Winter has officially arrived in most places and it is cold outside and inside. It is especially cold in Fido’s yard, if he has one. But even the nights indoors can get more chilly than usual, especially with cracks in doors and windows.
How can you keep Fido warm enough? There are fluffy dog beds, blankets for indoors, and little sweaters for them to wear, but they don’t always work.
Heated blankets work well for people, so it makes sense to let your fluffy kid use it too. Or does it? Here’s what experts have to say about dogs and heated blankets.
Can My Dog Use a Heated Blanket?
According to PetMD, heated blankets should never be used when a pet is alone or unless your dog is directly supervised. They also shouldn’t be used with certain breeds of dogs and cats that are more sensitive to changes in temperature. These breeds include English Bulldogs or Persian cats, as the heated blanket could cause them to get ill from the temperature change.
Here are some other dangers for pets and heated blankets:
Cords
The cords of an electric or heated blanket are a potential hazard for your dog. Your pup may chew on the electrical cord and get a chemical burn in their mouth. They could also suffer electrocution or noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (fluid-filled lungs that can cause death).
Bacteria
If you don’t wash your dog’s blanket frequently, bacteria can grow on it. The bacteria can then make your dog sick. Warm, wet, or dirty environments are a ripe breeding ground for bacteria, and heated blankets already have the warm part down.
Blanket Fibers
All dogs, especially puppies and dogs that tend to chew on everything, need to be closely monitored when around blankets. They may chew on the blankets and end up swallowing fragments or strings from it. This can cause an intestinal obstruction, which can be a vet emergency.
Entanglement
Your pup might get tangled up in the blanket. This in turn could cause it to panic and thrash around, which may end up causing injury. Also, if they’re up high on a couch or bed when panicking, they can get sprained or broken bones or other injuries. If your doggie is unable to get out of the blanket, it could even lead to suffocation. And that would be horrible indeed!
Supervising Your Dog and Heated Blanket
What if your dog has discovered the nice, warm benefits of a heated blanket? Should you keep them out of the room, or should you allow them to spend some happy time on their blankie?
Since it’s only recommended that your dog never be left alone with a heated blanket, there are some ways to guarantee they get some special blanket time while not being left alone:
Sharing cuddle time
The times when you and your pup are together are great moments to snuggle up with the heated blanket: It’s double the snuggles! That way, you can monitor the amount of time Fido has with the heated blanket, and you can ensure no accidents happen.
Having your pup in the room
You can allow your dog to spend time with the heated blanket while on their doggie bed near the couch. They can even snooze with it for a while, as long as you’re in the room and awake to monitor their time with it.
What About Other Blankets?
Although it isn’t recommended for Fido to use electric blankets, at least unsupervised, does that mean they need to be constantly watched with other types of blankets? Many dogs love to cuddle up under the covers, after all. It makes sense to give them their own blanket for their doggie bed or dog house, especially in the cold winter.
Here’s the scoop on other blankets:
Regular Blankets
Regular blankets can pose some of the same hazards as electric blankets. Namely, chewing on and swallowing blanket fibers, suffocating, and getting entangled. Is there any way to minimize these risks?
- Blankets made with microfiber or fleece are better choices for your pup. They are more difficult to be ripped or shredded, and are better when leaving your pet alone with the blanket.
- Avoid wool blankets. They can be itchy and give your dog skin sores from scratching.
- Wash the blanket in detergent that won’t cause your dog allergies. Your doggie can have sensitive skin too!
- Don’t use blankets with loose threading, tassels, or fringes as they can cause choking.
- Get blankets with breathable materials. If your dog does get tangled up, they will be less likely to suffocate.
- Ensure your pet doesn’t get overheated from the blanket and has room to get awayif needed.
- Don’t use a space heater near your pet and a blanket asit is a fire hazard.
Should a Blanket Be Used Outdoors?
If your pup lives outdoors most of the time, a blanket should be the perfect solution to have nearby on the porch or in the dog house. But is it?
Using a blanket outdoors for your dog has pros and cons. Blankets can end up causing dogs to become more susceptible to the cold. They get used to the warmth of the blanket, then have a hard time adjusting when away from it. However, they do provide warmth for your dog, and may be necessary in the coldest and harshest weather. Other options for outside dogs to keep warm are:
- Comfy pet beds with padding
- Warm doggie sweaters
- Your pup’s dog house floor can be elevated off the ground and covered with insulation.
- Layer your dog house floor or doggie bed with straw.
- Heated dog beds. Most models can be left safely plugged in 24/7 and pose no suffocation hazards.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are extremely popular and advertised everywhere. Are they safe for your pup to use?
Experts say no. Weighted blankets make it even harder for your pup to escape if they get entangled. Weighted blankets should never be used with your pet.
Final Thoughts
Blankets are a first thought when considering the best ways to keep your pup warm. But they do require due diligence and frequent washing when you’ve found the perfect fit. Always consider your environment, how long your pup is left alone during the day and night, and your doggie’s personality.
Then make the most educated choice that suits your doggie’s temperament and needs.