Is it safe for my dog to sleep under the covers?

Many pet owners love to snuggle with their pups while sleeping at night. But is it safe for your dog to sleep under the covers? Can you leave your dog alone with your blankets? The answer depends on the size and health of your pup, along with the type of covers you use.

Why Dogs Sleep Under the Covers

Dogs love sleeping under the covers for a variety of reasons, from instinctual to entertainment. If your furry best friend sleeps with you at night, then your bed has his scent, making him feel like he owns it. He may burrow into the blankets because it feels like a safe den. And since you're part of his pack, having you near him makes him feel even safer.

Some dogs love to feel this security every night, while others may only seek the safety of your bed covers when they feel nervous or stressed.

In addition to this calming aspect, dogs may burrow out of instinct. Dachshunds, for example, were originally bred to burrow in tight spaces. So snuggling up under your blankets may not just be fun, but he may be born to do it.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Sleep Under the Covers?

In many situations, sleeping under the covers is safe for pups. But it ultimately depends on a few specifics, like the type of blanket you have and your dog's breed and health. Blankets made specifically for pets, or lightweight blankets should be fine. However, you want to pay attention to the material used in the blanket and make sure it's nothing your dog's allergic to. While a dog can develop quite a few sensitivities, pay attention to synthetic fabrics, which can trigger allergies. Fabrics made of something more natural, like hemp or 100% cotton, are less likely to cause problems.

You also want to make sure there aren't any larger threads or holes your dog can get stuck on or even try to eat.

Instead, look for blankets that are harder to shred and made of breathable material, so your pup won't have difficulty breathing under it. A good rule of thumb is that if you would feel uncomfortable breathing under the blanket, then your pet will too.

You also want to make sure your blankets aren't tucked in so tightly that your dog might get stuck under them. And avoid covers or blankets with embellishments your dog might choke on, like tassels or fringes.

You need to use extra caution with certain types of blankets. Don't leave dogs alone with electric blankets since they can overheat under them. You also want to be careful with weighted blankets, which may be too heavy even for dogs that can typically extricate themselves from the covers.

While these suggestions make good guidelines for the type of blanket you choose, it's important to also consider the type of dog you have. Don't leave small puppies or very small breeds alone with blankets since they may not have the strength to free themselves. The same applies to elderly dogs or pups with arthritis, along with flat-faced breeds like Pugs that are at extra risk of overheating. If you aren't sure what to do, consult your veterinarian.

Give Your Dog a Better Alternative

If you don't want your furry bestie sleeping under your covers, consider giving her one of these cozy alternatives. Your pup will really appreciate one of these comfy choices she can claim as her own. (You'll also want to lock her out of your bedroom when you're not around if you really want to keep her away from the covers.)

Pet Cots

Some dogs love sleeping on elevated surfaces like your bed. For those pups, consider the K&H Original Pet Cot, available in multiple colors and sizes, or the K&H Self Warming Pet Cot for extra comfort when it's chilly. If your pet likes being elevated within an enclosed space, try the Pet Cot House, which has a fully enclosed house cover. Another option is the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot, which provides an extra-luxurious cot for your fuzzy bestie.

Warmers & Pads

For pets that crave warmth, try the K&H Self-Warming Pet Pad. It has a comforting microfleece top and radiates heat back to your pet. For small pets that like to burrow, like Dachshunds, the Self-Warming Hut is the perfect warming cave to burrow into.

If you already have a pet bed that just needs a little extra warmth, use a K&H Pet Bed Warmer (which plugs in) or the K&H Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer (which doesn't need electricity). Both are designed to be used inside your pet's bed to provide soothing, gentle warmth.

Crates

Some dogs feel extra safe inside a crate and will sleep more soundly there. If that describes your little buddy, try lining the bottom of the crate with a K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad, available in multiple sizes and colors. It's made of soft microfleece and radiates heat back to your pet without needing electricity.

Snuggly Beds

For some puppers, it's all about comfy luxury. You'll need an extra special bed to tempt your Fido away from your own. The K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed makes a brilliant choice. Available in two sizes and two colors, this bed has side walls for a feeling of security and soothing heat and comes with a comfy pillow to sleep on.

Other pups prefer to sleep on pads rather than enclosed beds. For those dogs, the K&H Thermo-Ortho Bed makes a great choice. The orthopedic foam is extra comforting, and the bed will keep your pup toasty when it's cool inside.

In many situations, it's perfectly safe for your dog to sleep under the covers with you. But this ultimately depends on the type of blanket you use and your dog's breed and health. Some pups will simply be safer in their own bed. You can make bedtime and naptime more fun for everyone by providing a snuggly, soft, warm alternative.