the pads are both the same size. when i checked them this morning the upper tub was at 82 and the lower tub was at 88. I have the probe sitting on the pad for the upper tub (so the probe is sandwiched between the two tubs.) When I had it on the pad for the lower tub it made the temps spike way too high.

I haven't tried a dog bowl like that. I did try a wide, heavy plastic one though. Maybe I'll pick up one like yours.