Have you ever noticed how your dog loves to snuggle up next to your pillow or jump on a pile of laundry on the floor? Dogs are creatures of comfort and enjoy cuddle time. So, why not help your dog create a special place with a dog blanket?
Why your dog needs a dog blanket
Create a sense of security
Dogs are pack animals and like the sense of security they get from burrowing into a cozy spot.
If you only have one pup, you can provide a special blanket to create a snuggle den. Your pup can curl up with it on the floor, at the foot of your bed, or inside a crate.
New puppies or recently adopted dogs can benefit from having a soft blanket in their sleeping area.
Support an instinct to nest
Your dog wants to have a spot to call her own.
If your dog uses pet blankets, they will retain its scent, adding to its sense of place. She knows her blanket is her special spot and can use it to create a perfect bed.
Provide safety from the storm
Most dogs fear loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks.
Snuggling into a favorite blanket can help keep your dog calm.
Protect your dog from the cold
Despite the fact dogs wear fur coats 24/7, some still get cold.
Puppies, older dogs, and small dogs need a little extra warmth. Skinny dogs and dogs with short or thin coats also like having something to snuggle with.
Some dog breeds are more sensitive to cold temperatures. These breeds include Beagles, Boxers, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Poodles, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers.
Create comfort on the go
For pet owners planning a trip, a blanket is easier to pack than a dog bed. It’ll also help calm your dog in a moving vehicle and strange places like a hotel room or a friend’s house.
Protect your furniture
Blankets also help shield couches, chairs, and beds from pet hair and muddy paws. Unlike most furniture, tossing a blanket in the wash is easy.
A machine-washable dog blanket makes an ideal couch cover and protects furniture from dirt and paw prints. Be sure to choose a blanket made of a durable material.
Help your dog regulate body temperature
Covering your dog with a blanket will make her feel too warm.
When dogs are cold, they’ll snuggle under blankets. If they get hot, they can quickly push the blanket away.
For this reason, a blanket is a better choice than a sweater or jacket that the dog can’t remove.
Do dogs need blankets year-round?
While it might seem logical that dogs need blankets during the winter, most dogs like the added comfort blankets provided year-round.
Hardwood or tile floors stay cooler, and your dog can get chilled when lying on the floor, even during the warmest months.
While some dogs might like the blast of cold air from an air conditioner or a ceiling fan, others will get too cool.
Giving your dog a blanket or two can let your dog stay comfortable no matter the time of year.
Spring and summer can be tricky months for humans. The temperatures fluctuate, and you’ll find yourself adding or removing a sweater or jacket.
Dogs don’t have that luxury. Their coats are permanent.
But by offering blankets, you allow your pup to choose additional warmth when needed.
Choose the right dog blanket
When selecting a blanket, pet parents should start with one that’s machine-washable. FunnyFuzzy’s leaf-shaped dog blankets are a good option.
Available in four colors: elm green, anthurium pink, ginkgo yellow, and pinecone grey, these machine-washable blankets are 100% cotton with polyester stuffing.
The blankets double as a mat or blanket and are a perfect choice to cover your furniture.
The leaf blankets also come in various sizes to best suit your dog.
The elm green blanket is 42 inches by 56 inches, the anthurium pink blanket is 47 inches by 43 inches, the ginkgo yellow blanket is 50 inches, and the pinecone gray blanket is 38 inches by 48 inches.
Avoid choosing wool blankets; even washable wool can be scratchy and uncomfortable.
Skip any hand-knitted blankets. Keep the heirlooms for the humans.
Your dog’s nails can easily catch on the loops. That can make your dog panic and could potentially destroy the blanket.
Of course, it should go without saying that you shouldn’t leave a dog prone to chewing alone with a blanket. You don’t want to risk leaving your dog with a potential choking hazard.
How to introduce a blanket
Introducing a blanket to your furry friend requires patience and positive reinforcement.
Here are some tips for a smooth introduction:
Familiarize your dog with the blanket
Place it in an area where your dog spends time so they can get used to its scent and presence.
Positive association
Encourage your dog to interact with the blanket with treats or their favorite toys. This creates a positive association and helps them view puppy blankets positively.
Use the blanket during relaxation time
Place the blanket near your dog when it is relaxing or napping. This will help the dog associate the blanket with comfort and security.
Gradual introduction
If your dog seems hesitant, try draping the blanket over their regular sleeping area or favorite spot to introduce them to it slowly.
Reward and praise
Whenever your dog shows positive interest in the blanket, reward them with treats and praise to reinforce the behavior.
Patience is key
Some dogs may take longer to warm up to the blanket, so be patient and continue the positive reinforcement.
Following these tips can help your dog become familiar and comfortable with new comfy dog blankets.
Bottom line: Do dogs need blankets?
Yes. All dogs can benefit from blankets.
Young, old, and sick dogs need comfort while snoozing.
Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and dogs prone to be more cold-blooded need extra warmth.
Dogs love the comfort of having a blanket, which makes excellent substitutes for dog beds.
They can also help keep furniture clean and calm your pet on car rides, in strange places, or during loud noises. The best dog blankets are machine washable and easy to keep clean.
And giving your dog a blanket to snuggle can help her get a better night’s sleep.
Given all that, a blanket is a reasonably inexpensive investment to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.
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