Fluorescent Lamp |
| Best for Affordability | Exo Terra UVB150 Desert Lamp Light Bulb |
| Best for Temperature Monitoring | Zacro Heat Lamp with One Digital Thermometer |
| Best Emitter | Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter 100 Watt |
| Best for Outdoor Doghouses | BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter Infrared Lamp Bulb |
The Best Heat Lamp For Your Dog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What heat lamp is best for dogs?
Our list contains some of the best heat lamps that you can use to keep your dog warm in the winter. So feel free to read through and choose which works best for you and your dog.
Is a heat lamp good for dogs?
Yes, heat lamps are great for dogs, especially in the winter. They help to keep your dog warm and healthy without freezing.
What is the best thing to put in a dog house for warmth?
A heat lamp is one of the best ways that you can warm up your doghouse. Some lamps can even last 24hrs, meaning you can turn them on and go about your business.
Can you leave a heat lamp on all night for dogs?
Yes, you can leave your heat lamp on all night for dogs. You might, however, want to get an emitter that doesn’t shine light while emitting warmth. That way, your dog’s sleep is not affected.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
