Personal winter heating for pets, people

With the health boom in Japan showing no signs of stopping, it is only natural for some of this healthy enthusiasm to make it into the pet goods industry. Now pet supply company Marukan has introduced electric heated mats for dogs.

Heating in Japanese homes traditionally relies on space heating, with items such as kotatsu and electric floor mats being house staples. Of course there is no reason why your pet couldn’t make use of the same heating devices employed by the humans in the house, but that wouldn’t make your dog feel nearly as special.

Other noteworthy new items from the Marukan website include: Lavender herb body shampoo towels, sherbet popsicles, and cute strollers. Keep in mind…These are for DOGS.

The 340×240cm or 430×330 pet heaters go for $55 and $70 respectively.

Jealous of the dogs? For humans, Kiribai now offers “foot steam bath” kits that are actually special boots with liners that emit heat and humidity. Put these on for 30 minute before going to bed to warm-up and relax during the cold, dry winter months. You can even walk in them and put them through the washing machine!

And last but not least, Soukai has these microwaveable pillows for heating up your slippers.

The simple lack of central heating in Japan makes for a wide range of unusual products to keep yourself (and your pets) warm during the winter months when you aren’t under the kotatsu or in front of the heater. Ideally, technological innovation leads the way as seen with Sanyo’s Kairo hand warmer.