Do Dogs Need Blankets - Know Why & How to Choose the Perfect Dog Blankets

When you obtain a new dog or puppy, you usually have a long list of things you need to buy to ensure his well-being. But have you ever thought that there could be one small, easy item that is mistakenly missing from this list? You read that correctly - a blanket!

And if your dog has ever curled up with an extra blanket and shown symptoms of relaxation (mouth out, eyelids slightly closed, and a long, slow, side-by-side tail wag), they most likely love having a quilt or throw about. This article will explain what dog blankets are and what they can do to improve your furbaby's quality of life. 

Do Dogs Like Blankets?

Blankets are popular among dogs. In fact, they appear to adore them! They enjoy being enveloped in a warm blanket or snuggling up close with their human companion under one—many dogs appear to flourish with a soft blanket around. Does this imply that all dogs enjoy blankets?

Blanket usage varies for each dog. However, most will love having one draped over them while sleeping. It is merely a means of keeping some dogs warm. Others may regard it as a toy or a comfort item. Regardless of the reason, blanket use is fairly popular and usually loved by dogs. 

Undoubtedly, blankets are designed to add an extra layer of security to your cute furry friend. And, in case you want to add an added level of relaxation to your pup's life, trying a blanket is highly recommended!

Do Dogs Need Blankets At Night? 

Blankets can be useful for dogs in a variety of situations, both at home and while travelling. However, covering your dog with a blanket at night can provide distinct benefits. 

Including a blanket in your dog's bedtime ritual will help them calm in for the night and offer them a toasty and comfy sleeping space.

1. Creates a visual cue for bedtime: 

Putting a blanket on your dog's bed at night delivers a visual cue for bedtime. By sticking to this practice, you might create an intense connection in your dog's mind between the presence of the blanket and nap time. 

This can assist them in recognising when it is time to unwind and prepare for a pleasant night's sleep.

2. Comfort and Settle-In:

A nightly blanket ritual gives your dog a nice and comfy area to lie down. Dogs are naturally drawn to the blanket and will instantly seek out its warmth and comfort once it is placed on the bed. 

This assists patients in locating an appropriate position and encourages relaxation, helping them to have a restful night's sleep.

3. Sleep Cue: 

By keeping the blanket during the day and only bringing it out when going to bed, your dog is going to connect its appearance with calming down to sleep. 

This continuous indication helps them grasp the shift from awake to bedtime, keeping the process easier and more regular for both yourselves and your dog.

You may improve your dog's sleep hygiene and overall well-being by incorporating a blanket into their evening routine.

What is the Ideal Purpose of a Dog Blanket?

Here are some strong reasons why your dog requires a dog blanket. A dog blanket provides several benefits for your beloved friend's comfort and well-being, from creating a snug sanctuary to sheltering them from the chilly noise and even controlling their body temperature.

1. Make a welcoming and safe environment

Dogs feel safe when they are able to dig into a confined space. Even if you just have one dog, you may give them a dog den feel by providing them with a customised blanket. They can cuddle up on the floor, under your bed, or inside a cardboard box.

2. Encourage their nesting impulse

Your dog wishes to have their own space. Once dogs start using a blanket, it will be carrying their fragrance, adding to their sense of belonging. They will recognise the blanket as their particular location.

3. Provide shelter during storms

Thunderstorms and explosives scare many pets. Snuggling into a familiar blanket can help little ones stay calm during these trying circumstances.

4. Cold weather protection

Despite their fur coats, certain breeds of dogs get cold. Puppies, senior dogs, and small dogs may demand additional heat. Skinny dogs, as well as those with short and thin coats, prefer cuddling with blankets. Boxers, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzus,  French Bulldogs, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Poodles and Beagles, are more prone to feeling colder.

5. On-the-go convenience

When travelling, a blanket is simpler to pack than a dog bed. It also makes your dog feel more confident in strange environments, such as lodging or a friend's home.

6. Keep your furniture safe

Blankets act as a barrier between dog hair and dirty paws and your sofas, chairs, or bed. Unlike most furnishings, blankets are simple to clean.

7. Assist in the regulation of body temperature

You should not be concerned that clothing your dog with a blanket may overheat them. Dogs can regulate their body temperature. When they are cold, they seek comfort under blankets; when they are hot, they effortlessly push the covering away. A blanket is preferable to a jumper or coat that dogs cannot remove.

How Big of a Dog Blanket Should You Consider Buying?

The suitable size of a dog blanket is determined by the breed and size of your dog. Smaller dogs require smaller, lighter blankets, whereas larger dogs demand thicker, heavier blankets.

Pet blankets are often classified by size, just like human clothes. Manufacturers provide standards for various dog sizes, assisting you in selecting the appropriate blanket.

Based on dog size, the following are the ideal measurements for a more sumptuous dog blanket:

Do Dogs Require Blankets All Year?

While it may be reasonable that dogs require blankets during wintertime, most dogs enjoy the increased comfort of blankets provided all year. Even in the hottest months, hardwood or tile flooring keeps it colder, and your dog can experience chills when resting on the floor. 

While some dogs may enjoy the shock of chilly air from the air conditioning or a fan on the ceiling, others will become overheated. Wrapping your dog in one or more blankets can help him or her stay warm no matter what time of year it is. 

 How Do You Find the Best Dog Blanket?

Here are some things to think about:

1. Temperature and Season

Dogs might need blankets to keep warm during cooler seasons or in areas with harsh winters. Dogs may not require blankets for insulation during the warmer months or in hot climates.

2. Type of Breed and Coat

With their thick fur coats, many dog breeds are better able to endure lower temperatures, but others with shorter or lighter coats may require blankets more regularly. Furthermore, dogs with thin physical frames or senior canines may be more prone to cold and may benefit from having blankets all year.

3. Individual Needs and Health:

Some dogs have illnesses or a lesser tolerance to cold temperatures, making them more vulnerable to discomfort. In such circumstances, supplying blankets all year can assist them in regulating their body temperature and remaining comfortable.

4. Personal Preference:

Dogs, like humans, have different tastes and levels of comfort. Some dogs instinctively seek out covers or enjoy cuddling up in warm places, but others may not have a strong preference for blankets.

Takeaway

While you almost certainly have several blankets in your bed linen closet, you might have never thought of giving your dog a personal doggy blanket, but you must! All dogs can benefit from having their own personal blanket that they can use at home and even go on vacation with them. If you have a dog who chews or is destructive, make sure to supervise him with his new cover first to ensure his safety. Otherwise, blankets might be an inexpensive and simple approach to improve your dog's comfort!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog require blankets?

Your dog may need a blanket for many reasons, including getting warmed in colder weather, calming their stressed canines, having a sense of safety, and having a soft, comfortable and pleasant resting area.

Can dogs maintain their inner temperature without using blankets?

While most dogs can control their body temperature on their own and this is what we call regulating a colder environment in animals. Also, blankets can help them to regulate their body heat and give extra comfort, particularly in colder regions for dogs with thin fur or not much body fat.

How can I know whether my dog needs a blanket?

You can detect if your dog needs a blanket by observing their behaviour and level of comfort. Seeking warmth, shivering, or looking for comfortable places are all indications that they might gain benefit from a blanket. Senior dogs, as well as those with specific medical conditions, may require additional warmth.

Are there disadvantages to using a blanket for your dog?

It is very important to understand that there can also be potential concerns to understand when using dog blankets. All you need to do is check whether the blanket is environmentally friendly and that it should not pose an imminent danger of choking. To minimise these advantages, keep an eye on your furry paw-paw friend and choose a size suitable for their breed.

Should I wrap a blanket around my dog at night?

The decision to wrap your dog with a blanket at night is based on your tastes and necessities. Consider your dog's ease, the temperature, and whether they prefer to be covered. If you wish to cover your dog, use lightweight, permeable blankets and allow them to move freely. Check on them on a regular basis to make sure they are not overheated or limited.

What is the finest dog blanket material?

The kind of fibre you choose for your dog's blankets will be determined by the weather, breed, fur, and age of your dog. To be warm and comfortable in cold weather, puppies, unwell dogs, senior dogs, and outdoor dogs all require thick, sturdy blankets. Some of the best fabrics for dog blankets are light, faux fur, nylon, quilted, coral fleece, polyester fleece, Sherpa and polar fleece.

Sources

• https://dogsbestlife.com/dog-health/dog-blanket/
• https://www.fetchpet.com/the-dig/dog-blankets
• https://petparentsbrand.com/blogs/pet-parenting/should-dogs-have-blankets
• https://www.talltailsdog.com/blog/why-every-dog-needs-a-blanket.html
• https://topdogtips.com/do-dogs-need-blankets-in-winter/

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