Can I Cover My Puppy With A Blanket

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Yes, you should cover your dog’s crate with a blanket if your dog is feeling cold, suffers from anxiety, is noise sensitive or is having trouble falling asleep due to lights in the house. However if you do decide to cover your dog’s crate with a blanket you need to be aware of the risks such as overheating, the high flammability of blankets and also how they pose a choking hazard. Remember when covering a dog crate with a blanket you should always leave at least one side uncovered to provide adequate air flow.

Most dogs appreciate the seclusion and security that a covered crate provides, especially at bedtime. However, an old blanket is not the ideal crate cover solution for several reasons. A blanket can become a chew toy, present a fire hazard, cut off essential ventilation, and cause your pet to overheat.

After covering the dog with a blanket

Once you know that your dog is feeling cold, it is better to cover your dog with a blanket. But make sure that you keep it under supervision at least for the first few days. If you are stuffing your dog’s den with a blanket, make sure that it does not restrict air flow and the dog does not feel uneasy. If it feels scared with the blanket on, then it is better to remove it. If you see signs of accidents on the blanket, or see gnawing or chewing on it, then it is perhaps because the dog does not like the blanket.

How do you get a dog used to a covered crate?

As with crate training, a gradual introduction is the best way to get your best friend used to a covered crate. And because a properly trained dog considers her crate a safe and happy space, you should never place a blanket or cover over it to punish her. Instead, offer a covered crate as an opportunity to wind down.

Follow these steps to introduce your puppy or adult dog to a covered crate:

  • Use a blanket or fitted cover over the top of the crate, and tuck up the draped material to leave the sides uncovered.
  • Allow your dog to enter the partially covered crate on her own, and progressively increase the time she is expected to spend inside.
  • After a couple of days, lower the cover on one side.
  • When your dog has accepted one side of the crate being covered, lower the material over a second side.
  • After she has grown accustomed to two covered sides, let the cover hang over a third side.

    • Offer plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior. Consistency is important, as with all aspects of dog training. Do not leave your dog unattended until she has adjusted to a covered crate, to ensure she is content and will not chew or tear the cover.

    Should a dog’s crate be covered?

    Dogs are den animals who prefer the security of a secluded area—it’s instinctive for our canine friends to search out an enclosed, dark space when they’re scared or need rest. A crate cover, like a blanket or crate-specific covering, can be beneficial to many dogs and can help reduce anxiety and soothe dogs by limiting visual stimuli, which in turn can prevent excitement and barking. Easily excitable dogs are less likely to react to movement outside windows or in other areas of the building if they’re in a covered crate. A closed cover at night can signal bedtime, and an open one may indicate that it’s okay to play. A covered crate can be especially helpful on a road trip for a dog who is stressed by car rides, or while she’s in an unfamiliar place with new distractions.

    FAQ

    Do puppies like to be covered with a blanket?

    Dogs notoriously love their blankets. Whether it’s at home or on the road, it gives them a place to snuggle up and be comfortable. No matter your lifestyle, this is an easy investment that every pet owner can make to improve the quality of life for their animal.

    Should I cover my puppy with a blanket at night?

    If it is cold or your dog is small, then yes, you should cover him up at night. Adding a blanket to his dog bed will help keep him warm. It will also make him more comfortable. Your dog will especially appreciate the extra blanket during cold temperatures.

    Can we cover a dog with blanket?

    Pets can safely lie on it or next to it and benefit from its warmth. As long as she has a means of moving away from the disc, it is safe to offer your pet. If you keep pets outside (e.g., guinea pigs, rabbits), be sure to use material other than blankets to provide warmth, such as straw.