If you are wondering, do german shepherds need blankets? It is a brilliant question. Indeed many pet owners are always worried about keeping their pets warm and cozy during the cold months.
To quickly answer your question, German shepherds don’t need a blanket. German Shepherds are known for having thick, double-layered coats. They love the cold and can tolerate it very well. Their double coat acts as a great insulator for the cold.
However, giving a blanket to your GSD can add extra warmth, security, and a cozy place to rest.
In the rest of this article, we’ll fully explore this question, and I will also share with you the benefits of using a blanket for your GSD. I also included some helpful and valuable tips for keeping your furry friend comfortable and warm.
Reasons Why A German Shepherd Could Need A Blanket
Age:
Puppies and older German shepherds are less tolerant of cold weather. You may have to watch them more carefully when you let them outside in the cold weather so that you’ll know that they are handling it alright. A blanket could help them stay warm when going outside.
Climate And Environment
It is important for you to know that if your GSD stays outside for long periods of time, then it is important that they have a safe place to go to. Like a dog house, kennel, or safe structure with a roof and at least three sides to protect them from the wind.
Some people buy a heated dog house for their dogs to stay in. However, if your GSD is outside for long periods, having a blanket and bedding in their dog house can help them stay warm.
You can also use straw or hay as bedding to help them stay warm if left outside.
Coat Type And Thickness
There are four different varieties of coat lengths for german shepherds. They can have a short outer coat with a standard thick undercoat, a long hair coat with an undercoat, A medium haired with an undercoat, and a long-haired one with no undercoat.
If you have a long-haired german shepherd with no undercoat, a blanket could help them during the cold weather.
| German Shepherd Coat Type | |
|---|---|
| Long Hair | German Shepherds with long hair have thick undercoats. |
| Medium Hair | The medium hair coat type is not as dense as that of the long hair kind. Some defense against the cold is offered by the moderate undercoat. German Shepherds with medium-length hair have an average undercoat. |
| Short Hair | German Shepherds with short hair have a less dense coat than those with long or medium hair, but it still offers some insulation in cold weather. German Shepherds with short hair have a thin undercoat. |
| Plush Hair | Plush-haired German Shepherds have a thick undercoat, longer hair, and more fluffy similar to long hair coats. |
Shivering, Whining, Or Slowing Down
When it’s chilly outside, some warning signals to watch out for include shivering, whining, slowing down, and appearing tense. As a result, your GSD needs to warm up swiftly. Now might be a good time to warm them up by wrapping them in a blanket.
Benefits Of Providing A Blanket For Your German Shepherd
Reduces Anxiety:
Providing a blanket to your german Shepherd can help them feel familiar with the environment, even though they are in a new place.
Blankets can also promote calmness which may help reduce anxiety and stress.
Another thing to consider is that some GSDs suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
If you place a blanket that smells like you or smells like them in their crate, this could help to reduce anxiety. And also helps them feel a sense of security and familiarity.
Avoid Shedding
German shepherds shed a lot, that’s for sure. The hair can be minimized by covering your furniture with a blanket. Your furnishings will be safeguarded from slobber and scratches.
Another plus is that by adding a blanket; Allergies will also be decreased.
Easy To Clean:
They are easy to clean; you can replace them when worn out or stained.
Protects Against Drafts:
Adding a blanket to your German Shepherd’s crate or bed can help keep the wind and draft out while they are sleeping. This will help to keep their crate warm.
Increases Comfort
A blanket can help to make your german Shepherd feel relaxed and also help them to sleep better.
I know this because my dog loves to lay on her blanket. I have also noticed that she likes the feeling of being comfortable. This makes her feel like she is a part of the family.
Customizable
There are some great blankets out there for dogs. You can easily customize and pick one that suits your German Shepherd’s personality type.
No one wants to be boring, so you can make it fun and pick a blanket that your german Shepherd will love.
A popular blanket for german shepherds that is waterproof is the Petmaker blanket. People love these blanks because they are very soft, comfy, and easy to wash if your dog pees on them.
Another thing that people liked is that these blankets can’t be easily destroyed if your dog chews on them. If you are interested, you can learn more about it here.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A German Shepherd?
Generally, if it is too cold for you to be outside, it is usually too cold for your german Shepherd to be outside.
It is recommended by veterinarians a safe temperature for german shepherds is between 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered to be too cold for your GSD.
If you leave your dog outside for long periods, it can cause severe and potentially life-threatening conditions. Such as frostbite and hypothermia.
German shepherds are built to handle cold weather very well. But they shouldn’t be out in the cold 24/7.
What Should You Do If Your Shepherd Gets Too Cold?
If your GDS is too cold, they will show signs such as sharking, lethargy, stiff muscles, low heart rate, and dilated pupils.
If you see any signs of hypothermia, quickly move your dog to a warm area. Cover them with blankets and call your vet right away.
Conclusion
When it comes to blankets, they can assist your german Shepherd in many different ways. They reduce anxiety, give comfort, add warmth, and help with shedding.
The good thing about german shepherds is that they are better in the cold than most dogs because of their double coats.
Depending on your German Shepherd’s coat type, most have an outer coat and an undercoat that is long and coarse, which protects and insulates them from cold weather.
However, it is important to know that any dog should not be outside in the cold, under 20 degrees Fahrenheit, for long periods of time without any protection.
Another thing to look at once you let your dog play outside is closely monitoring them. They will show signs of shaking, lethargy, stiff muscles, low heart rate, and dilated pupils. And if your GSD starts showing hypothermia, it is time to act fast.
I hope you enjoyed this article and I have helped you answer all your questions about can a German shepherd use a blanket.
(Author)
Justin is a protection dog enthusiast. He has years of experience teaching and training dogs. He enjoys sharing what he’s learned. Read More
