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Do you put a blanket over a dog crate? It can be a tough decision to make. Some people believe that dogs enjoy the comfort of their crate being covered up by a blanket while others feel it is cruel to cover and deprives them of fresh air.
Should You Put A Blanket Over A Dog Crate?
A crate should never be completely covered with a blanket as it can block airflow. However, partially covering a crate can be beneficial for dogs so long as you keep the blanket away from heat sources, out of reach from your dog, and ensure the fabric is breathable.
In this post we’ll discuss the pros and cons of putting a blanket on top of your dog’s crate and ultimately if it’s the right decision for you.
Table of Contents
Is It Safe To Use A Blanket To Cover A Dog Crate?
The main concern when using a blanket or anything else to cover a dog crate is if your dog will have enough airflow. In addition, you want to make sure that your dog can’t pull the blanket inside their crate and possibly ingest it.
You also want to avoid any possibilities of the blanket catching fire from an outlet or any other heat source near the crate. As long as you take these precautions into consideration, using a blanket to cover your dog’s crate is perfectly safe.
We cover more of the risks involved with covering a dog crate with a blanket below.
6 Reasons Covering A Dog Crate Is A Good Idea
1) Reduces Exposure To Loud Noises
Covering your dog’s crate with a blanket will help deafen the noise from the surrounding area.
This will help make your pups safe space even more of a sanctuary as they won’t have as many interruptions when napping.
This obviously won’t make their crate completely soundproof. But, it will definitely help reduce some noises like appliances, the television, thunderstorms, etc.
2) Increases Their Feeling Of Security
Your dog’s ancestors lived in dark dens before doggos were domesticated.
This is why dog’s feel secure in their crate-like dens. By placing a blanket over their crate it increases their feeling of security.
How does it do this? By making it darker, quieter, and warmer inside. Perfect to prolonged resting!
3) Acts As A Good Bedtime Que
Just like how we shut off the lights and get under the blankets is our bedtime que, placing a blanket over your dog’s crate can act as their bedtime que!
If you don’t want to have a blanket over their crate all the time, solely doing it at night time is great to help signal to them it’s time to go to sleep.
This trains them to gradually wind down when a blanket is placed over their crate.
4) Makes Falling Asleep Easier
Does your dog struggle with getting quality rest time?
With things in your home always being go go go, having a blanket to put over their crate can help them drown out the distractions and get some quality R&R.
A darkened crate will help send signals to their mind and body that it’s time to rest. Just like when our bodies naturally release melatonin as the sun goes down.
You can manually help them become more relaxed and ready for a nap by placing a blanket over their crate.
5) Contributes To Reducing Anxiety
Whether you should cover a dog crate with a blanket depends on the type of anxiety your dog is experiencing.
A lack of visual stimuli can help reduce their fear.
Or, if they are struggling to fall asleep, it can be the difference between them finally falling asleep or staying awake (and potentially keeping you awake!).
6) Helps Considerably Vocal Dogs Remain Quiet/Calm
People often use a blanket to cover up their dog’s kennel when they aren’t home.
Dogs that don’t get as much visual stimulation from outside their crate makes them less likely to bark at things or be excited by motion.
A blanket draped over the top while they spend time in their crate prevents them from developing any stress issues that may negatively impact their health, happiness, and well-being.
Dangers When Covering A Crate With A Blanket
Less Oxygen Flow When Crate Is Covered
Before covering the crate with a blanket, you should check what the blanket is made of for any signs of insulating materials like fleece.
Materials similar to fleece don’t allow air circulation to flow through properly. The material of the blanket used needs to be breathable in order for it to function properly.
Synthetic or winter blankets won’t work nearly as well because they trap heat within their fibers.
A blanket is the best way to insulate a dog crate indoors, but always leave at least one side of the crate uncovered.
This ensures adequate ventilation and prevents your dog from feeling suffocated in their crate.
Your Dog Could Overheat
Now while we’ve shared above that having a blanket over their crate will help keep them warm and cozy, we don’t want to overdue it.
If it’s a hot day and the sun is shining on their crate, the added use of a blanket could cause your pup to overheat.
Dog’s have a more difficult time releasing heat from their body as they don’t sweat as humans do.
And some dog breeds (called brachycephalic dog breeds) have an even harder time releasing heat than other breeds.
Several of these dog breeds are pugs, boxers, boston terriers, and french bulldogs to name a few.
So when it comes to adding a blanket, make sure you take into account your dog’s breed and the temperature outside.
And if they’re showing signs of overheating (i.e., lethargic, vomiting or diarrhea), remove the blanket immediately!
What Is The Right Size Of Blanket To Cover A Crate?
The size of the blanket you need to cover the crate will depend on the size of your dog crate. For example, if you have a small dog crate, you won’t need a king size blanket to drape over the top.
You want the blanket to cover most of the crate while leaving the door open for ventilation. Some people even use a slightly smaller blanket that doesn’t quite reach the floor. This is so there is extra venting near the bottom of the crate.
However, if your dog is known chew things, you might want the blanket to reach the floor and even warp around the bottom. This way your dog can’t grab onto the edge of the blanket and start chewing.
If you have a large dog crate, you may need to use two blankets or get a larger blanket to cover the entire crate.
How To Acclimate Your Dog To A Covered Crate
Whether you’re using a crate cover for the first time or trying out a new one, here are some things to remember when transitioning your dog to their new crate setup.
Start Off Slow
If you’re starting to use a crate cover with your dog, begin by only covering part of the crate. You can do this by folding the blanket on itself or draping it over just one side of the crate.
This way, they can still see what’s happening around them and become more accustomed to the darkness.
Place A Favorite Toy Or Treat Inside
To help make the covered crate more appealing, place a favorite toy or treat inside before adding the blanket.
This positive association will help your dog feel more comfortable with their new crate setup.
Don’t Leave Them Covered For Too Long At First
When using a crate cover, only leave them covered for short periods. This could be a few minutes before gradually increasing the amount of time.
Monitor Their Behavior Closely
Be sure to monitor your dog closely when first using a crate cover. Look for any signs of distress, such as pacing, whining, or barking. If they seem uncomfortable, remove the blanket and try another day again.
Some dogs prefer a completely covered crate, while others prefer an open one. It’s important to experiment to see what works best for your dog and makes them the most comfortable.
Have Patience
As with anything new, it will take time for your dog to get used to their crate being covered. So it’s important to have patience and not force them into it if they show signs of stress.
Related Reading: What To Do If Your Dog Cries In The Crate | Simple Tricks
What’s The Best Dog Crate Cover?
It doesn’t take much to cover your dog’s crate. Old blankets are affordable and make a quick fix if you’re not too picky about your pet’s bedding.
But, they aren’t the most attractive or healthful option for your pup.
Alternatively, a dog crate cover is specially-designed to fit snugly over a dog crate.
The covers prevent blankets from turning into chew toys if pulled through the wire openings.
Additionally, a commercial dog crate cover items provide comfortable airflow as some of them are designed with multiple openings on one side or frontside.
If you’d like to go the extra mile. The best crate cover in our opinion is the Explore Land Dog Crate Cover.
Best Crate Cover: Explore Land Dog Crate Cover
The Explore Land Easy-to-install Pet Crate Tent provides comfort and protection against the wind and sun for pet traveling, going to the vet or simply for when they’re hanging out in their crate.
It has two entrances and a top zipper that can be used with a carry handle if wanted.
The mesh window/flap can be adjusted according to your preference giving visibility and fresh air enjoyed depending on weather conditions! Oh, and it also has a One YEAR warranty!
Explore Land Dog Crate Cover Key Features:
- Easy to install
- Plenty of visibility and ventilation accessibility if desired
- 1 year warranty
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Should A Dog’s Crate Be Covered?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, as each dog is different. For example, some dogs prefer a completely covered crate, while others do better with an open crate. It’s important to experiment to see what works best for your dog and makes them the most comfortable.
What Is The Best Way To Cover A Dog Crate?
The best way to cover a dog crate is with a blanket or a specific cover designed for crates. This will help keep your pup warm and cozy while also blocking out any outside stimuli that could be causing them anxiety. Be sure to leave at least one side of the crate uncovered to ensure adequate ventilation.
What To Do If Your Dog Hates Having His Crate Covered
If your dog hates having his crate covered, don’t cover it! Trying to force them into it will only cause them more stress. Instead, try leaving the crate open or only covering part of it. You can also try placing a favorite toy or treat inside the crate to make it more appealing. However, some dogs may always dislike it when their crate is covered. In this case, it’s best to leave it open.
Does Putting A Blanket Over A Dog Crate Help?
A blanket over a dog crate can help some dogs feel more comfortable and relaxed. It can also help block out any outside stimuli that may be causing them anxiety. However, not all dogs like having their crate covered, which could give them more anxiety. Therefore, it’s important to experiment to see what works best for your dog.
What Kind Of Crate Needs A Cover?
Any crate that is fully visible to the outside world may need a cover. For example, wire crates and some metal crates have no privacy unless covered. On the flip side, some plastic crates are already partially covered, so they will not need an additional cover.
Final Thoughts
Putting a blanket over a dog crate comes with a variety of benefits as well as some pitfalls that you need to be mindful of.
As long as you’re making sure your pup isn’t getting too warm in their crate there’s no problem with using a crate cover or blanket.
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