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Few things are as warm and comforting as a soft blanket, and the best dog blankets are cozy, durable, and washable. "Blankets provide comfort to our pups because they are something soft to lay on and cuddle up with," shared pet shelter manager Mistie Jo Williams. Permeable Geotextile
Whether entering a new home or settling down in a familiar space, a dog blanket is an essential component to making a dog feel secure. It's important to keep in mind that your dog might chew on the blanket and it will definitely get dirty with use, so keeping more than one on hand is ideal.
We curated our favorites for various needs and sizes, and our top recommendation is the Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Blanket. It’s soft and cozy, comes in two sizes, and is easy to clean in the washer and dryer.
Easy to clean in washer and dryer
Sheds a little when new
Like the company’s calming donut dog bed, this soft, shaggy blanket is made of lightweight faux fur designed to remind your pet of their mother’s coat and is easy for them to comfortably nest in. It has a water-resistant bottom that should also help repel dirt. When it gets grimy or filled with dog hair, the blanket can be tossed in the washer and dryer with no special care.
The shag blanket comes in two sizes and several colors—both in light and dark shades to match your dog or your decor. It can shed a little when it’s new but typically stops after the first couple of washes. Be sure to dry the blanket in the dryer so that the shag doesn’t mat or clump.
Materials: Faux fur, synthetic fabric | Dimensions: 40 x 30 inches, 50 x 40 inches | Colors: Dark brown, brown, taupe, frost, cotton candy pink, gray, oyster | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Must be air-dried for best results
If your dog sleeps in bed with you, sometimes you might wake up with a mouthful of dog hair or see pawprints on your comforter. The FurHaven Waterproof Blanket Protector is designed to shield your bed or couch with a quilted, stain-resistant top, a waterproof middle membrane, and a bottom layer with non-skid pawprint backing to keep it from sliding around. Soft on top and durable on the bottom, it can also double as a picnic blanket.
The blanket comes in three muted colors and four sizes to fit beds from twin to king. It’s machine-washable but should be air-dried for best results.
Materials: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Dimensions: 52 x 82 inches, 68 x 82 inches, 86 x 82 inches, 96 x 82 inches | Colors: Brownstone, gray, Nile blue | Waterproof: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Soft faux shearling on one side, twill on the other
Can be machine-washed and dried
The soft and durable Frisco Sherpa Blanket is reversible, with a cozy faux shearling on one side and a more rugged twill on the other, available in either a gray basketweave print or navy herringbone. This affordable blanket comes in two sizes that can work as a couch protector or as a standalone blanket in your dog’s bed.
The blanket is machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle and can be tumble-dried on low heat. You may have to re-fluff it a little after washing, but it should bounce back well and be just as soft after drying.
Materials: Fleece, synthetic fabric | Dimensions: 40 x 30 inches, 50 x 40 inches | Colors: Gray, navy | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
More than a dozen colors and patterns
Faux shearling on one side and fleece on the other
Can machine-wash and tumble dry
Takes a long time to dry
Available in more than a dozen colors and patterns, the PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket is plush and soft with a protective layer to stop liquids from seeping through. The blanket is faux shearling on one side and microfiber fleece on the other. It comes in four sizes, including one large enough to cover a queen-sized bed.
When it needs freshening up, you can machine-wash it in cold water and tumble dry on low. Unlike some blankets that are water resistant, fans say this one is truly waterproof and protects from even the toughest accidents. It holds its shape after repeated washing and drying, but it does take a while to dry completely.
Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: 29 x 40 inches, 60 x 40 inches, 80 x 60 inches, 90 x 90 inches | Colors: Brown, gray, light gray, navy, taupe, black, blue, charcoal, checkered red, wine, charcoal gray plaid, light gray plaid, navy plaid, taupe plaid, wine | Waterproof: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Rugged canvas plus soft faux shearling
The Carhartt Reversible Blanket is made from the company’s trademark rugged cotton duck canvas in the classic light brown, though occasionally there are limited-edition colors including colorful plaid and camouflage patterns. One side is a canvas with a water-repellent coating, while the other side is a plush faux shearling. The blanket also has reinforced edges for durability and comes with a one-year warranty.
It must be hand-washed and air-dried. Dog owners say it’s a perfect size to cover the backseat and offer good protection after outdoor adventures. Since it's more substantial and heavier than some blankets, it's also a little more expensive.
Materials: Cotton, polyester | Dimensions: 59.5 x 45.5 inches | Colors: Brown, camo, some limited edition colors | Waterproof: Water-repellent | Machine-Washable: No
Gentle pressure for dogs with anxiety
Some dogs don't like the heaviness
Only one color and one size
Weighted blankets are popular with humans, and now there are versions for pets that offer gentle, evenly distributed pressure that ideally works to calm and soothe anxious animals. It should be placed only on a dog’s back, not their head or neck, and should not be used unsupervised in case your pet has difficulty slipping out from underneath.
This blanket comes in just one color and one size, with a machine-washable cover. It has a slight lavender scent which may also be more relaxing for your pup. Some dogs take a little time to warm up to the weighted idea, so introduce it gradually with lots of praise.
Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: 25 x 25 inches, 41 x 41 inches | Colors: Gray | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Incredibly soft GOTS-certified organic cotton
Includes spandex for a little stretch
Available in a various basic and limited edition colors and patterns
Great for travel with a small dog
Only suitable for small dogs and puppies
While the Monica + Andy Coming Home Blanket is designed with newborn babies in mind, the slightly stretchy, super soft GOTS-certified organic cotton is also ideal for wrapping and snuggling your puppy and small-breed furbaby. The blanket measures 32 x 32 inches and is double-layered for extra coziness. Simply machine-wash and tumble on low to dry.
It's available in four basic and a variety of limited colors and patterns. There's also the option to add personalized embroidery for $15.
Materials: Organic cotton and spandex blend | Dimensions: 32 x 32 inches | Colors: Various | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Made in Ireland with locally sourced wool
More than a dozen patterns
Also available with waxed cotton backing
The Sheepish Dog Natural Wool Pet Blanket is a quality throw made of warm Irish wool that is a bit pricier than the other blankets on the list. Most designs come in three sizes, with over a dozen colorful patterns including classic plaids, tweeds, and herringbone. They’re available in all wool or wool with a waxed cotton backing to offer some protection against spills.
Although more expensive than other materials, wool is all-natural and can help your pet regulate their body temperature better than synthetic fibers. They must be washed in cold water and should not be placed in the dryer. The blankets are shipped from Ireland where they are made with locally sourced wool.
Materials: Wool, cotton | Dimensions: 34 x 52 inches, 50 x 52 inches | Colors: More than a dozen plaids and patterns | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Gets softer after each wash
Three sizes and six colors
Some colors and sizes are limited
Handcrafted in Montana with smooth suede on one side and soft fleece on the other, West Paw’s Big Sky Blanket gets softer each time you wash it. The blanket is Oeko-Tex certified, which means every part of the product, including fabric and thread, has been tested and is free of hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals. All West Paw products are also guaranteed and made with sustainable materials.
The blanket comes in three sizes: The small fits chair seats, the medium fits couches, and the large can work on beds. It is machine-washable and safe in the dryer. While it comes in six colors, some, along with the different sizes, have limited availability.
Materials: Fleece, faux suede | Dimensions: 27 x 21 inches, 54 x 38 inches, 73 x 54 inches | Colors: Boulder, chocolate, crimson, dusty rose, midnight, oatmeal | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Absorbs and releases dogs' body heat no matter the season
Made of nylon and a PE fabric that has cooling functionality, this blanket by PetFusion regulates your pet's body heat whether it's hot or cold outside. It comes in four different sizes and works well for any dog whether a small or large breed. Although there are only two colors—brown or gray—your pet will be happy snuggling in either one.
When it gets dirty, simply pop it into the washing machine and tumble dry on low heat. While you can use this just about anywhere your dog is, including their pet bed, your bed, the floor, or the furniture, it is not waterproof.
Materials: Fabric, nylon | Dimensions: 27 x 31 inches, 34 x 44 inches, 41 x 53 inches, 46 x 60 inches | Colors: Brown, gray | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Premium cotton blend is shrink-, pill-, and fuzz-resistant
It's woven, not printed or dyed
Only two styles available in the mini size
Superior quality and craftsmanship are what make ChappyWrap Pet Collection blankets stand out. Made of a premium cotton blend, they are machine-washable, dryer-friendly, and resistant to pilling and fuzz. Plus, they're available in an impressive 11 reversible designs that are woven, not printed or dyed, for increased durability and softness.
Most of the blankets in the Pet Collection come in the midi size, measuring a generous 40 x 60 inches, with only two styles also available in the mini size measuring 30 x 40 inches. You can personalize each blanket with text or a monogram in a choice of four font styles and eight colors for $20. Text is limited to a maximum of 12 characters and is case-sensitive. Materials: Cotton, acrylic, and polyester blend | Dimensions: 40 x 60 inches, 30 x 40 inches | Colors: Various | Waterproof: No | Machine-Washable: Yes
Our favorite blanket for dogs in the Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Blanket. It’s soft and cozy, comes in two sizes, and is easy to clean in the washer and dryer. If you’re looking for a blanket for the bed, we like the FurHaven Waterproof Blanket Protector. It comes in three colors and four sizes to fit most beds.
Throws, blankets, and cooling mats designed for dogs tend to stick to a couple of fabrics, most typically polyester, which is easy to wash and can be used in different ways, from low-pile fleece to fluffy shag. Some dog blankets are partially made of faux shearling, a plush fleece fabric that looks like wool and can be very soft and cuddly.
For durability, some blankets have a canvas or twill side and can have a water-resistant barrier. They often can have an anti-slip surface, too, particularly if designed to be used on a bed or in a car, to keep the blanket from sliding around.
How often you need to wash your blanket depends on how much your dog sheds or if they have accidents. Several of our top picks can be machine-washed, typically on a gentle cycle. For example, the West Paw Big Sky Blanket gets softer after each wash, while the Carhartt Reversible Blanket is hand-wash only.
Some can also be machine-dried, usually on a low or cool cycle, while others have to be air-dried, which can take quite some time for a big blanket—plus, you have to have a place to hang it. Consider how often you’ll likely need to clean your blanket and check out washing instructions.
Some blankets are large enough to cover beds, couches, and backseats, while others are smaller and are better for a pup to make a nest in their dog bed or for a single chair. “We like throw-size blankets,” says Williams of the animal shelter. “Size matters because we only have one washer and dryer that is not commercial.”
If your dog is very young or very old, you may worry about protecting furniture from accidents. This can be especially key if your dog snuggles with you in bed at night or hangs out on the couch watching TV. Many of these blankets are either waterproof or water-resistant, and usually have an extra liner or barrier to wick away fluids and keep them from seeping through.
A lightweight cotton is usually the best option for a dog blanket because it's breathable and easy to clean. Depending on your dog's age, chewing habits, and the climate where you live, you can also try polyester fleece, wool, or a cooling synthetic fabric for a dog blanket. If your dog likes to chew, anything knit might be more enticing for them to nibble, so use caution and supervise your dog to keep them from ingesting any fibers.
If you are worried that your dog is cold, you can try putting a size-appropriate blanket on top of them. Be sure to supervise so you can quickly remove the blanket if they exhibit any signs of discomfort. Most dogs can remove a blanket on their own, but for safety, it's best to keep an eye on your dog when introducing anything new.
No, though some dogs have a stronger preference to be covered by a blanket. Most healthy dogs can cover and uncover themselves as needed to regulate their body temperature. If you have a senior dog, a special needs dog, or a dog recovering from surgery, it is best to supervise them with a dog blanket.
This story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 70 puppies and dogs and is always looking for the most interesting pet products. She has at least four dog blankets in the house at any one time and the washer and dryer are always full of them. Mary Jo has written about a range of topics including best dog toys and best calming aids.
Soakaway Membrane She spoke with Mistie Jo Williams, shelter manager at the Montgomery County Animal Services in rural Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, where shelter dogs use about 15 to 20 blankets daily.