Dangers of letting your dog sleep under the covers
Does your dog sleep with you in bed, or worse, under the covers? You must realize that this can be dangerous for them. Katy Alexander, a British veterinary doctor, warns dog owners about the consequences of this practice.
4:51 PM EDT, September 22, 2024
Dogs and cats often become integral members of families, and their owners want to spend every free moment with them. This is natural, but it's important to know what to watch out for. If your dog sleeps with you every night, especially under the covers, you should know what risks this can present.
Veterinary doctor sounds the alarm
Katy Alexander emphasizes that dogs sleeping under the covers can be dangerous, especially for older dogs, puppies, and breeds with characteristic flat faces, such as brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs.
She said in an interview with The Telegraph that very small dogs, puppies, older dogs, and dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues may have difficulty finding a safe way out from under the covers if they get too hot.
Alexander adds that dogs’ body temperatures are usually higher than humans'. For this reason, their bodies heat up faster, and overheating can lead to serious illnesses and even death.
How to spot that a dog is overheating?
The veterinary doctor also shared a tip on how to recognize the signs of overheating in a dog.
Dogs who are starting to overheat will pant and become agitated; if you notice this we recommend removing the duvet or blankets immediately, she said.
She also strongly advises against covering animals with electric blankets, which can cause burns. She adds that the electric cord is also a danger, as the pet can simply chew through it.
