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Finding them curled up in a ball at night and in the morning, we thought this was the ideal time to put the Australian-made Calming Pets weighted blanket for dogs to the test.
Not only does this blanket provide a cosy layer in winter, it also offers a soothing experience that could help keep our dogs calmer and happier and you can't put a price on that!
We were very grateful to be offered one for a trial last month but it was difficult to convince any of our dogs to stay under it for very long until temps started diving into single digits.
Why would you need a weighted blanket for your dog?
Weighted blankets for dogs are thought to have similar effects on dogs as they do on humans. There are studies in people that show their benefits in alleviating stress, PTSD, and general anxiety.
We were very grateful to be offered one for a trial last month but it was difficult to convince any of our dogs to stay under it for very long until temps started diving into single digits.
Why would you need a weighted blanket for your dog?
Weighted blankets for dogs are thought to have similar effects on dogs as they do on humans. There are studies in people that show their benefits in alleviating stress, PTSD, and general anxiety.
Theoretically, the extra weight mimics the comfort of being hugged, or swaddled (think Thundershirts), which may be soothing to your dog. The aim of a weighted blanket is to decrease anxiety and stress which in turn also helps improve rest and sleep.
How does the Calming Pets weighted blanket work?
The Calming Pets’ weighted blankets can help soothe the body and mind by using Deep Pressure Touch.
Calming Pets engineers its weighted blankets to give the best Deep Pressure Touch benefit for your dog.
Each weighted blanket is sewn with a number of same size pockets, each filled with the same weight of micro glass beads* so the blanket's weight is evenly dispersed through it.
There is no pulling or bunching and your dog gets consistent calming Deep Pressure Touch over their whole body.
* These are a better choice than plastic poly pellets which rustle and make a rattling noise thereby disturbing your dog’s rest and also have uncomfortable edges that poke into your dog's body.
What is Deep Pressure Touch?
Each weighted blanket is sewn with a number of same size pockets, each filled with the same weight of micro glass beads* so the blanket's weight is evenly dispersed through it.
There is no pulling or bunching and your dog gets consistent calming Deep Pressure Touch over their whole body.
* These are a better choice than plastic poly pellets which rustle and make a rattling noise thereby disturbing your dog’s rest and also have uncomfortable edges that poke into your dog's body.
What is Deep Pressure Touch?
Deep Pressure Touch is a consistent, gentle pressure caused by pressing down on the body or limbs.
When a dog gets stressed, the sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline into the body. It governs the “fight or flight” response and causes changes in a dog’s body like increased blood flow to the muscles and a faster heart rate.
Constant production of adrenaline drains a dog just like it drains us… It causes fatigue and can cause negative changes physically – including stopping the digestive system working properly, muscle atrophy and makes it more likely that a dog will get sick.
The theory behind it all is that when you put a Calming Pets’ weighted blanket on a dog, the Deep Pressure Touch deactivates the sympathetic nervous system. And so, it stops all these negative physical symptoms of stress.
But the Deep Pressure Touch continues to work to literally calm your pet as it switches on the parasympathetic nervous system. Their heart beat slows down. Their rate of breathing also slows and then muscles relax. The twin actions of the Deep Pressure Touch can help your dog feel less stressed and anxious Ultimately, this helps them sleep better.
Some Health Considerations
There are some important things to consider when it comes to deciding whether a weighted blanket is right for your dog.
Please note that pets with breathing issues or flat faces may find weighted blankets oppressive and uncomfortably constricting. Smaller dogs / cats might might feel too restricted by gravity blankets.
It also stands to reason that a weighted blanket is not a good option for puppies or aggressive chewers if left unsupervised as the materials could be potential choking hazards.
Please note that pets with breathing issues or flat faces may find weighted blankets oppressive and uncomfortably constricting. Smaller dogs / cats might might feel too restricted by gravity blankets.
If you do decide you want a weighted blanket for your dog:
✔️ Make sure the blanket is no more than 10% of your dog’s body weight.
✔️ Supervise sessions to make sure your dog is comfortable and is benefiting from being under the blanket.
✔️ Select a high-quality blanket for dogs made from non-toxic materials like the Calming Pets option.
✔️ Make sure the blanket is no more than 10% of your dog’s body weight.
✔️ Supervise sessions to make sure your dog is comfortable and is benefiting from being under the blanket.
✔️ Select a high-quality blanket for dogs made from non-toxic materials like the Calming Pets option.
Our dogs have been known to punch holes in lesser blankets but our terrible twins have thankfully settled since the excesses of their youth…
The Calming Pets weighted blanket for dogs is a high-quality option and it is only used under strict supervision in our house either on chilly mornings or on cold nights as we don’t have any heaters on.
If the blanket is the right size and isn’t too heavy for your pooch, they should be able to move freely with it on, or shake it off when they’ve had enough...
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| Aramis: "It's getting hot in here.. I'm just gonna shake it off, shake it off!" |
Our Verdict
Was this Smooth Minky Weighted Blanket (Lavender) comfortable for our dogs and did it help them settle?
Our blanket measured 142cm in length x 102cm in width (this represents 80 squares all up) and a Large size was certainly big enough for our Belgian Shepherds to be covered from head to toe but at 3kg (exactly 10% of our dogs' weight), it is also quite heavy!
It was obvious both dogs felt the weight and were a bit put out the first couple of times we placed it on them... However the soft reverse side quickly won their vote and from then on, they were extremely happy to snuggle under it.
We live with two firecrackers who tend to react to all noises including a neighbour who keeps weird and wonderful hours and who's very adept at scraping their car on the driveaway in the middle of the night… Aramis usually starts growling then barks – pretty much telling them to go to bed now – but in the past two weeks, she’s been a lot more relaxed and snoring her head off every night within 10 minutes of being tucked in…
At least, someone here is having a relaxing sleep!
In the mornings, our home office is an ice box but our Velcro Malinois insist on following us everywhere we go, so out come the blankets to give them an incentive to stay put... Whoever ends up in the coldest spot gets to enjoy this Calming Pets weighted blanket until the sun’s out to warm up their spot.
In the mornings, our home office is an ice box but our Velcro Malinois insist on following us everywhere we go, so out come the blankets to give them an incentive to stay put... Whoever ends up in the coldest spot gets to enjoy this Calming Pets weighted blanket until the sun’s out to warm up their spot.
A weighted blanket may be a good option also if your dog suffers from separation anxiety or stress during storms or other anxious behaviours but it would really depend on the severity of their case and it does not replace a professional consultation with a vet behaviourist for a diagnosis.
The Calming Pets weighted blankets for dogs are available in 5 sizes: from Extra-small (up to 7kg) up to Extra-Large (from 35kg). They also come in 13 beautiful colours so selecting your favourite to match your home décor may be the hardest decision...
Price & Where to Buy:
RRP: from $107.40 (free shipping in Australia) at calmingpets.com.au.
RRP: from $107.40 (free shipping in Australia) at calmingpets.com.au.
Afterpay and Zip are available.
Use your promo code AUSTRALIANDOGLOVER to save 20% off your purchase.
The model featured (Large / Lavender / 3kg) is valued at $259.68. For an extra $15, you could have the name of your pet embroidered on the blanket as well.
Disclaimer: we received a 3kg smooth blanket from Calming Pets to complete our review.
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