Why Does My Dog Sleep Under the Covers?

Did you know that your dog’s affinity to the covers is literally in their blood? A dog’s natural burrowing instincts have led domesticated dogs to seek our covers!

Does your dog like to come to cuddle under the covers with you? This might be a natural instinct passed down from his ancestors. Breeds like dachshunds, huskies, and terriers have traditionally been burrowed for hunting and for keeping warm. These traits have been passed down through generations. However, other factors play in like comfort, warmth, and pack instinct.

Do all dogs like to sleep under the covers?

Not every dog will enjoy sleeping under the covers with you. Like humans, different dogs have different preferences when it comes to comforts. Most dogs will enjoy being under the covers from time to time; either for comfort, out of the natural instinct to burrow, to escape an anxiety inducer, or simply to be close to their human best friend!

How can my dog sleep all night under the covers and not suffocate?

 

It may come as a surprise to you but your dog won’t suffocate under the covers. Dogs are extremely sensitive to being restricted. If your dog is uncomfortable under the covers he will start to thrash or panic and wiggle his way out. It’s important to not tuck your sheets to tights on the side so he has an easy way to get out. That being said: check on your dog if he is a tiny breed or still a puppy. Can dogs overheat under blankets?

 

It’s important to monitor your dogs when under a blanket. For the most part, a dog won’t let itself overheat under blankets. Just like us, a dog will kick off a blanket or wiggle out if he’s uncomfortable under it. But it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to check on him. Is he panting? Overly warm to the touch? Take the blanket off him.

The material of the blanket itself is also important. Most humans change their bedsheets from something heavier in the winter to cooler in the summer. If you think your dog is too warm under a quilt in June try getting a sheet for him instead. This will satisfy his burrowing instinct but give him a cooler, more breathable, way to enjoy it. What are the dog breeds that like to sleep under the covers?

Sleeping under the covers may just be a matter of preference for some dogs. However, some breeds are more likely to want to sleep under covers. This all has to do with instincts that have been passed down through breeds throughout generations. Huskies, who traditionally, have lived in harsh winter-like climes, are likely to have a burrowing instinct. This comes from their ancestors burrowing in the snow to keep warm.

 

Smaller breeds will also sleep under the covers. Dachshunds and small terriers were traditionally bred as hunting dogs. They would tunnel into animal dens to find rabbits and foxes for their masters.

 

Breeds with a thinner coat like Whippets or Greyhounds may want to sleep under the covers. This has little to do with burrowing instinct and more to do with being cold-natured.

Why does my dog sleep under the covers at my feet or between my legs?

 

Dogs are naturally pack animals. They like to feel close to their pack. It makes them feel safe! When your dog sleeps under the covers near your feet or at least touching you it’s because you’re part of its pack! Your presence also provides a sense of comfort and security to your little friend.

Why does my dog growl under the covers?

There are many reasons why your dog might growl while under the covers. He might be instinctually guarding his resource. The blanket is a safe place for him and he’s worried you might be taking it. Alternatively, he might be afraid of being under the blanket and might need some help getting out or something triggered a startle response in him. Getting woken up suddenly can startle a dog enough to make them growl.

Why does my dog sleep under the covers next to me?

Your dog loves you and wants to be close to you. It could be that you make him feel safe and protected or, he wants to keep you safe. It’s completely natural for a dog to not want to sleep alone. Traditionally dogs and their wolf ancestors were pack animals and most dogs are born in litters where the puppies cuddle together.

Why does my dog sleep on top of the covers?

Not every dog will want to be tucked in at night. Sometimes a dog will simply want to sleep above the covers. It could be that your dog doesn’t like the blankets, the blankets are too warm, uncomfortable, or he’s afraid to be in a position where he can’t see his surroundings. Pay attention to your dog’s preferences and never force him under the covers. Give your dog the respect of being able to choose. He knows what he needs.

 

Why does my dog go under the covers at night?

 

Dogs go under the covers at night for a variety of reasons. Most of the time it’s because they’re ready to go to sleep. The covers provide a safe place to sleep. It dulls noises like the TV, traffic, or fireworks. Plus, as we discovered earlier it’s literally in their blood! Depending on your dog’s breed they might have a natural instinct to burrow just like their ancestors.

Do dogs like to be covered up with a blanket?

Not every dog will like being covered up with a blanket but most will. Try letting your dog in bed with you and see if they come under the covers or try tucking your friend under a blanket when they’re in their crate. Remember that not every dog is the same and if they seem scared give them space.

11 reasons why your dog sleeps under the covers

1. It’s natural instinct for them to do so.
2. It’s warm under the blankets.
3. It smells like you.
4. They want to feel part of the pack by sleeping with you and/or your partner.
5. They’re anxious and need a place to feel safe.
6. He wants to sleep near you to protect you.
7. He has separation anxiety.
8. There are loud sounds happening (fireworks, sirens, traffic) and he wants to escape them.
9. It’s more comfortable under the covers than in their bed.
10. It smells like him and feels like his territory.
11. He feels affectionate towards you.

7 things to do if your dog sleeps under the covers

 

1. Make the covers seasonally appropriate. (Sheets in summer, heavier blankets in winter)
2. Monitor him for signs of overheating. (Panting, whining, too warm to the touch)
3. Leave him a way to get out. (Don’t tuck the sheets in tightly on the sides)
4. Don’t wrap the blanket tightly around him.
5. If you don’t want your dog in your bed provide a blanket for his bed.
6. If this trait is sudden consider taking him to a vet. Especially if he’s shaking/trembling. This could be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
7. Make sure their bed is warm and comfortable enough for him.

References

 

Why Does My Dog Crawl Under The Covers?

 

https://lifehacker.com/sleeping-under-the-covers-wont-suffocate-your-dog-1822235539

 

https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/blanket-safety-pets