Should You Cover Your Dog’s Crate at Night? Pros and Cons

Dogs are beloved members of many families, and providing them with a comfortable and safe environment is crucial to their well-being.

One of the most popular ways to do this is by using a crate, which can serve as a den-like space for your dog to sleep and rest. However, some dog owners wonder if it is necessary to cover their dog’s crate at night.

I’m going discuss the pros and cons of covering a dog’s crate, and help you decide whether or not it is the right choice for your furry friend.

Pros of Covering a Dog’s Crate at Night

Provides a Sense of Security

Many dogs feel more secure when they have a sense of privacy and enclosure.

Covering a dog’s crate can provide this, creating a cozy and secluded environment that your dog can retreat to when feeling anxious or stressed. This is especially beneficial for dogs who are prone to separation anxiety, as it can help them feel more secure when left alone.

Blocks Out Distractions

Dogs are sensitive to their surroundings, and even small distractions can disrupt their sleep.

Covering a dog’s crate can help block out these distractions, allowing your dog to get a more restful sleep. This can be especially helpful for dogs who are easily excited or startled by sounds, lights, or other stimuli.

Keeps Your Dog Warm

Dogs naturally seek out warm, cozy spaces to sleep, and covering a dog’s crate can help create this type of environment. This is especially important for dogs who are prone to cold or for those living in colder climates.

Enhances Privacy

Covering a dog’s crate can also enhance privacy for your dog. This means that your dog can have his or her own space and rest without being disturbed by other people or animals.

This may be particularly beneficial for dogs that are shy, nervous or have just come into a new home.

Cons of Covering a Dog’s Crate at Night

Can Overheat Your Dog

While keeping your dog warm is a pro of covering a dog’s crate, it’s important to note that it can also be a con.

If the crate is not properly ventilated, it can become too warm for your dog, leading to discomfort or even heat stroke. It’s important to choose a breathable material for the cover and to ensure that there is enough airflow to keep your dog cool.

Makes it Harder for Your Dog to See Out

Dogs have a keen sense of hearing, but their vision is not as sharp as humans. Covering a dog’s crate can make it harder for your dog to see, which can be disorienting or stressful. This is especially true for dogs who are used to being able to see their surroundings.

Makes it Hard to See What Your Dog is Doing

As well as making it harder for your dog to see, covering a dog’s crate can also make it harder for you to see your dog. This can be a problem if you need to check on your dog during the night, or if you want to be able to see how your dog is doing while you’re away.

Can Make it Harder for Your Dog to Hear

Just like with vision, covering a dog’s crate can also make it harder for your dog to hear. This can be a problem if your dog is used to being able to hear his or her surroundings, and may be disorienting or stressful for your dog.

Covering Your Dog’s Crate – The Short Answer

The choice of whether to cover your dog’s crate often comes down to the temperament of your dog, and the current climate (temperature and humidity).

If your dogs feels more calm being able to see you, then partially covering or not covering the crate could be the right solution. If you dog feels more secure tucked away in a private space, then covering the crate is a good option.

When it’s hot and humid during the summer many dogs will feel too hot and not get enough airflow with a covered cage, so in this case consider a partial cover or just leaving the crate uncovered to allow cooling inside.