Disclaimer: Petyfied does not recommend keeping your dogs under a blanket. However, in certain circumstances of extreme cold or anxiety, if you must: This blog is strictly to educate and elaborate on how dogs can breathe under a blanket for a limited time.
You might have wondered how dogs manage to breathe comfortably when they snuggle under blankets or in tight spaces. Without knowing the science behind it, you might worry that the fluffy boy is uncomfortable or struggling to get air.
In this guide, I’m gonna break down how dogs can breathe under blankets without any issues. By the end, you’ll understand these snuggle bugs and know not to stress – your good boy can cozy up without breathing problems.
The following blog will discuss how a dog breathes under certain circumstances. But first, let’s talk about why dogs like to be under blankets.
Reasons Why Dogs Sleep Under the Covers
There are multiple reasons why dogs prefer sleeping under a blanket. But, surprisingly, most dogs prefer sleeping under the covers rather than above them.
Instinct
Your dog loves to take shelter due to instinct. When traveling or hunting, dogs like being out in the open; However, when it is time to rest, they want to seek shelter. Therefore, they lay under a blanket.
Anxiety
Dogs feel anxious while resting outside. They need a safe place to rest stress-free. Putting these factors into perspective, dogs prefer sleeping under covers.
Warmth
Sometimes your dog wants a little warmth. During winter, you are not the only one feeling cold. Even if your dog is not feeling cold, your pup may want to lay in a blanket only to get additional heat.
Can My Dog Breathe Under the Blankets?
Most people ask me the question, ‘My dog likes to sleep under the covers; can he breathe?’ The answer is YES. Our dogs can breathe under the blanket. This is not just an opinion. It is scientifically proven, and here is how:
Blankets are porous
When dogs put their heads inside the covers, they can still breathe. How is that possible? Blankets have pores in them, making it easier for air to pass. Have you ever dropped water on your covers? You might have seen that blankets soak liquids quickly since water molecules fit easily between the blanket’s fibers. However, air molecules are even smaller than water molecules. Hence, they pass even more rapidly.
Dogs Require Less Oxygen than Humans.
Unlike humans, dogs require a lesser amount of oxygen. Humans need a lot of intake of oxygen to survive. However, that is not the case with dogs. Your canine can stay on just a tiny amount of oxygen.
Dogs Can Endure Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Dogs differ from humans in their increased ability to intake carbon dioxide because we humans can not breathe much carbon dioxide in our respiratory process. In contrast, dogs can intake CO2 in excessive amounts. Hence, dogs can sleep and breathe under the blankets more efficiently than humans.
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Can Dogs Breathe and Sleep Under the Blankets?
We all have asked this question ourselves at least once. Well, guess what? The answer is simple. Yes, dogs can breathe and sleep under blankets, while humans cannot because humans have a REM sleep cycle. Dogs, on the opposite, do not have a REM sleep cycle. Hence, dogs have a relatively lighter sleep. Therefore, it is easier for dogs to wake up while sleeping if there is a lack of oxygen or difficulty breathing.
Based on these reasons, dogs breathe easier than humans. In addition, humans need much oxygen while sleeping, while dogs need little oxygen. Therefore, dogs can live longer under blankets.
Can Puppies Breathe Under Blankets
There are multiple layers to this question. Therefore, it would be best if you had a couple of things sorted out before you decide on this. First, yes, puppies can breathe under blankets. But that does not mean we let our puppies sleep under blankets unattended. Second, puppies are more sensitive than dogs. Thus, they require more attention than their adults.
It would be best if you never left puppies unattended under blankets. There is a probability that the pup might suffocate. A grown adult dog can live without the intake of oxygen easily. However, small puppies are still developing. So even though they can breathe under blankets, you should ensure they do not.
Another reason why letting pups sleep under blankets is dangerous is that puppies are not as bright as adult dogs. As a result, a pup may panic when it gets too warm and cannot act accordingly. Hence, the puppy may suffocate during this challenging situation.
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Can Dogs Suffocate Under Blankets?
Many people wonder whether their dog will suffocate under a blanket or not. It is implausible for fully grown dogs to suffocate under blankets. As mentioned above, dogs need less oxygen than humans or other animals. Despite this, ensure the sheets are not tightly wrapped around them. Closed-in sheets can make it slightly tricky for dogs to breathe.
As long as the air keeps going into the lungs of the dogs, they will not suffocate.
Should I Stop My Dog From Sleeping Under the Sheets?
It all depends on you. After all, it is your pet. You can choose to let it sleep under a blanket or not. But first, you must see whether your dog sleeps comfortably under the sheets. If you feel sleeping under the sheets makes your dog exhausted, you should keep it from sleeping under a cover.
Apart from breathing, there are other hygiene reasons why you might want to stop your dog from sleeping under the sheets. For example, dogs bring a lot of dirt into the bed. Therefore, some people do not like letting their dogs sleep with them. If you are one of them, you should tactfully forbid your dog from lying under or over the sheets.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Going Under The Blanket?
While dogs love hiding in a blanket, you can use different ways to make them sleep under a cover less often. After all, we know that dogs can also disturb your sleep cycle. Therefore, you might have multiple reasons to stop your dog from taking such dire risks.
Here are ways to stop your dog from lying under the blanket:
Set Up a New Sleeping Spot For Your Dog
Instead of banishing your dog from the bed and leaving it to find its new spot, try setting up a comfortable place. It is insensitive to leave the dog alone without making any effort for your canine. Your bud deserves love and attention from you. Therefore, try to put effort into setting up a new sleeping spot. Make sure the place is safe for your canine.
Some dogs love napping near us. In such cases, you can set up a spot within your room. Of course, if your room has ample space, this will be possible for you.
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Offer Treats To Your Dog.
The safety of your dog should be your topmost priority. Puppies should avoid sleeping under blankets. Hence, try your best to make them sleep in a safe spot. You can encourage your dog to sleep in a safer area by offering them treats. Your dog might feel more validated if you provide treats.
Puppies and children have one thing in common. They are likelier to listen to you if you give them treats and love. As a result, they will pay more attention to you and take you seriously.
Final Thoughts
To summarize everything, adult dogs can easily breathe under sheets. In comparison, puppies have a hard time doing that. So, whatever you do, ensure your dog is comfortable with it. For example, let your under a blanket if it breathes fine. If not, remove the covering and try substituting the feeling through other means. But all in all, take care of your dogs and their needs. They need us.