Living with a Tiny Dog? Here's How to Snuggle Up Safely

(photo credit: amazon.com)

For those of us whose “shared space” with a dog includes communal sleeping quarters, the thought of cuddling up with the fur-kid at night is no big deal. Of course, this assumes your pet is clean, flea-free, and inclined to make it through most of the night without tossing, turning, or digging away at the covers. Mine snores terribly, but that’s a whole other story.

The thing is, when it comes to those tiny teacup breeds, you may need to rethink the sleeping arrangement. You see, while these mini mutts take up minimal real estate on your mattress, some concerns should make you want to explore other options.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these extra-fragile, under-four-pound mini-mutts can become injured from falling or jumping off the bed, having their pet parent roll onto them, or, if a blanket gets accidentally tossed over them in the night, they can smother.

While AKC suggests this diminutive pooch should stay off the bed until fully grown or able to use a dog ramp suitable for the little legs of a dog of their size to climb up and down, we have a better idea. Find them a cozy sleep space where they can stay close to you and safe at the same time.

Best Style of Bed for Teacup Breeds

Tiny dogs can lose body heat more rapidly than their larger counterparts, and this includes at night as they sleep. While you may think that tucking them in alongside you will help them stay warm and cozy, there are other ways that can keep your pet both comfy and safe. And that includes investing in a bolster-style dog bed where they can curl up and feel secure against a soft, padded surface.

You see, regardless of a dog’s age, breed, or size, the need to curl up before sleep is instinctive. Not only is it comfortable, but it helps preserve body heat and, dating back to their origins, when they could easily fall prey to roaming predators while they slept, curling up tight helped protect their vital organs. And the tiny teacup breeds are no exception to this behavior.

With the ultra-tiny dog now a constant companion for pet parents, it's no surprise that after a day of being toted around in, well, a dog tote, having a similarly cozy, enclosed space to sleep at night is an instant hit with mini pooches. And that’s where a covered dog bed can be just the ticket when you’re trying to ease your restless pup into sleep mode. It offers a little more stretch-out space than a tote bag but has a cozier, enclosed vibe that you don’t get with a dog bed.

Let’s Talk Warm and Cozy

A teacup-sized dog weighs less than any cat I’ve ever met, and they carry much less fat on their tiny frames than your typical feline. For that reason, you need to be cognizant of their propensity to lose body heat whether out for a walk, riding in your tote, or lounging around an air-conditioned home. An easy way to prevent your little guy from becoming chilled is to choose bedding materials that retain their warmth as your pet settles in for the night. Soft, plush finishes such as fleece or faux fur are a perfect choice. And for easy clean-ups, you can’t beat a lush sherpa blanket that’s machine-washable and can be used to line your dog’s bed or to tuck into your favorite tote bag for extra comfort. When it comes to their bed, look for one with a thick, poly-fill or microfibre stuffing rather than plain foam padding. A composition that lets mini mutts sink in and stay warm, cozy, and settled for the night.

But if keeping them ultra-close at night is non-negotiable for you, consider placing their small, bed on top of your mattress and work at training your pet to stay put at night. And if you choose the right style of bed and a seriously cozy liner, that shouldn’t be an issue at all. Getting him up in the morning may be a different story!