Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Dogs and Cats to Sleep Under?
Did you catch that part about choosing a weighted blanket that’s about 10 percent of your body weight? That’s super important, especially when we start talking about using a weighted blanket with dogs or cats around.
Though not that heavy for us humans, our weighted blankets can feel like a Goliath weight on top of our tiny fur friends. The biggest issue that occurs when a cat or dog sleeps under one is that it could end up being too heavy for them to easily get up or move around.
“Some dogs may panic underneath the blanket and this can cause a heightened sense of stress,” warns Dr. Tori Countner, DVM, founder of Balanced Pet Vet in San Diego, California. “Additionally, in cats, small dogs, older dogs or dogs with underlying respiratory conditions, the weighted blanket may be too heavy and can cause respiratory distress.”
Similar to the weighted blanket recommendation for us humans, any blanket or weighted product your pet sleeps beneath should be less than 10 percent of their body weight. So, for example, a 10-pound cat shouldn’t be under more than one pound, and a 20-pound pup should only curl up under a blanket that’s two pounds or less.
So, your 18-pound weighted blanket? That might not be the best bedding for your kitten or petite pup!
Another thing about human weighted blankets is that most are made with tiny beads to give them their heft. This could pose a choking risk to pets.
“If your dog is a chewer, or tends to chew and destroy things when anxious, they could easily swallow the beads,” says Dr. Countner. “Ingestion of the beads or part of the blanket can become a medical emergency due to blockage in the GI tract, so be wary.”
You don’t have to get rid of your weighted blanket if you have a cat or dog, but do be mindful about the way you use it. If your pet sleeps in bed with you, make sure they’re sleeping on top of the weighted blanket and not underneath it. And when you’re not using the blanket, keep it out of your pet’s reach to prevent chewing (especially if it’s beaded).
What Are Weighted Blankets?
These unique blankets have tons of benefits thanks to their ability to offer DTP, also known as DPT. DTP is an acronym for Deep Touch Pressure. On the other hand, DPT stands for Deep Pressure Therapy.
This proprioceptive therapy makes use of the heavier weight of the blanket to help release the chemical called serotonin. This, in turn, helps regulate and modulate some brain functions. The result of using a weighted blanket is a calming effect on your nervous system, which makes them an excellent tool for treating anxiety disorders.
Relieves Insomnia And Improves Sleep Quality
According to Science Daily, 1 in 4 Americans experiences insomnia every year. For some people, trying to fall asleep can be a nightmare. Why? Those fail to find a good sleeping position while day time stressors still plague others. There are those wakes up too early in the morning while some do fall asleep, but still, dont feel good and well-rested.
The result is poor sleep quality, which can significantly affect your mood, decision-making, and mental capabilities. Some will have difficulty remembering things, fail to focus their attention on important tasks; others will feel sad, unhappy, or depressed while some can be irritable and irrational. By using quality weighted blankets, the firm but gentle pressure helps release serotonin. This helps in calming your mind and body down, finally letting you doze off and get that good nights sleep you deserve.