Your dog, whether they live indoors or outdoors, needs a blanket at night as a specific temperature can be too cold for them. While it’s true that they generally have fur, not all of them do, so they need extra care from their humans. Really, a piece of a thick blanket isn’t too much to ask for a dog.
Some pooches just love to be under the covers, while others are in dire need of extra warmth. Aside from the cuddles you can give them, designating a doggy blanket prevents the risks of cold weather, especially for puppies and the oldies.
Want to know more? We’ll answer all your questions and share detailed information for this particular case. Let’s read on.
Do Dogs Like to Be Under the Blanket?
Dogs prefer to be under the blanket due to their natural instinct. Just like the groundhogs and the moles, dogs have a history of living in dens, and this natural behavior is carried on by most if not all modern dogs. It’s even better for them if you both share a blanket since these are pack animals.
Being under the covers is associated with warmth and security. Not all dogs love to have a piece of a blanket at night, though. This is especially true if you have a large, furry canine. Those with massive physiques and sizes overheat quickly, and being wrapped around by a blanket can be too uncomfortable, to say the least.
Do Puppies Need Blankets at Night?
Your puppies need blankets to keep them warm at night, especially if you think the environment is too cold for them. Take more caution if it’s wintertime, as they can quickly get chilly. No matter if they cuddle with each other, adding warm blankets around them makes their situation comfy and stress-free.
Note: Regularly check the temperature inside your home and never compromise the health and safety of these little dogs.
4 Reasons Why Some Dogs Need a Blanket
To further unravel the importance of a blanket, I have gathered 4 reasons why your furry friend might need one.
1. Because of the Breed
Do you know that although we know dogs to have fur, some were bred to not have any at all? We’re talking about the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the American Hairless, to name a few. Without having any coat, these breeds become more sensitive to cold temperatures.
Aside from that, some breeds are genetically predisposed to have a single, double, or triple coat.
To help you out determine which breeds are built for the winter, which ones are for summertime, and which dogs are built for all weathers, check out the table below:
| Breeds for Cold Weathers | Breeds for Hot Weathers | Breeds For All Seasons |
Akita
Kuvasz
Keeshond
Chow Chow
Great Pyrenees
German Shepherd
Alaskan Malamute
Anatolian Shepherd
American Eskimo Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog | Vizsla
Basenji
Whippet
Dalmatian
Doberman
Rat Terrier
Ibizan Hound
Afghan Hound | Chinook
Poodle
Canaan Dog
Weimaraner
Border Collie
Sussex Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Parson Russell Terrier
|
2. Determine the Weather
If you live up North like in Russia, Antarctica, and Canada, then you may need to invest in several pieces of blankets to maintain your little buddy’s normal temperature.
Remember, the harsher the weather, the more prone your dog is to hypothermia. Be prepared if the winter season is starting, and maybe you should start piling up clean blankets for your dog to use.
3. The Condition of Their Health
The status of your furry buddy’s health plays a lot regarding their body temperature. For example, congestive heart failure in its late stages makes a dog gasping for air due to the lack of oxygenation. In turn, they’ll also feel cold to the touch and prone to fainting.
Watch out as well if your dog has the following conditions, as these will also make them become overly sensitive to low temperatures:
- Diabetes.
- Kidney disease.
- Hypothyroidism.
4. Note of Their Age
Although it may seem that the temperature in your home is normal, this is actually too cold for puppies already. Be in control of the warmness and coldness of your place, but do consider how your dog’s body will take it.
It’s the same case for senior dogs. They wouldn’t be able to regulate their bodies’ temperature as well as they did during their younger years.
7 Signs Your Dog Is Cold at Night
The normal body temperature of an average dog is around 100.5-102.5°F or 38-39.2°C, according to PetMD. A drop from these numbers should be enough to alarm any owner. Your pooch will exhibit sure signs indicating that they’re cold.
These are the expected behaviors:
1. Cold ears.
2. Shivering.
3. The tail is tucked.
4. A hunched posture.
5. Whining or whimpering.
6. Anxious or uncomfortable behavior.
7. Transfers from one place to another.
Reading tip: How to Block a Dog From Going Under The Bed: 8 Tips and More!
5 Kinds of Blanket Materials Your Dog Might Prefer
The kind of blanket your dog needs all depends on the weather. When it’s hot during nighttime, there’s no need to wrap them up in a furry covering. In fact, what they’d need is a fan to keep them cool.
It’s the opposite during cold times, however. Your thick and fluffiest dog blanket should be out of the closet. All dogs like puppies, seniors, small, or giant breeds would need one that’s going to be enough to cover their entire bodies. After all, a good night’s rest is secured if they’re warm and comfy.
If you’re shopping for the best blankets for your pooch, choose those which are made out of these materials. Consider the thickness and appropriateness as well with the season in mind.
1. Nylon.
2. Sherpa.
3. Coral fleece.
4. Faux fur.
5. Lightweight polyester fleece.
You might also want to read: Can You Leave a Dog Without Water Overnight? The Pros and Cons
3 Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Warm
Indeed, blankets are convenient items most of you have at home that can be used for your dog to keep them well-rested at night without having cold paws. But aside from blankets, you can also make use or invest in several products. Let’s check them out below:
1. A dog bed. This has to come in the correct size according to how massive or small your dog is. Take note; it’s better to have an oversized bed for them rather than have a small one that only a Chihuahua can fit in when you have a Mastiff.
2. Stuffed toys. Dogs love their toys, and aside from these lifeless plushies giving your pooch some sort of entertainment, they can also be huddled to keep your dog warm through the night.
3. Dog vests or sweaters. There’s dog clothing available worldwide, and there are several pieces that would fit your canine. Making them wear one wouldn’t also require you to pull out the thickest blanket; well, depending on the dog and the environment’s temperature.
Read next: Can I Bathe My Dog at Night? Tips and Top Questions Answered
