Warm Zones for Pets
continued
Some run on oil, others
can be plugged in. Some are made to heat up an entire room, while
others simply warm up the space in front of them. Some oscillate while
others just sit there. Some even come with a remote control.
Depending on your usage, an investment in space heaters could pay for itself
in a month or two.
 It's
a good idea to do some research and read reviews before you buy a space
heater. Make sure that the heater provides enough heat for the space.
Some space heaters are made just for minor heating of the space right in
front of them. They are not capable of heating up a corner of a room
much less the entire room.
Please think about safety first. When selecting your space heater,
consider the safety issue above all else. You may have more heat for
less energy with a radiant heater (think of the orange or white glow of light and
metal to reflect it outward) but more safety with a ceramic blow-type
heater.
It all depends on where and how you will use it. Make
sure you have a flat and stable surface to place the heater on and nothing flammable
anywhere near it. Some space heaters turn off
automatically when knocked over while others provide hardware for mounting
on a wall.
If you need an extension cord,
make sure to get one that is heavy duty enough for this usage. Make
sure that you read all of the safety instructions about flammable items near
the space heater and consider proper venting if required. Make sure
that your pets (especially young ones) cannot chew any part of the cord or
heater. If you think this will be an issue, rub exposed areas with
Bitter Apple or some other unpleasant-tasting substance.
Gel Fireplaces
  These
curious pieces of furniture don't require venting or any special
installation. Just set up the
'fireplace', add an alcohol-based gel fuel pack, light it and you have an
instant fireplace anywhere in the house you please.
  They don't provide a huge amount of heat but neither do many regular
fireplaces as much of the heat they generate is vented to the outside.
This is a fairly expensive and not as practical a suggestion as space
heaters and blanket covered kennels but we thought it was an interesting idea anyway.
We've always liked the idea of the pet cat, dog or gerbil warming itself on
the family hearth.
Stay Warm, Save Energy
A constantly heated house can dry out everything from your dog's coat to
your nice dining room furniture. It's not only expensive and wasteful, it can be
uncomfortable and even unhealthy.
It may take a bit of furniture moving and shifting of rooms but you can
keep everyone warm and happy even in the coldest weather.
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