We have heated pads for newborn puppies and elderly dogs. These pads are especially great for dogs who suffer from the cold or who have arthritis. All you have to do is place the pads in the microwave and they provide hours of heat. Puppies who do not have their mother anymore especially benefit from these pads.
If you are using heat pads on sick dogs, make sure that there is plenty of blankets/towelling between the heat pad and the dog. Some sick dogs may not be able to move if the pad is too hot for their sensitivity and could put themselves in danger. Make sure that there is plenty of room to move off the pad if needed