You love your weighted blanket because it has can help relieve your stress and anxiety – now you want one for your fur baby too!
But… Is a weighted blanket safe for pets? After all, dogs and cats are different from humans. How would they react to these heavy blankets??
You would not believe the incredible benefits of weighted blankets to help calm anxiety in dogs… More on this later!
What Are Weighted Blankets?
Are Weighted Blankets Safe For Dogs to Sleep Under?
Number #1: The Size Of Your Dog
Number #2: Weight
Number #3: Dogs That Chew!
Number #4: Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Do Weighted Blankets Work For Dogs?
Common signs of anxiety in pets:
- Excessive barking or whining
- Panting
- Salivating excessively
- Pacing or restlessness
- Trembling or shaking
- Hiding or cowering
- Decreased appetite
- More destructive behaviors
- More isolating
Situations that induce anxiety in pets:
- Loud noises like Fireworks displays or Thunderstorms
- Car rides
- Moving to a new home
- Separation from their owner
You should use a weighted blanket if your pet shows one or more of these signs to ease their anxiety. Weighted blankets can be especially helpful if they suffer from separation anxiety.
The Best Weighted Blanket for Dogs
Provide your dog with the most cozy and comforting solution to their anxiety – weighted blankets!
We’ve done the research for you and found the best weighted blankets for dogs available on the market. Our best pick is Pawfect Blanket – Weighted Dog Blanket.
We’ve also created a buyer’s guide following these reviews to help you choose the best weighted blanket tailored to your pet.
Top Picks of Weighted Blanket For Dogs: Overview
Best Overall – Pawfect Blanket – Weighted Dog Blanket
Best Runner Up – MAXTID Toddler Weighted Blanket
Best Value – Hypnoser Weighted Blanket
Best Style – ROKDUK Weighted Lap Pads
Best For Winter – LaSyL Weighted Dog Blankets
PROS
CONS
- Number 1 on Amazon for weighted blankets for dogs
- Hypoallergenic Glass Beads
- Made with minky soft fabric
- 100% MACHINE WASHABLE
- Three different sizes (2,4,6 lb) to cater for different sized dogs
- It is not waterproof
- Light colors only
The Pawfect Weighted Dog Blanket our best overall weighted blanket as the top-selling weighted blankets for dogs on Amazon. It is made premium mink – softer and thicker than cotton, microfiber, sherpa, or fleece and is fluffy and comfy. Most importantly, it’s machine washable. Some humans even claim that it is better made than their own weighted blankets! There are many sizes for different sized dogs, and the blanket is available in light colors only. The main drawback of this blanket is that it is not waterproof.
PROS
CONS
- Smaller weighted blanket pockets = even weight distribution
- Wide range of choices for weight and sizes
- Some complaints of blanket being too warm
- Rare reports of beads falling out
The MAXTID Toddler Weighted Blanket is a good option for those looking for a weighted blanket for their pet. It comes with a wide range of weight choices for the biggest and smallest pup. It’s fuss free for dog owners as it is so easy to fold and wash. The blanket is made with minky fleece on one side and cotton on the other – which may not be best for dogs with sensory needs. There are also complaints of temperature regulation and quality issues which are rarely reported.
PROS
CONS
- 100% premium breathable fabric
- 30-day money back guarantee & 7-year free mending
- Best value for money
- Colder fabric with microfibre
- Colder fabric with microfibre
The Hypnoser Weighted Blanket is made with 100% premium breathable Microfiber fabric ensures that you stay cool and comfortable all night long, while the 4 loops on the inside corners keep it securely attached to your duvet cover. It’s filled with clear glass beads, most have been satisfied with no beads leakage. And if that wasn’t enough, they offer our customers a 30-day money back guarantee and a 7-year free mending policy (not including shipping costs).
PROS
CONS
- Many different styles to choose from
- Different design on each side of the blanket
- 30 days return policy if quality issues
- Only comes in two weights - 2,3 lbs
- Slightly different color as advertised
The most stylish weighted blanket for dogs is ROKDUK Weighted Lap Pads. They are made of 1800TC Blush Microfiber Fabric which is soft and skin-friendly. The lap pad is completely portable, making it perfect for any anxious provoking situation – from car rides to trips to the vet. If you’re not happy with your purchase for any reason, they can replace it free of charge within 30 days.
PROS
CONS
- Comes in 3 sizes for big, medium and small dogs
- Neat stitches and durable
- Only comes in one style
- Least reviews compared to others
The LaSyL Weighted Dog Blanket is made of soft minky dot fabric and features a cute star pattern on the other side. The only downside being this is the only design you can choose from. It’s also known as the furry thunder blanket, because it allows pets to snuggle up when they’re anxious or scared. Best of all, the LaSyL Weighted Dog Blanket is machine washable and won’t shrink or fade. Plus, their 24-hour customer service team is always here to help if you have any questions or problems.
Alternatives To Weighted Blankets For Pets:
If you are worried about weighted blankets for your pet, there are some alternatives that you could try.
There are a variety of different products on the market that can provide your pet with similar benefits to a weighted blanket. One option is a burrowing cave or covered bed. Sometimes your furry friends just like to have a little cover over their shelter, these provide just what they need.
Hug-like thundershirts are another popular alternative to weighted blankets. These are weighted vests that are placed around your dog’s chest to provide similar pressure. There have been studies that show that these kinds of products can reduce anxiety in pets.
You should pick the product that works best for your pet and gives them a sense of security and calmness. If weighted blankets are too risky to use with pets who suffer from certain disorders, you will need to look into these options first.
Conclusion
It is safe for dogs to sleep under weighted blanket, provided you have considered the 4 factors mentioned above.
If you’re looking for a way to calm your anxious pup, weighted blankets may just be the answer. They work on humans with anxiety and it is thought that they can help dogs as well.
Our top recommendation is Pawfect Blanket – Weighted Dog Blanket.
If you’re on the hunt for a weighted blanket for your anxious pet, be sure to read our guide first.
It will give you all the information you need to make an informed purchase as well as pros and cons of different types of weighted blankets..
FAQ
Can my dog sleep under my weighted blanket?
Your dog can sleep under your weighted blanket if it weighs the same as you. However, if your dog is significantly heavier or lighter than you, it’s not recommended that they share the blanket with you.
A weighted blanket should be evenly distributed across your body to provide the right amount of pressure and warmth. Too much or too little weight can actually be harmful, so it’s best to consult a vet before using one.
Can weighted blankets hurt dogs?
If you have a small dog or have medical conditions then weighted blankets can hurt these dogs.
However, for the majority of pet owners, a weighted blanket is a safe and effective way to help their furry friend relax and fall asleep.
Just be sure to always use caution when selecting the weight of your blanket and monitor how your pet likes it!
Can a weighted blanket suffocate a dog?
Yes, a weighted blanket can potentially suffocate a small dog. Dogs with brachiocephalic head shapes (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus) are at an increased risk of suffocation because they have narrower airways that can easily be blocked by a weighted blanket.
