Can My Pet Use My Weighted Blanket? Your Fur Baby Wants To Know

You know your pet better than anyone else. You’ve probably dubbed him or her the “cutest in the world” and you probably talk to them in that high-pitched baby voice when they greet you at the door. You can also probably tell when they’re happy, when they’re bored and, of course, when they’re stressed. Sometimes it may be anticipated, like by a trip to the vet, and sometimes it may not be. But when it comes to our furry little friends, we can’t help but always want the best for them. Which is why it’s so difficult to see them upset or worried and feel like there’s absolutely nothing we can do. It can be quite… ruff, if you will.

Until recently, there haven’t been many solutions to help soothe our pets during restless times. We’ve had to sit back (in agony ourselves likely) and simply wait for it to pass. But us humans aren’t the only ones who need some extra comfort every now and then, and we can actually look to some of the same tools we use to provide relief to our stressed-out pets. A good place to start is with a sturdy, durable dog bed that your pup can call their own at the end of a long day. Our Pupper Pod is a great option for small and medium dogs looking for anxiety relief.

And to take that calming cocoon to the next level, a weighted blanket might even be helpful for your dog.

Like a weighted blanket, for example after all, loads of research has confirmed the positive benefits one can have on the body, especially when it pertains to the nervous system. However, you may be wondering if they’re safe for your best friend.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe For Pets?

You can use a weighted blanket with your pet, but if you have a small-to-mid-sized dog or a cat be careful not to let your fur baby bury itself under the blanket alone or unsupervised. It could be too much weight for them to absorb on their own.

Otherwise, weighted blankets can be an excellent way to help relieve their anxiety, just as it can be for us. Known to increase serotonin and decrease cortisol, they provide instant relaxation that’s both physical and mental. Of course, the use of one will depend on the symptoms your pet is showing and the root of their anxiety.

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Common signs of anxiety in pets

Physical Signs

Animals often show physical signs of anxiety, which can come in the form of barking, panting, trembling, tail-tucking, tail-chasing, hiding or pacing back and forth.

Increased Sleeping

If you find that your usually-active pet is sleeping more often than before, it may mean they’re stressed out or sick.

Isolation

If you find that your pet is continuously isolating itself, this strange behavior may mean they’re feeling anxious (or that you’re a really annoying pet owner).

Photo by mrkevindoodle on Instagram

Destructive Behavior

Distressed animals are often more destructive when they’re left alone. This can be a telltale sign of separation anxiety.

Decreased Appetite

Just like humans, your pet may show a decrease in appetite when they’re feeling stressed.

The actual cause of anxiety amongst pets can be due to a wide variety of factors. It’s tricky. Sometimes it’s situational and sometimes it’s merely based on personality (look further into your specific breed if you think this may be the case). Either way, when considering how to help your dog or cat defeat their jitters, it’s important to know and understand the source of where they’re coming from. Here are some common circumstances that may be causing your pet to feel distressed, and how a weighted blanket can help.

Snap, Crackle, POP!

Loud noises, such as firecrackers, motorcycles, thunder and even household appliances like vacuums and blenders, may trigger a pet’s anxiety. That’s why New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July can be a true nightmare for our four-legged companions. Animals who react negatively to such sounds may find it calming to have a weighted blanket swaddled around them. It will help to mimic the feeling of a hug, while also releasing serotonin to silence (no pun intended) their nerves. Keep it in a spot they find comfortable, which may be their bed, your bed or the couch. Use it together on extra-noisy nights to really make them feel loved!

Hit The Road, Jack!

Separation anxiety is quite common amongst pets. This may be especially true for animals that have been rescued from traumatic situations or those suffering from an illness.

For anxious dogs, it’s important to create a safe, welcoming space that’s just for them to rest in. Our soothing Pupper Pod dog bed is designed with this need in mind.

In addition to a comfy bed, a weighted blanket can be a huge help during times when you’re away (like that darn 9-5 job we all have to have to survive). The crucial thing here is to use it first before giving it to them. Sleep with it a few nights. This way, your scent will cling to the blanket, and they’ll have something soft to snuggle up with and ease their anxiety when you're not around. Plus, it will make reuniting just that much better!

Photo by therescueremi on Instagram

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to our team for more information (hello@bearaby.com).
We’re always happy to help! Especially when there’s a cute animal involved.