Hi Posted this earlier but no response so just asking again. The heat pad doesn't seem as hot to me as a lamp would be so wondered if anyone had any advice on them..
My litter is due soon and for the first time I am using a heat pad instead of  a lamp, ( although I admit I have the lamp in place as a precaution ) which I have been so used to.
I have the matting which I originally bought with a disposable whelping box which has the thick plastic cards that goes inside the mats to stop Mum scratching up and they are brilliant. Now this time I am not sure if they will work as I plan to go with the heated mad.
Does anyone have advice on that.
Thanks Diane

my heat pad works on pressure so that when a pup is laying on it.. it becomes warmer.... try a little pressure with your hand and you should notice the difference.

I prefer them to a heat lamp for a litter bred inside the home. Mum can then remove herself from the heat whereas its not so easy with a  lamp.

Agree with STARRYEYES that the heat is dependent on the weight of the pup.  I know it will not feel warm to you - but it works - HONEST!  :-)

> I have the matting which I originally bought with a disposable whelping box which has the thick plastic cards that goes inside the mats to stop Mum scratching up and they are brilliant. Now this time I am not sure if they will work as I plan to go with the heated pad

I use the same whelping mats with the plastic inserts inside - I put my heat pad on top inside a thin fleece cover and it worked very well with our last litter (I would not have wanted to put it inside the whelping mat though)

Thanks for responses so I have tried it inside the whelping mat but without the insert in yet, ( still waiting for puppies ). So it should just lay in the box but with a cover over it - I see.
I will try that and a bit of weight too. Just a bit nervous but bought one as I had read on here how good they are.
Thanks again Diane