Do Dogs Sleep Better When They Have a Dog Blanket?

Some dogs burrow, some sprawl on top, and some simply want whatever you are wrapped in.

Many dogs do like blankets. A soft blanket gives a dog a warm, familiar place to settle, and it carries the scent of home, which is part of why so many dogs claim one. Whether your dog needs one depends on their coat, size, age, and how cool your home runs: small, short-coated, and senior dogs tend to appreciate a blanket most, while dogs with thick double coats may prefer to lie on top or skip it. Healthy adult dogs can breathe under a blanket and will move out when they get too warm, but always leave them an easy way out.

Key Takeaways

• Most dogs enjoy a blanket, for warmth, softness, and familiar scent.
• Coat and size matter. Short-coated, small, and senior dogs benefit most; heavy-coated dogs may not want one.
• Leave an exit. Never tuck or wrap a dog in tightly; let them come and go.
• Watch for signs of cold: shivering, curling tightly, seeking shelter, or pressing against you.
• Choose a blanket that washes easily. Machine wash cold, hang dry. Never in a dryer, on any setting, including air, no-heat or fluff.

Do dogs like blankets?

Many dogs do. A blanket is soft, it holds warmth, and it smells like their people, which makes it a natural spot to settle. Some dogs love to burrow underneath; others prefer to lie on top or knead a blanket into a nest before they lie down. If your dog clearly does not want to be under the covers, do not force it. Let them choose, and they will usually show you what they like.

According to PetMD, most dogs spend about half of their day sleeping, so a comfortable, familiar place to rest matters.

Do dogs need blankets?

Not every dog needs one, but many benefit. Dogs most likely to appreciate a blanket include:

• small and toy breeds, who lose body heat faster
• short-coated or thin-coated breeds
• senior dogs and young puppies
• dogs in homes that run cool, or who sleep on a hard floor in winter

Dogs with thick, double coats may already be warm enough and may prefer to lie on top of a blanket rather than under it.

Can dogs breathe under blankets?

Healthy adult dogs can breathe under a blanket, and most will shift or crawl out when they get too warm. A few sensible habits keep it comfortable:

• use a breathable fabric and never wrap or tuck a dog in tightly
• make sure they can leave easily, from any side
• keep a closer eye on puppies, senior dogs, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with breathing or health concerns

PetMD's guidance on blanket safety notes that a dog who gets too warm will usually move somewhere cooler. If you have any concern about your dog's breathing, talk with your veterinarian.

How can you tell if your dog is cold?

Dogs cannot tell us they are cold, so watch their body language. According to the Ontario SPCA, signs include:

• shaking or shivering
• whining or barking
• looking for shelter
• changes in behavior, such as seeming restless or uneasy

A cold dog may also curl into a tight ball or press against you for warmth. Offering their bed and a blanket is a simple first step. If your dog seems unwell, or the shivering does not stop once they are warm, call your veterinarian.

What should you look for in a dog blanket?

• A fabric that holds up. Avoid loose knits and crochet, which can snag claws and come apart, and anything your dog might chew into pieces.
• Easy care. A dog blanket gets washed often; choose one that machine washes cold and hangs to dry.
• The right size for the bed, sofa, or crate where your dog actually rests.
• Protection if you need it. A waterproof blanket helps keep the bed or sofa beneath it dry.

Our luxury dog blankets include plush faux fur styles such as the Cozy Chinchilla Faux Fur Luxury Dog Blanket, and waterproof styles such as the Roxy™ Waterproof Luxury Dog Blanket and the Cozy Raine Waterproof Blanket™, gathered in our waterproof dog blankets collection. For more on choosing one, read our guides to faux fur dog blankets and the best waterproof dog blankets.

How do you wash a dog blanket?

Machine wash it in cold water and hang dry it, with no dryer on any setting, no bleach, and no bleach alternatives. Shake or vacuum off loose hair first so it does not mat in the wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs like blankets?

Many dogs do. A blanket is soft, warm, and smells like home. Some dogs burrow underneath, while others prefer to lie on top or knead it into a nest. Let your dog choose.

Do dogs need blankets in winter?

Small, short-coated, senior, and young dogs often benefit from a blanket in cold weather, especially in a cool home. Dogs with thick double coats may already be warm enough.

Can dogs breathe under blankets?

Healthy adult dogs can, and most will move out when they get too warm. Use a breathable fabric, never wrap a dog in tightly, leave an easy way out, and keep a closer eye on puppies, seniors, and flat-faced breeds.

Do dogs like being tucked in at night?

Some dogs love the ritual and the attention, others prefer to arrange their own bedding, and many do not mind either way. If you tuck your dog in, keep it loose so they can get up easily.

Do dogs get too hot under a blanket?

They can, but most dogs move to a cooler spot on their own when they get too warm. Leave them room to come and go.

Why do dogs sleep under blankets?

Burrowing is a natural behavior. Many breeds were developed to work in dens and burrows, and a covered space can feel warm and secure. Sleeping close to their people under a blanket also gives many dogs a sense of comfort.

How do you wash a dog blanket?

Machine wash it in cold water and hang dry it, with no dryer on any setting, no bleach, and no bleach alternatives. Shake or vacuum off loose hair first.

A blanket of their own, in the place they love most, is one of the simplest comforts you can give.