Understanding The Risk: Canine Suffocation Hazards

Many dog owners worry about their dogs suffocating under blankets or bed covers. However, experts say it's highly unlikely. Dogs have a natural instinct to try to breathe, and if they feel restrained or restricted, they will panic and try to escape. Additionally, dogs require less oxygen than humans, so the amount of air that gets through fabric is usually enough for them. However, it is important to ensure that covers are not too tight around them and that they have a way to get out.

While dogs rarely suffocate under blankets, pet suffocation in general is a serious issue. Every year, many pets, especially dogs, suffocate in snack, cereal, and other bags and containers. It happens quickly and can occur when pets put their heads into bags or containers in search of food. National Pet Suffocation Awareness Week aims to raise awareness and prevent these tragic incidents.

Dogs sleeping under blankets

The Root of the Behaviour

Dogs are also pack animals, and it is in their nature to sleep in a pile, especially during puppyhood. By sleeping next to you, your dog is showing you that they care about you and consider you a member of their pack.

Experts say it is highly unlikely that dogs will suffocate under blankets. Dogs will react instantly if they are hot, uncomfortable, or unable to breathe, and will manage to wiggle out from under the covers. However, if your dog is a heavy sleeper or is small, they might not have the strength to get out, so it is best to avoid letting them sleep under heavy covers.

Some dogs, especially those with short hair, may also just be cold, so consider providing them with a heating pad or blanket to help them stay warm.

Blankets made specifically for pets, or lightweight blankets, are best. Pay attention to the material, and avoid synthetic fabrics, which can trigger allergies. Fabrics made of natural materials, like hemp or 100% cotton, are less likely to cause problems. Also, avoid covers with embellishments like tassels or fringes that your dog might choke on.

Alternatives

If you don't want your dog under the covers with you, consider providing them with their own comfy bed and blanket. Elevated surfaces, enclosed spaces, and padded beds can all provide your dog with a sense of security and warmth.

Owners' irrational worries

It is understandable that dog owners worry about their dogs suffocating. After all, dogs are beloved members of the family, and losing them would be devastating. However, it is important to remember that dogs have strong survival instincts and will do whatever they can to breathe.

Many owners worry about their dogs sleeping under the covers and whether this could lead to suffocation. Experts say this is highly unlikely. Dogs will move or struggle to get out if they feel restricted or uncomfortable. The only exception is very small dogs with heavy sleeping owners or young puppies that are not strong enough to get out if they get trapped.

Some owners may also worry about their dogs suffocating in small spaces, such as under furniture or in dens. Again, it is important to remember that dogs have strong survival instincts and will not stay in a space if they feel they cannot breathe. In most cases, dogs will only enter small spaces if they feel safe and secure, and they will come out if they start to feel uncomfortable.

Another concern for owners may be the risk of suffocation from plastic bags or containers. This is a valid concern, as there have been cases of dogs suffocating after getting their heads stuck in bags or containers. Owners can take steps to reduce this risk by disposing of bags carefully, keeping snacks in bowls instead of bags, and restricting their pet's access to the kitchen or trash cans.

While it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent accidents, it is also crucial not to let worry consume you. Dogs are resilient and have strong survival instincts, so the risk of suffocation is often lower than owners may fear.

Pet suffocation in snack bags

The bags that pose a suffocation risk are often made from a strong mylar-like material, similar to a balloon, which helps keep snacks fresh. Unfortunately, when a dog or cat puts its head inside, the bag creates a vacuum-like seal. As the pet breathes, the bag tightens, cutting off the oxygen supply. The pet will often panic, running around until it collapses and dies, usually within 3 to 5 minutes.

To prevent pet suffocation in snack bags, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

• Store food in plastic containers with openings too small for a pet's head to fit through.
• Serve snacks in bowls instead of eating them directly from the bag.
• Cut or tear all chip and snack bags before disposal. The recommended method is to make two cuts—one across the bottom of the bag and one up the side—to open it up completely.
• Put all bags in sturdy trash cans that are covered or kept behind closed doors or cabinets.
• Be extra cautious during holidays, large gatherings, and other high-risk events when snacks are more likely to be left unattended.
• Restrict your pet's access to the kitchen or other areas where snacks are kept.
• Avoid giving your pets snacks meant for humans, as this can encourage them to seek out snack bags.
• Spread awareness about the danger of pet suffocation to help educate other pet owners.

By following these precautions, pet owners can help reduce the risk of suffocation and keep their furry friends safe.

Preventing pet suffocation

Pet suffocation is a very real danger, and it happens quickly. While some pets are saved by timely and appropriate CPR, many do not survive. The good news is that there are several precautions you can take to prevent this tragedy from happening to your furry friend.

Preventing Suffocation Under Blankets

If your dog likes to sleep under the covers, it's important to ensure that the covers are not too tight and that your dog can easily get out. While it's highly unlikely that your dog will suffocate under the blankets, it's still important to take these precautions.

Preventing Suffocation from Bags

One of the biggest risks of pet suffocation comes from snack, cereal, and other types of bags and containers. Here are some tips to help prevent this:

• Empty snacks, cereal, and dry pet foods into resealable hard containers.
• Dispense snacks into bowls instead of keeping them in their original containers or bags.
• Cut or tear all chip and food bags before discarding. Make two cuts – one across the bottom of the bag and one up the side so it becomes flat.
• Restrict your pet's access to the kitchen or other areas where snacks are kept.
• Don't give your pets a taste for people snacks.
• Beware of high-risk events and times, such as holidays, big sports events, and birthday parties, when there may be more snacks and people around.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your pet safe and reduce the risk of suffocation.

Pet suffocation in plastic containers

It is not uncommon for pets to suffocate in plastic containers. In fact, at least 2-3 pets are lost each week in the US to chip and other snack bag suffocation, and these are just the reported cases. The true number may be much higher.

Pets can suffocate in a variety of plastic containers, including chip and snack bags, pet food and treat bags, bread bags, Pringles tubes, and plastic food containers. These containers can form a vacuum-like seal around their heads as they breathe in, quickly depleting the air inside. As a result, oxygen levels drop, carbon dioxide levels rise, and the trapped pet eventually dies from asphyxiation.

One specific case involved a seven-month-old kitten named Smoky, who climbed into a mostly full container of cat litter. The container had a hinged lid, and it is believed that when the family's other cat jumped on it, the lid closed, trapping Smoky inside. Tragically, Smoky suffocated before she could be found.

To prevent pet suffocation in plastic containers, it is recommended to:

• Store food in resealable hard containers instead of bags.
• Dispense snacks into bowls instead of eating directly from the bag.
• Cut or tear all chip and food bags before disposal, making two cuts—one across the bottom and one up the side.
• Restrict pets' access to the kitchen or other areas where food is stored.
• Avoid giving pets "people snacks" that come in bags.

Frequently asked questions