Are Weighted Blankets Good For your Dog?

FIRST, HOW DOES A WEIGHTED BLANKET WORK?

The idea is that the weight of the blanket creates deep pressure stimulation, which calms the nervous system.

According to Penn Medicine, weighted blankets can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders, and autism in people.

Doctors at UCLA health wrote:

Studies looking into weighted blankets over the years have observed a range of potential benefits. These include easing insomnia in adults living with depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders; lowering anxiety in some children with mental health disorders; and improving sleep in older adults living in a nursing home. The researchers noted that while using a weighted blanket, the participants in their studies were able to fall asleep more easily, woke less frequently during the night and felt an increased sense of calm during the day.

ARE WEIGHTED BLANKETS THEN GOOD FOR DOGS WITH ANXIETY?

Weighted blankets would be perfect for an anxious dog, in my opinion!

Why? Weighted blankets increase serotonin and decrease cortisol, which would absolutely calm a nervous pup. I suspect that’s why Roxy likes sharing my weighted blanket with me. She suffers from a lot of anxiety, and I’ve noticed she actively chooses to crawl under my blanket with me at night. She settles right away and drops off to sleep. I truly believe it soothes her as much as it soothes me!

IS IT SAFE FOR A DOG TO SLEEP UNDER A WEIGHTED BLANKET?

Only if it’s a low weight and your dog can get out from underneath the blanket without any difficulty, and I’d recommend brachycephalic dog breeds check with their vet before using a weighted blanket.

I would definitely NOT suggest you leave a weighted blanket out for your pup, especially if your dog is crated or tends to chew things up because a lot of weighted blankets are made of glass beads so if your pup is a chewer you don't want to take the risk of them ingesting them. If your dog does consumes some of the beads, call your vet immediately.

IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING A WEIGHTED BLANKET FOR YOUR DOG (OR YOURSELF!) HERE ARE SOME TO CONSIDER:

One big tip: Make sure it’s machine washable or has a removable, washable cover! The last thing you want is a big, heavy blanket for your dog that can’t go through the washing machine! With that said, here are three great choices from Amazon and three great choices from Etsy:

Alomidds Weighted Blanket, 5 pounds: Found on Amazaon, this one comes in lots of colors, so you could match it to your own decor.

YnM Knitted Weighted Blanket, 15 pounds: One of the heavier choices, it’s also the prettiest. Plus, So cute and also found on Amazon or you can visit their website ynmhome.com.

BARMY Weighted Blanket for Dogs: This can be found on Amazaon and is the only one specifically “for dogs.” Does that matter? No, but it does come in a size much, much smaller than the rest, so if you have a tiny dog or a dog with a short snout, this could be a great option for you!

PinkUnicornStudio weighted blanket: The most expensive option on the list, but it’s also a statement. If you want a handmade blanket that makes your bed or couch look super luxe, this is the choice for you and your dog.

CalmingCollectiveLLC : I linked to one choice in this etsy shop that is beautiful, but they have sooooo many. I promise if you click around their choices, you’ll find one you adore. Mine is similar to this: soft and fluffy on one side and a print on the other.

Cuddledown: This one is listed as a rare find on Etsy, and it’s my absolute favorite design of all I’ve shared. It’s bright and colorful and weight starts at a pet-friendly four pounds.

WOULD YOU GIVE A WEIGHTED BLANKET A TRY?

For you or your pup? I highly recommend it for decreased stress and improved sleep… for both you and your dog. Let me know in the comments.