We know the coziness of wrapping up in a blanket, something made all the better with a dog snuggling up to us. Just because we feel the benefit of a blanket when it is cold, it doesn't mean this is the same for the dog. We may see the dog is trembling a little when they sleep or we simply want them to be as comfortable as possible to get a good rest. If this is the case, we may ask do dogs need a blanket when sleeping?
Our dogs are covered in fur, a natural protection against the cold and other environmental factors. With some important exceptions, dogs do not need clothes, even if it is cold. If the ambient temperature is fine for us, there should be no need for a dog to have a blanket. This doesn't mean the dog might not enjoy a blanket, the safety of which we explore in this AnimalWised article. We also look at what times a blanket may be useful.
Should dogs be covered in a blanket when sleeping?
Dogs are domesticated animals, but they retain many physical traits from their wild ancestors. The presence of fur is one of the most obvious. As a result of various natural and selected crossings over the years, different dog breeds have arisen. One of the key differentiating factors between these breeds is the type, quality and length of their coat. Some are even bred to have particularly thick coats, while others may have little to no coat at all.
Whether or not our dog should be covered in a blanket will ultimately depend on the ambient temperature. If it is sufficiently cold for any animal, then covering up with layers can be a way to protect them from it being very cold. However, most dogs have evolved the ability to withstand very cold temperatures. If we keep our home at an ambient temperature which is cold for us, it does not necessarily mean our dog will feel cold.
When the ambient temperature is very cold, there are some factors we need to consider to determine whether our dog is at risk. They include:
- Thickness of hair: our dog's coat provides natural protection against the elements. There are certain breeds which are well-suited to very cold temperatures. These include snow dog breeds such as the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute which have very thick coats to endure freezing conditions. Other dogs do not have very much hair and can become very cold in a temperature which is comfortable for a snow dog.
- Age: it should not be forgotten that puppies and older dogs are more sensitive to the cold than healthy adults. Especially if the puppy or senior dog has shorter hair, they may need to be covered with a blanket when temperatures drop.
- Health: some dogs have pre-existing health conditions which make them vulnerable to the cold. For example, certain metabolic disorders may cause the dog to be more vulnerable to low temperatures. Also, a dog may have a health condition such as an infection. They may benefit from a blanket while they are convalescing.
If you are worried about a dog being cold, covering them with a blanket can help them to keep warm. If they feel too warm, they should be able to remove the blanket according to their preferences. This is particularly important with hairless dog breeds since they lack the protection of a coat and are at a higher risk.
Learn what is the normal body temperature of a dog to learn more about whether your canine is feeling chilly.
How do I know if my dog is cold when sleeping?
Even when sleeping, we should be observant for any signs or symptoms of a problem in our dog. In fact, seeing how they behave while they sleep can help pinpoint issues we might not see when awake. For example, if our dog has heavy breathing while resting, it could help a veterinarian to diagnose the problem. We should do the same if we worry our dog might be cold while sleeping.
There are certain signs which can indicate our dog is cold when sleeping. They include:
- Drowsiness when awake
- Being more tired than usual
- Slow breathing and movements
- Dry skin
- Tremors
It is important to know that tremors do not necessarily mean the dog is cold. It is common for a dog to be shaking when sleeping as a result of REM sleep. Their body twitches due to neurological activity when in deep sleep. It is also possible they have a disease or disorder which is leading to tremors. If these tremors are persistent, you should speak to a veterinarian to rule out any physical health problem.
When we know the problem is not a health issue, we might see the dog is too cold. They will probably try to conserve heat, such as by sleeping in a bundle, wrapping their tail around themselves or even coming to sleep on top of you for warmth. In these cases, providing a covering can help them feel warm and comfortable.
Is it safe to cover my dog with a blanket?
Some of us may have a concern about safety when covering our dog in a blanket. Especially if their head is covered, we may worry there is a chance they will suffocate. If we use a blanket, comforter or similar covering, it is important to know they will not suffocate. These materials are breathable, even if they cover their head.
Materials such as plastic or vinyl sheets are not breathable, but even they would need to be sealed around the dog to cause suffocation. Only if the dog has impaired mobility or they are wrapped too tight in a non-breathable covering will there be a health risk. This is very unlikely, especially by accident.
If we want to cover our dog in a blanket, the correct way is to first wait for them to choose their resting place. Once they are lying down, simply place the blanket over top of them. Cover the whole body, except for the head. This is because many dogs will feel insecure or trapped if their head is covered. If they get too hot or uncomfortable, the dog should uncover themselves.
Read our related guide to discover why a dog might be shivering even when it is not cold.
A note on dogs and electric blankets
While a regular blanket will trap heat and provide some extra comfort for dogs, electric blankets can provide even more heat. Since they are electrically powered, there is a risk to their well-being, but dogs can use electric blankets if we exercise caution.
One of main concerns with electric blankets is the dog chewing the cables when using it. This is particularly the case with puppies which are still exploring their environment with their mouths. For this reason, we need to first use an electric blanket while supervised. Do this for as long as it takes to be sure the dog will not chew the cablees and provide an electric shock.
The next issue is incontinence. Some dogs may pee a little while sleeping, possibly due to a physical or emotional health problem. In these cases, we need to ensure we have a completely waterproof electric blanket which will not short if the dog does urinate.
There are special heating pads which are designed for use in dogs. If our dog is prone to being cold when sleeping, we can use these to better ensure their comfort. Supervise their use, at least until we are confident the dog can use them safely.
While keeping warm is an important safety concern while sleeping, it is not the only one. To learn more, take a look at our article on why a dog is not moving, but still breathing.
If you want to read similar articles to Do Dogs Need a Blanket When Sleeping?, we recommend you visit our Basic care category.