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Do Dogs Like Blankets? Why Most Do (and When They Don't)
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Quick answer: Yes, most dogs like blankets. A blanket gives them warmth, a den-like feeling of safety and a familiar scent that helps them settle. Small, short-haired, young and senior dogs tend to love burrowing under them, while thick-coated breeds like Huskies often prefer to lie on top of a blanket or skip it entirely. The key is giving your dog the choice to get under it or move off it.
Why Dogs Like Blankets
- Den instinct. Dogs' ancestors raised pups in dens. A blanket to burrow under recreates that small, enclosed, safe space.
- Warmth. Blankets trap body heat, which matters most for small dogs, thin coats, puppies and older dogs with stiff joints. See how cold is too cold for dogs.
- Comfort and scent. A blanket that smells like home or like you is calming, especially during storms, travel, vet visits or time alone.
- Nesting. Digging, circling and bunching up a blanket are natural ways dogs make a comfortable bed. More on that in why dogs scratch their beds.
- Softness. A plush blanket on a couch or floor is simply more comfortable than a bare surface.
Which Dogs Like Blankets Most?
| Usually love blankets (often burrow under) | Often prefer to lie on top or skip them |
|---|---|
| Dachshunds, Jack Russell and other terriers, Beagles (bred to go to ground) | Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds |
| Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Whippets, Greyhounds | Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees |
| Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with arthritis | Chow Chows, Akitas and other heavy double coats |
| Anxious dogs and rescues settling into a new home | Any dog in a warm house or warm climate |
Personality matters as much as breed. Watch what your dog does when you offer one.
Signs Your Dog Wants a Blanket
- Nosing under your covers or couch cushions
- Curling into a tight ball with their nose tucked in
- Shivering or seeking warm spots near heaters or sunny windows
- Dragging towels, clothes or blankets into their bed
- Digging and circling before lying down
If your dog kicks the blanket away, sleeps stretched out on cool tile or pants at night, they're warm enough. Try a cooling option instead (see below).
Is It Safe to Cover Your Dog with a Blanket?
For healthy adult dogs who can move freely, yes, as long as you follow a few rules:
- Use a breathable blanket and never tuck it in tightly or block your dog's way out.
- Skip human weighted blankets. They can be too heavy for a dog to move out from under.
- Take extra care with flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Frenchies, Bulldogs), very young puppies and frail seniors, who can overheat or struggle to reposition.
- Watch for chewing. Puppies and heavy chewers can swallow fabric. Supervise until you know your dog leaves the blanket alone.
Choosing the Right Blanket for Your Dog
| Blanket type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece | Cheap, light, crate use | Pills and grabs hair |
| Faux fur | Burrowers, cold-natured dogs, couch and bed use | Needs cold wash and low heat (see how to wash faux fur) |
| Waterproof (faux fur or short fur top) | Dogs on furniture, puppies, seniors with accidents, muddy paws | Skip fabric softener so the lining keeps working |
| Cooling | Thick-coated or hot-natured dogs, summer, warm homes | Not for dogs who are already cold |
| Sherpa | Warmth with a lighter weight | Mats if dried on high heat |
Paw blankets we carry
| Blanket | Good for | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PupProtector Waterproof Throw Blanket | Burrowers who sleep on the couch or your bed; plush Original or Luxe fur | Original, Large | $99 to $239 |
| PupProtector Short Fur Waterproof Throw | Heavy shedders; easiest to keep hair-free | 60" x 50", 80" x 62" | $79 to $99 |
| PupProtector Waterproof Bed Runner | Dogs who sleep at the foot of your bed | 90" x 30", 109" x 30" | $99 to $189 |
| PupChill Cooling Waterproof Blanket | Huskies, double coats and dogs who run hot | Original, Large | $169 to $189 |
All four have a waterproof layer and are machine washable. Shop them all in waterproof dog blankets and couch covers, or see cooling dog beds and blankets for dogs who overheat.
Tip for burrowers: pair a blanket with a raised-rim bed. The Paw PupPouf Faux Fur Donut Dog Bed ($139, 22" x 22" x 8") gives small dogs a nest to tuck a blanket into. See more fluffy dog beds.
How to Introduce a New Blanket
- Rub it on your clothes or sleep with it for a night so it smells like you.
- Put it where your dog already likes to rest instead of a new spot.
- Toss a treat or favorite toy on it and praise your dog for lying there.
- Leave one corner loose so burrowers can find their way under.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs like to be covered by a blanket?
Many do, especially small, short-haired and burrowing breeds. Others prefer to lie on top. Drape it loosely and let your dog decide. If they wriggle out right away, they'd rather not be covered.
Should you cover your dog at night?
Only if your dog wants it. Leave a blanket in their bed so they can pull it over or crawl under it themselves. That way they can uncover if they get too warm.
Do dogs need blankets at night?
Not always. Small, thin-coated, young and senior dogs, and dogs sleeping on cold floors, benefit most. Thick-coated dogs in a warm house usually don't need one.
Where should dogs sleep at night in the house?
A quiet, draft-free spot away from exterior doors and heat vents, on a supportive bed. Many dogs sleep best in or near their owner's bedroom. If your dog sleeps on your bed, a waterproof bed runner keeps the comforter clean.
Why does my dog dig at blankets before lying down?
It's instinctive nesting. Wild dogs dug and circled to flatten grass and make a safe, comfortable spot. Your dog is doing the same with the blanket.
Why does my dog suck on blankets?
Blanket sucking is a self-soothing habit, often seen in dogs weaned early and in some breeds like Dobermans. It's usually harmless, but talk to your vet if your dog swallows fabric or does it obsessively.
Can a dog suffocate under a blanket?
It's very unlikely for a healthy adult dog who can move freely under a breathable blanket. Use lighter blankets for puppies, frail seniors and flat-faced breeds, and never use a heavy weighted blanket on a dog.
The Bottom Line
Most dogs like blankets for warmth, security and comfort, but every dog is different. Offer one, let your dog choose how to use it and match the blanket to your dog: plush and warm for burrowers, cooling for dogs who run hot. Shop dog blankets or the full Paw collection.
Not sure which blanket or size to pick? Call us at 737-215-3211 or email support@puppyfeverpro.com. We ship nationwide.
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