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Like humans, dogs need sufficient sleep to stay healthy and happy. Studies show adult daily, and puppies and seniors need even more downtime. Offering your dog a comfortable spot in your home where they can curl up and take a peaceful nap is a priority.
While it鈥檚 important to choose the right dog bed, you might be wondering if your dog needs a blanket, too. Letting your dog burrow into a blanket can help them enjoy a more settled night鈥檚 sleep and keep your home cleaner, but there are some safety considerations to be aware of.
When Are Blankets Beneficial For Dogs?
While dog blankets aren鈥檛 essential, they鈥檙e versatile, multipurpose items with a range of potential benefits:
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Additional warmth: A on top of a dog bed is ideal in drafty homes or for puppies, senior dogs or short-coated breeds that are more sensitive to the cold.
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Extra comfort: The additional cushioning of a fluffy blanket on top of beds or other sleeping spots can improve the sleep quality of stiff senior dogs with mobility and joint issues or slimmer breeds, like Sighthounds.
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Stress-reducing: For some dogs, being tucked into a blanket has a calming, comforting effect, which can reduce anxiety. Covering a dog crate with a blanket can have a similar effect, and it鈥檚 more economical than fitted covers.
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Enriching: Some dogs love burrowing in blankets, and offering this outlet to breeds that instinctually love to nest may protect your bedding and couch surface from scratches.
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Can help with training: Teaching your dog to settle in their place (a blanket) means you can encourage them to lie down and relax if you鈥檙e taking them to dog-friendly bars, restaurants, or friends鈥� homes.
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Keeps hairs and dirt at bay: If you let your dog chill on your couch or bed, covering it with a blanket helps reduce the amount of dirty paw marks, hair, or drool it鈥檚 subject to. It also means you might not have to clean your dog鈥檚 bed as often.
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Easy to wash: Throwing a muddy blanket in the washer is easier than a or your king-size duvet, and it dries faster.
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Portable: A can double as a makeshift dog bed when you鈥檙e traveling, and space is at a premium in your car, camper, or tent.
Factors to Consider When Dog Blanket Shopping
There isn鈥檛 a one-size-fits-all best dog blanket. They come in various sizes, materials and designs, and what works best for you and your dog depends on numerous factors.
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Size: A big blanket can overwhelm a small dog in their bed. However, even if you have a toy breed, you might still need a larger size to cover your couch or bed completely.
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Comfort level: A light or could be better during those hot summer months. If your dog feels the cold or has sore joints, they might prefer burrowing into fluffy, thick or a pet-appropriate heated blanket, especially in winter.
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Washability: Pick a material you can throw in the washer for maximum convenience and durability. Wool probably isn鈥檛 the most practical choice.
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Durability: Loose knit blankets might look good, but dog鈥檚 nails (and teeth) are more likely to snag them. Tough canvas blankets are ideal for wet, dirty dogs to sit on during car rides home.
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Waterproofing: Blankets with waterproof backing can line a bed while you鈥檙e potty training a puppy or if you have a regularly damp dog that loves to swim like a Labrador Retriever.
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Portability: A blanket that rolls into a compact shape is handy for traveling with your dog. Some even have snap-close buttons and handles.
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Style: You might want to select a color and material to complement your room decor, and darker shades are more forgiving when it comes to dirt and stains. Steer clear of blankets with tassels and fringes鈥攖hese can be tempting to chew on.
Dog Blanket Safety Precautions
Blankets are typically safe bedding options for dogs, but be vigilant about the following:
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Chewing: Remove the blanket if you spot a teething puppy or chewy dog munching on it. Swallowing chunks of fabric can be a choking or intestinal blockage hazard.
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Overheating: Fleecy blankets in hot summer months may be too much, especially for dogs prone to overheating. If you use a heated bed or blanket for a cold-sensitive dog or one with sore bones, only have it switched on under supervision.
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Smothering: Avoid overly heavy blankets (including weighted styles), especially if you have a dog that likes to bury under them. It鈥檚 best to select a breathable material.
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Tangling: Replace holey blankets immediately. Your dog could get tangled, leading to injuries and, in worst-case scenarios, strangulation.
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Sucking: Some dogs can develop a habit of obsessively blanket sucking. It can be a stress displacement behavior, and some breeds, like Dobermans, are . Offering additional enrichment and stress-reducing activities can help minimize this behavior.
How to Clean and Maintain Dog Blankets
Part of the appeal of dog blankets is that there鈥檚 nothing complex about cleaning them. Shake the blanket outdoors first to remove excess hairs. If you have a heavy-shedding breed, you might want to put the blanket in a hair-containing pet laundry bag before it goes in the washer. Machine or hand wash as per the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions, and stick with a gentle, .
Allow the blanket to dry thoroughly before letting your pet back on it. A damp blanket on top of your dog鈥檚 bed or the sofa can encourage mold and mildew growth, and it鈥檚 not good for sore joints or cold-sensitive pups.
Alternatives to Dog Blankets
If your dog is constantly chewing on blankets or just doesn鈥檛 like them, there are other options for cold-sensitive, anxious or arthritic dogs. Consider using a dog sweater or house coat for extra warmth, and support sore joints. If you鈥檙e using a blanket to comfort a stressed dog, working with a certified behaviorist to identify and reduce their triggers can be beneficial. You can also use aids such as stress-relieving supplements, calming treats, or .