Why Do Dogs Love Fireplaces? 

Do you have a dog who loves to be around the fireplace? It is common for dogs to append an entire winter’s day curled up by the fireplace in front of the fire. We thought it would be helpful to go into more detail as to why your four-legged friend loves the fireplace so much.

Dogs tend to nestle near the fireplace and claim it as their “territory”. If your dog discovers that being in front of the fireplace is their rightful spot in the house, they are not likely to move from it. Keep in mind that it is quite natural for a dog to want to be close to a source of warmth especially when it’s cold outside. Like humans, a dog knows keeping warm is part of self-preservation. Being cold is not good for any of us and dogs and humans alike will do what it takes to avoid it.

Dogs, as well as being creatures of habit, can be very stubborn. They will literally lay by the fireplace until they start panting because they appear to be getting overheated and still won’t move. It is important to know that dogs are warm blooded and tolerate heat much better than humans do. Do not be alarmed by the panting! Your dog is doing this to let out some excess heat.

Are you worried that your dog may get hurt because they are obsessed with the fireplace? You may consider buying them a nice soft bed with an extra blanket and try to convince them to sleep there instead. You may even have a senior dog who enjoys the fireplace even more. Old dogs enjoy the warmth of the fireplace as it soothes their arthritic pain.

We hope that this article has given you more insight about a dog’s obsession for the fireplace. As always, you should ensure that the fireplace is safe. The last thing you want your dog to do is cause an accident.