Many dog owners are puzzled why their dogs sleep with their heads under blankets, rugs, or pillows. It appears that some dogs enjoy sleeping in a warm and cozy place, while some other dogs hate being stuck under covers.
We don’t know if this behavior is a genetic thing or something that the dogs learn by themselves.
So how do you explain such behavior? Maybe like us, dogs simply like warmth and comfort. But should we encourage or discourage this behavior? We discuss everything below.
Can dogs suffocate under blankets?
Dogs love to burrow under the covers. Or at least, most dogs do. They seem so happy and content when they’re snuggled up, all nice and warm with a blanket on top of them. So what’s wrong with letting your dog sleep underneath a blanket? Can dogs suffocate from being covered by a blanket?
Well, it depends. On a medical basis that will be discussed more thoroughly below, it seems that, yes, dogs can suffocate if left under a blanket. However, there are several other factors involved here too. It also depends on the breed of dog you have and their size.
For example, certain smaller species will not like to be covered by a blanket and smothered, while some larger breeds will have no problem sleeping beneath a blanket.
It also depends on how the blanket covers them. If you drape them with it or put them on top of them, this becomes less hazardous than if you were to tuck the blanket around their body. With that in mind, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not let your dog sleep underneath blankets unless supervised.
What causes a dog to suffocate under a blanket?
A dog can suffocate if covered by a blanket because it cannot remove itself from the covering. When humans use a blanket to protect themselves, we can pull the blanket away from our faces to continue breathing.
Unfortunately, dogs lack this ability and will be trapped beneath whatever is covering them until they lose consciousness or their owner removes the object encircling them.
Is it OK for my dog to sleep under the covers?
No. It is never OK for your dog to sleep under the covers with you. Dogs cannot remove themselves from being covered by a blanket, so it can very easily lead to accidental suffocation of your dog.
Although they might seem comfortable and happy at first, it becomes more dangerous as they fall deeper into sleep. If you feel the need to make your dog “comfortable,” it’s best to provide a blanket at the foot of the bed for them.
Can a dog overheat under a blanket?
Dogs can overheat under a blanket. While it may seem comfortable, this usually isn’t the case. Even though the outside temperatures might be cold, if you cover your dog with a blanket, they will retain their body heat, leading to overheating.
What should I do if my dog tries to sleep under a blanket?
If you have your dog in bed with you, it’s best to remove the dog and discourage the behavior. Although we all like to snuggle with our pup, it can be dangerous, especially for smaller breeds who can get stuck under the covers.
Is my dog safe under a blanket?
Depending on their breed and health, there is always a risk of your dog suffocating under a blanket. It can happen in the blink of an eye, and it is something that we cannot change once it has happened.
Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog off of blankets. Some dogs, like smaller breeds, are more likely to suffer from this type of accident than larger dogs. If you feel the need to provide a blanket for your pet, make sure it’s at the foot of the bed where they can pull it up when they get too warm and fold it over themselves.
If your dog tries to get under a blanket, immediately pull it up and away from them so it can keep its head uncovered and breathe freely.
