You walk into your bedroom with your dog snuggled under the blanket. Your probably think is this just something my dog likes or do all dogs like blankets?
Most dogs like blankets due to the comfort and sense of protection it gives them. In our research, a larger percentage of dog owners stated their dog loves being under a blanket.
All dog breeds are different and every dog has a different preference when it comes to comfort. This article looks at the best material for a dog blanket and why dogs love them so much.
Contents
What Is The Best Material For A Dog Blanket?
When choosing a blanket for your dog, the material should be the kind that can easily be cleaned and isn’t prone to collecting fur. While most people will find that synthetic fabric blankets are the best, there is no rule that 100% cotton is the best. Blended fabric can provide just as much comfort including 50/50 blends such as polyester and cotton and tend to last longer than 100% cotton.
Many experts will automatically specify fleece for being the best all-around fabric. The reason for this is often because it doesn’t shred as most fabrics do and there aren’t long strings of thread that are pulled out. Fleece keeps your dog warm and retains the heat that a dog likes on cold days. The interesting part about fleece is that it’s not made from conventional cotton fabric and is a mix of polyester and synthetic blends.
Then there is coral velvet and microfiber like the soft kinds of blankets you use for cuddling on a couch or placing on a bed. These are very soft and warm and are long-lasting blankets for dogs but usually unravel with loose threads if your dog likes to chew. It’s best to start with fleece for little puppies that like to teethe so there is no danger of ingesting long threads that can end up in their stomach.
It can also be difficult to choose a dog bed that is suitable for your pooch. All dogs have different physical needs and where they sleep can make a big difference to their future. This article “Orthopedic vs Memory Foam For Dogs” explains more about choosing the right bed to go with the perfect blanket.
The best material that doesn’t fall apart
Always pick a fabric that is quality made and doesn’t have loose threading or open weaving. Fabric that is knitted will start to unravel from scratching or tugging by your dog is always a danger, so look for blankets that have tight knits that are dense and thick. A good rule of thumb is to select a fabric that you can’t see where it’s sewn together. As long as the blanket is providing warmth or is nice and fluffy, this is what your dog will love.
Then again, every season is different so you want to choose a blanket that isn’t causing your dog to be overheated on hot days. Summer blend fabric includes terrycloth blends that can breathe and don’t hold so much heat, while wool blends in the cold of winter are suitable choices likewise. You’ll need to have summer and winter blankets and anything in between when the seasons change.
Depending on where you live, this will always be the issue since weather patterns are totally different farther north than they will be in the deep south. You also need to keep in mind that all fabric eventually starts to break down after multiple washes and usually doesn’t stay soft and fluffy for long. You might need to replace a blanket simply because it gets worn out and needs to be replaced because it starts to fall apart.
Does My Dog Need A Blanket At Night?
Most dogs like to have a blanket to sleep on because this gives support and a surface they can manipulate and move around in their bed. Dogs instinctively like to adjust a blanket so a portion of the blanket acts like a pillow for their head. If they get too hot at night, they simply readjust their blanket or lay on a cool floor if they get too hot. As you can guess, dogs with more fur will be less likely to need a blanket at night for warmth.
Some dogs have very short fur or happen to be hairless breeds that absolutely need a blanket. Even if you put dog clothes on hairless breeds, they will enjoy a blanket for the added warmth. No matter what the season, your dog will use their blanket almost like a favorite toy and take it with them wherever they like. This can include being in their bed or relaxing on the same blanket near their bed.
A blanket can provide more comfort when used as a bed cover but don’t expect it to be tidy by the time morning comes around. Some dogs will scratch at their blanket so it’s more appealing, while many breeds will spin around in circles to flatten out a wrinkly blanket. This is just their nature so don’t expect that every dog will use their blanket at night the same way other breeds will act while laying down.
Should I cover my dog with a blanket?
This is up to each owner and obviously the personality of your dog. Almost like a security blanket, many dogs that are getting cold like to hide under a blanket to keep warm. This is why many dogs sleep together to conserve warmth and share the heat. For single dogs, having a blanket put on them is an excellent way to keep warm if they need an extra layer to get away from cold temperatures.
Hairless dogs always like blankets to cover them even when the weather is warm, so the same will be true for dogs with smooth or very short fur that is less dense. You may find that covering your dog with a blanket very early when they are still a puppy will become a regular habit if they like being covered. If they get overheated, your dog may simply find a way to remove their blanket, and then lay on top of it instead.
If your dog looks cold or is shivering, then a blanket will help keep them warm, but for the most part, dogs see a blanket as comfort rather than a warming accessory. Just keep some blankets handy on nights where the temperature is dropping so they can feel more comfortable if there’s a slight chill where they sleep.
As the table below highlights, although there is a larger consensus of dogs that like blankets, there is still a percentage of dogs that do not. This may depend on a variety of things such as breed, past experiences, or temperament.
| Does your Dog Like a Blanket? | |
| Yes | No |
| 20 | 6 |
Data is based on 26 dogs owned by 21 people. This data was collected from owners based in the UK
Should I Put A Blanket In My Dog’s Crate?
It’s always a good idea to add a couple of things into your dog’s crate or bed where they sleep. The first is something that supports their body while a blanket is simply a bed cover. It can also keep excess hair from getting into their bed which tends to collect on a blanket after some time. It depends if your dog sheds too, which might need to be shaken outside to remove excess fur before washing it.
Essentially, a blanket is just the same as padding so it can be a nice liner if you don’t want to add a support pad or pillow inside their crate. Many dogs will love having a blanket inside a pet carrier which makes traveling more comfortable in addition to keeping them warm. It’s also a good idea to include a blanket for older dogs that might have aching bones. Make sure that these blankets are thick and soft so this also supports their weight.
If you need to add two blankets, fold them carefully so that they fit inside the enclosure of a dog crate. if your dog is fussy, they’ll move the blankets around to get more comfortable. It’s almost inevitable that little puppies will like to play with crate blankets so wrap them around any pet enclosure padding so they aren’t easily pulled up. Add a few toys inside to distract little puppies from tearing up a newly-laid blanket.
What If My Dog Pulls Their Blanket Out Of Their Bed?
There’s nothing wrong with your dog if they take their blanket out from their bed or enclosure. Crate-trained dogs will usually retreat to their crate with anything they feel can be claimed as theirs. If they don’t like a blanket for some reason it can be from the scent or simply because it’s making them too hot. You can expect to see that your dog will remove a blanket to relax in another location that makes them comfier.
It’s also an instinct that makes dogs move items from their sleeping area as they wish. They like to burrow and hide if they sense danger or get scared of something. This can be especially traumatic on nights when loud fireworks cause them to hide under beds or sofas. They might even bring their blanket with them to build a temporary nest. If you spot your dog doing this, it’s just their natural instinct to do this.
As highlighted above, dogs love to burrow and their interaction with their blanket is not always a clear indication of like or dislike. Dogs will pull their blanket and re-arrange their bed for a variety of reasons, these include, finding a stable base, temperature control, scent adjustment, and even frustration. Have a look at our article, “Why Do Dogs Dig Their Bed” for a more detailed look at this behavior.
Do dogs like blankets over their crates?
This is a question that isn’t always easy to solve since all dogs aren’t going to react the same way if you cover their crate. The first issue is good airflow that gives your dog enough oxygen. Blankets can restrict this air flow and make the air inside their crate stuffier and too hot. While other dogs like just a little bit of covering so this makes it cozier for them to take a nap.
Even though this can make a crate enclosure a bit darker, you’ll need to see if covering it will make your dog nervous or secure. It’s always a good idea to only cover sections of the crate that still allow your dog to see outside. This will give your dog enough room to see what going on outside their crate. You can also train your dog for sleeping by placing a blanket on their crate.
This acts as a reminder to them when it’s sleepy time and helps dogs sleep in a dark area without being disturbed. Don’t use heavy blankets to cover their enclosure, so all that’s needed is something that allows good airflow but reduces light from the outside. You may also find that this creates a safe place for your pet they will return to if they get spooked or nervous by something.
Dogs Love To Sleep In Our Beds
Of course, this is not a habit that is recommended, for various reasons I will outline. The Positives however are having your best friend snuggled up, knowing they are happy and that you are protected from any intruders that might enter. Dogs love to sleep in our beds, mainly due to the comfort they get from the mattress and blankets, but also because they get to be close to us.
Moving onto the negatives, I think it is pretty obvious where these lie. Hygiene is going to be the number one reason. Dogs tend to be highly disgusting creatures, not really caring about their own hygiene, more so they try to disguise their scent with stronger smells, and so you may not even realize your pooch has rolled himself around in some dry dog urine. Another reason is the doggy sleep cycle. This is much shorter than our own and so you may find your pooch wakes up every hour to re-arrange themselves. Finally a word of warning. You shouldn’t be letting your dog into your bed until they are toilet trained, recall trained, and any other training they require. Bad habits like this can lead your dog to get a stinky attitude and start acting like the big dog.
Conclusion
For many owners, it’s easy to see that dogs like blankets and will much rather snuggle up under the duvet than on top. Hopefully, this article has helped give you a better understanding of what dogs might like and what the best blankets are for your pooch. If you enjoyed this article, check out more great content on our homepage, all about your dog and the nonstop lives we live with them.
