Do Dogs Need Blankets? (Answered By Trainer)

When welcoming a new dog or puppy into your home, there is often a checklist of essential supplies to ensure their well-being, such as a harness, collar, crate, and bed. However, there is one small and often unintentionally overlooked item that should be included on this list: a blanket!

Blankets are likely something you already have multiple of in your home, and it’s not uncommon to find your dog comfortably lounging on one. However, this article aims to highlight the importance of intentionally including a blanket in your dog’s supply list.

So, do dogs really need blankets?

While it may seem like a simple item, a blanket is a comforting necessity for your dog. Not only do blankets provide warmth and a cozy spot for them to rest, but they also offer a sense of security by allowing them to nestle and enjoy familiar scents.

In the following sections, we will explore the many reasons why investing in a special blanket for your dog is beneficial.

Why Your Dog Needs A Blanket

If you’ve ever observed your dog snuggling up on a blanket, whether it’s on your couch or their bed, you may have noticed their preference for soft and comfortable surfaces that carry your scent. Dogs naturally gravitate towards blankets and even piles of laundry for these very reasons.

Blankets offer a cozy and warm spot for your dog to lie down, providing them with a soft surface to rest upon. Moreover, blankets absorb the scents of their surroundings, offering a familiar and comforting aroma that can help soothe your dog.

While we’ve covered the primary reasons why your dog needs a blanket, it’s worth mentioning a couple of additional benefits for you as a dog owner.

By placing blankets on furniture and your dog’s bed, you can protect these items from dog hair and scratches, ultimately prolonging their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, blankets are much easier to wash and more affordable to replace than bulky dog beds. By using a blanket as a cover for your dog’s bed, you can easily remove and wash it without the hassle of dealing with a large and cumbersome dog bed in a standard-sized washing machine.

In conclusion, providing your dog with their own blanket not only fulfills their need for comfort and familiarity but also offers practical advantages for you as a dog owner.

Reason 1: Blankets Create a Designated Spot

When incorporating blankets into your furniture arrangement, there are generally two options to consider. You can either cover the entire furniture piece with blankets or strategically fold and place a blanket in a specific spot. This placement can serve as a designated area for your dog, indicating their special spot.

For instance, if you prefer not to cover the entire couch with blankets for your own comfort, you can fold a blanket and position it neatly on one side of a couch cushion. This communicates to your dog that they are allowed on the couch but only in that particular spot.

While some dogs naturally gravitate towards their designated spot on a cozy blanket, others may require a bit of training to understand this concept. Fortunately, teaching your dog to recognize their special spot on a blanket is a relatively simple task.

Reason 2: Blankets Provide Familiarity

As mentioned earlier, dogs are drawn to blankets for two main reasons: comfort and a sense of familiarity. Although dogs can’t communicate their preferences directly, it’s safe to assume that blankets offer a cozy spot for them.

Just like humans who often cherish special childhood blankets for their comfort and sentimental value, dogs can also develop attachments to specific blankets. These blankets become a source of comfort for them.

Since blankets primarily reside within our homes, they naturally absorb the familiar scents of the environment. By providing your dog with their own blanket, especially during times when you’re not able to be present, you offer them the comforting presence of your scent. This can help alleviate their anxiety and make them feel secure.

Reason 3: Blankets as Crate Accessories

Some dogs have a strong chewing instinct and can be destructive, particularly with larger items like beds. However, these dogs may be less inclined to destroy thinner blankets and can use them without causing damage.

If you need to crate your dog, especially if they are a heavy chewer and can’t have a bed in their crate, using a blanket as a substitute can be a great option. This allows you to provide your dog with a comfortable spot to rest. Most dogs that are prone to destroying dog beds enjoy removing the stuffing, which is not possible with blankets, making them less likely to be targeted for destruction.

It’s important to note that if you have a dog that is a power chewer, it’s crucial to supervise them closely when introducing new items or scenarios, such as placing a blanket inside a crate. This ensures your dog’s safety and helps you assess their behavior and response to the blanket.

Reason 4: Versatile Travel Companion

When traveling with your dog, it’s essential to include a blanket in your packing list. Blankets serve multiple purposes during travel, making them a valuable item to have on hand.

As mentioned earlier, blankets provide comfort to your dog. They offer warmth, coziness, and the familiar scent that can help alleviate stress and anxiety during travel.

Additionally, blankets can be utilized in various ways, making them highly practical during your journeys.

Use the blanket as furniture protection. If you’re staying in accommodations that are not pet-friendly or you simply want to protect the furniture from hair and dirt, draping the blanket over the furniture will serve as a reliable shield.

Provide a designated spot for your dog to lie down. In situations where you prefer your dog not to be on the furniture, having their bed and blanket allows them to have a comfortable resting place on the floor.

Use the blanket for quick clean-ups. While towels are the preferred option for cleaning up messes, blankets can serve as a substitute when towels are unavailable. They can be used to wipe paws, placed under food and water bowls to protect the flooring, or even used to prevent dirt from getting on car seats during car rides.

Create a cozy spot when you’re out and about. If you’re engaged in dog-friendly activities such as hiking or exploring new places, bringing the blanket along can provide a comfortable resting spot for your dog outdoors.

Having a blanket during travel ensures that your dog feels secure, and it offers practical solutions for various situations you may encounter along the way.

Reason 5: Furniture Protection

In addition to providing comfort to your dog, blankets offer a practical benefit for you as well – they can protect your furniture.

Blankets serve as a simple and cost-effective solution to safeguard your couch, bed, or even your dog’s own bed. By placing a blanket on these surfaces, you create a protective barrier. Not only does this keep your furniture clean and free from pet hair, but it also makes cleaning easier.

Instead of dealing with the hassle of cleaning dirty and hair-covered furniture, you can easily remove the blanket and toss it in the washing machine. This saves you time and effort while keeping your furniture in pristine condition.

So, by including blankets in your dog’s supply list, you not only provide them with a comfortable resting spot but also ensure the longevity and cleanliness of your furniture.

Will Every Dog Benefit From a Blanket?

While the majority of dogs will appreciate having their own blanket, it ultimately depends on each individual dog’s preferences and behaviors. Most dogs enjoy lounging on top of blankets, and some even find comfort in burrowing underneath them.

However, if you have a dog that has a tendency to be destructive, chew on objects, or tear things apart, it’s important to exercise caution when introducing a blanket. For dogs with such behaviors, the blanket may become a target for their destructive tendencies.

It’s essential to assess your dog’s behavior and consider their track record with other items before deciding whether a blanket is suitable for them. If you’re uncertain, you can consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist to determine the best approach for your dog’s specific needs.

Do Dogs Need Blankets At Night?

While dogs can certainly benefit from blankets at any time and in any room of the home and even during travel, giving your dog a blanket at night could have some unique benefits.

Blankets as a Bedtime Cue

Establishing a routine with a bedtime blanket can be beneficial for your dog’s sleep routine. By consistently placing a blanket on your dog’s bed at night, you can create a signal that it’s time for bedtime. This routine can help your dog settle down and provide them with a soft and cozy place to rest.

To reinforce this bedtime routine, you can store the blanket away during the day and bring it out only when you’re ready to go to bed. Your dog will gradually learn to associate the appearance of the blanket with the cue to settle down and sleep.

Dogs are naturally drawn to blankets, and once you place the blanket on the bed, your dog will instinctively come to make themselves comfortable for a good night’s sleep. This consistent routine can contribute to better sleep habits for your furry companion.

Should Dogs Have Blankets in Winter?

During the colder winter months, many people bring out their blankets to create a cozy and warm environment. But what about your dog? Does your furry friend need their own blanket during this time?

Extra Warmth and Comfort

Just like humans, dogs have varying temperature preferences. Some dogs naturally feel colder, while others are more resilient to the cold. For dogs that tend to get chilly, having a blanket can provide them with extra warmth and comfort, especially during the colder nights or winter season.

Certain dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Beagles, and Pugs, have shorter hair or thinner fur, making them more susceptible to feeling the cold. These breeds may benefit from having a blanket to help regulate their body temperature and keep them cozy.

Blankets as a Personal Preference

It’s important to note that not all dogs may enjoy or need a blanket. Some dogs naturally have a higher body temperature or have thicker fur that provides sufficient insulation. Each dog is unique, and their comfort levels may vary. Observing your dog’s behavior and response to the cold weather can help you determine if a blanket would be beneficial for them.

Ultimately, providing a blanket for your dog in winter can be a thoughtful gesture to ensure their comfort and well-being. It’s worth considering, especially for dogs that are prone to feeling the cold.

Introducing a Blanket to Your Dog

If you decide to get dedicated blankets for your dog, it’s essential to choose ones that are suitable for your furry friend. When shopping for a dog blanket, prioritize machine-washable options made from comfortable materials.

It’s crucial to select a plain blanket with sewn edges, avoiding intricate details, patterns, tassels, sequins, or any designs that could pose a hazard. These could be chewed off or lead to your dog getting a toenail stuck.

In Conclusion

While you may already have several blankets in your linen closet, it’s worth considering providing your dog with their own special blanket. Dogs of all breeds can benefit from having a designated blanket that offers comfort and security both at home and during travels.

If your dog has a tendency to chew or be destructive, closely supervise their interaction with the new blanket to ensure their safety. Otherwise, blankets can be an affordable and convenient way to enhance your dog’s comfort and well-being.