The days are growing shorter, there’s a crisp chill in the air, and pumpkins are beginning to make their grand appearance—Autumn has arrived! As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, you’re not the only one who needs a little extra TLC; your furry friend does too. From the early sunsets of Daylight Saving Time to the bangs and whistles of Bonfire Night, our pups need to find comfort in their own special space.
We’ve teamed up with canine sleep experts, Ralph & Co to bring you a guide on how to create the ultimate cosy haven for your dog during the Autumn and Winter months.
Darker Nights with Daylight Savings
The sun setting early can disrupt your household, including your dog’s routine. Just like humans, pets can feel lethargic due to reduced sunlight exposure in winter. To counter this, provide your dog with plenty of sunlight through the day, and make the most of brighter mornings for longer walks. Make sure your dog’s space is well lit for the daytime, by placing your dog’s bed next to a cosy lamp, or in a well-lit room.
Bed Location, Location, Location
Reassess where your dog’s bed is situated. In summer, it might be perfectly fine next to a window or on a draughty floor, but come winter, a more sheltered spot away from doors and windows will make a world of difference. Cosiness is the name of the game here, so consider moving the bed closer to a radiator or in a spot that catches some residual warmth from your own heating.
Layer Up, Pup!
Consider adding a couple of blankets to your dog’s current bed setup. Layering up with blankets is a simple yet effective way to provide extra warmth and comfort. Your dog will appreciate the soft embrace of these added layers, especially when the temperature drops.
Ralph & Co offers plush sherpa wool blankets that can easily be draped over your pup’s bed for an extra touch of warmth and luxury. Sherpa wool is known for its exceptional insulation properties, keeping your furry friend snug and cosy. Some of their beds even feature sherpa on the cushions, providing a cloud-like softness that your dog will love to sink into. It’s a versatile material that adds an extra dimension of comfort to your dog’s sleeping experience, making those chilly nights a thing of the past.
Cushions, Padding, and Thermal Comfort
When it comes to thermal comfort, think of it as a sumptuous layer cake. Nest beds, like those from Ralph & Co, are perfect for the Autumn/Winter months. These beds provide not only the essential padding and cushioning but also a secure, enveloping space that amplifies thermal comfort. The recycled polyester fibre filling in Ralph & Co nest beds not only promotes a healthy sleeping position but also creates a snug, cocoon-like atmosphere.
But why stop there? Adding a pet-safe heating pad or a self-warming mat under this plush base creates the perfect thermal retreat. It’s like adding the cherry on top of your dog’s cosy cake, making those autumn and winter nights super cosy.
Calming Scents
Bonfire night and fireworks are part and parcel of the season, but they can seriously stress out our four-legged mates. While some claim lavender and chamomile can work wonders for calming nerves, it’s crucial to tread carefully. Lavender contains linalool, a compound that could be toxic to dogs in large amounts.
If you’re set on using calming sprays, opt for ones specifically marked as “dog-friendly” or “pet-safe”, like Pet Remedy, to ensure they’re non-toxic and safe for your pooch. A spritz around your dog’s sleeping area can go a long way in creating a peaceful setting.
As for those finishing touches, why not add a couple of their fave toys next to the bed? Or level up the comfort factor by leaving a worn piece of clothing with your familiar scent on it. Now, that’s a recipe for some tail-wagging dreams!
Music to Your Dog’s Ears
While you might be jamming to the latest hits, your dog may prefer a different tune. Studies have shown that certain genres like classical music and reggae can have a calming effect on canines. The slow tempo and harmonic simplicity can help ease your dog’s anxiety, making it a paw-sitively peaceful bedtime experience. Create a playlist featuring a mix of reggae and classical tracks, and play it at a low volume near your dog’s bed as they wind down for the night.
Keeping these playlists on hand can be a game-changer, especially during the noisy autumn and winter months filled with fireworks and festive celebrations. It’s not just about physical warmth; a little auditory comfort goes a long way in setting the mood for a cozy, stress-free slumber.
Bonfire Night: The Boom Without the Bust
Come early November, the sky lights up with firework displays. Though a visual spectacle for humans, the loud noises can turn a cosy evening into a stressful ordeal for dogs. While it’s hard to explain to your pup why the sky is exploding, you can make their bed a sanctuary of calm.
Consider creating a ‘den’ around their bed with blankets to to make their sleep space a sensory-safe zone. Dogs need a bit of time to get comfortable with a new setup, so start crafting that cosy ‘den’ around their bed at least a week or two in advance of Bonfire Night.
By creating this space early on, your pooch will start to recognise it as their go-to comfort zone. It’s like telling them, “This is your special place where nothing bad can happen.” That way, when the sky starts to glitter and boom, your dog will already have an established sanctuary to retreat to.
Fill the den with your dog’s favourite blankets and a toy or two. A chew toy infused with a calming pet-safe substance can also help distract them. Remember those calming scents we talked about? This would be a prime time to spritz a bit more than usual, just to help take the edge off.
If your dog seems exceptionally stressed, a compression wrap or vest designed for dogs can create a sense of security during high-stress events like Bonfire Night. Place it nearby their bed so it’s ready to go when the first firework shoots off.
Share Your Cosy Bedding Tips
When the nights are long and the weather is nippy, these simple yet effective tweaks to your dog’s bedtime setup can make a big difference. Thanks to our collaboration with Ralph & Co, we’re more prepared than ever to make your dog’s autumn and winter nights a cosy, snuggly dream. Here’s to embracing the seasons with our furry friends by our side!
