Is it dangerous for dogs to sleep under the covers? Should I stop bed-sharing with my pup?
While the act of sleeping under the covers is not inherently dangerous for canines, accidents can happen. A pup may panic if they get too warm and can’t find a way out from beneath the blankets, so make sure not to tuck in your sheets or corner your dog between you and your partner.
Many pet parents worry about their pup suffocating under blankets, but Dr. Malora Roberts of Deepwood Veterinary Clinic assures owners not to stress. Paying attention to a blanket’s material, she notes, is a great way to tell whether a dog may be uncomfortable: if you find it too heavy, your furry friend will too. Suffocating, though, is extremely unlikely. Should your dog become hot or short of breath you can trust that they will react quickly to get themselves out from under the covers.
You might be tempted to find a blanket with large holes to give to your pet, but this may do more harm than good. Not only will your curious puppers be able to claw and chew their blanket, making it much more likely to tear, but small limbs and bodies may get tangled in the fabric, too. Instead, opt for a lightweight blanket if you can, or only let your pup under the top layer of your bedsheets.
Lastly, it’s understandable why you’d feel concerned if you only notice your dog burrowing when they feel anxious. This isn’t a harmful way of coping — in fact, it’s probably very helpful — but showing excessive symptoms of anxiety can be dangerous in its own way. Long-term stress has a variety of consequences, after all, though a vet visit or two can get you well on your way to solving your pup’s troubles.
It’s Not Just A Small Dog Thing
While small dogs, like Terriers, Hounds, and Chihuahuas, are more prone to the behavior, large dogs are known to burrow as well. Just look at Huskies, for example! Huskies, who were bred to live and work in frigid temperatures, learned to burrow under the snow as a way to keep warm. Today, many Huskies still burrow — trading in the snow for a cozy blanket.
Dog breeds that burrow under blankets
Some dog breeds naturally love to burrow. It’s pure instinct, passed down through the generations.
While all dogs are den animals, some dogs have different den habits. The most common dog breeds that burrow under the covers are:
Of course, no one wants their sheets to smell like dog for too long! So it’s a good idea to pop them in the washing machine from time to time. Adding a little baking soda will get rid of any unpleasant pet odours without being detrimental to your pup.
Also, try to avoid using bleach or aerosols to clean your sheets. These can cause respiratory problems and skin issues, especially for dogs with allergies.
Why does my dog sleep under the covers?
If you are like many of our customers, your pets have their own Minky blanket or two, or even more to snuggle up in. Your four-legged friends, fur babies or whatever you refer to your pets as love blankets just as much as you do. But have you ever wondered why your dogs love sleeping with blankets? If so, weve rounded up some answers for you.