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A dog blanket is one of those purchases that turns out to be more useful than expected. Beyond keeping a dog warm, they protect furniture and car seats, make crates more comfortable, and give dogs a consistent familiar-smelling spot wherever they happen to be — at home, travelling, or staying somewhere new.
Here are three picks worth considering, followed by what to look for in a blanket and the facts on anxiety blankets.
What Dog Blankets Are Actually Used For
🐾 Common Uses
Furniture and Car Seat Protection
A blanket draped over the couch or back seat catches dog hair, dirt, and moisture before it reaches the upholstery. Much easier to throw in the wash than cleaning a full car seat or sofa. See our car seat guide for dedicated car seat cover options.
Making a Crate More Comfortable
A soft blanket in a crate adds warmth and comfort, and your dog’s scent builds up on it over time — making the crate feel more like a safe den. Particularly useful when crate training a new puppy.
Snuggling and Burrowing
Some dogs — particularly short-coated breeds, smaller breeds, and dogs that feel the cold — genuinely like to get under a blanket. It’s a personal preference that varies a lot between individuals. If your dog seeks out blankets, giving them their own is a straightforward kindness.
Travelling and Overnight Stays
A familiar blanket that smells like home helps dogs settle faster in new environments — Airbnbs, kennels, vet stays, or visits to friends. Packing your dog’s blanket for any trip is a simple way to reduce settling time and anxiety.
3 Dog Blankets Worth Buying
🇦🇺 Australian Brand
Mog & Bone Plush Blanket
Mog & Bone is an Australian pet lifestyle brand known for well-designed, quality products. Their plush blanket is soft, well-made, and considerably more considered than generic imported options. A good choice if you want something that looks good in the home and holds up over time.
- Australian brand
- Plush, soft construction
- Well-designed — looks at home on a couch or in a crate
From $32.99
BUDGET PICK
Super Soft Puppy Blanket
A well-priced, soft blanket suited to puppies or smaller dogs. Good for lining a crate or giving a puppy something to burrow into during the first weeks at home. Machine washable.
From $20.99
BEST FOR CAR OR COUCH
Waterproof Pet Blanket
A waterproof-backed blanket — soft on the top for the dog, waterproof on the underside to protect whatever it’s placed on. Practical for car seats, couch protection, or outdoor use. Easy to wipe down and machine washable.
From $41.87
Best Materials for Dog Blankets
🧵 Material Guide
Fleece
The most common material for dog blankets. Soft, warm, machine washable, and quick drying. Holds up well to regular washing. The main downside is that dog hair clings to fleece — a lint roller or tumble dry helps.
Best for: Crates, snuggling, general everyday use
Cotton
Breathable, easy to wash, and dog hair releases from cotton more easily than from fleece — making it simpler to clean. A good choice for warmer climates or dogs that don’t need heavy insulation.
Best for: Warmer weather, couch protection, easy hair removal
Waterproof-Backed Blankets
A soft top layer bonded to a waterproof backing — protects furniture and car seats from moisture, mud, and accidents while still being comfortable for the dog. Most are machine washable.
Best for: Car seats, couch protection, muddy dogs
Avoid Wool for Everyday Use
Wool blankets are warm but require hand washing or a 30-degree delicate cycle — impractical for something a dog uses daily. Fine as an occasional blanket, less suitable as a primary one that needs frequent washing.
Better alternatives: Fleece or cotton for regular use
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Dog Blanket FAQ
Do dogs need blankets to sleep?
No — most healthy adult dogs regulate their temperature well enough without one. Whether a dog wants a blanket comes down to individual preference and breed. Short-coated breeds, small breeds, older dogs, and naturally cold-sensitive dogs are more likely to appreciate one. Some dogs actively seek out blankets to burrow under; others completely ignore them. Follow your dog’s lead.
Do anxiety blankets for dogs work?
Possibly — for some dogs. Anxiety blankets work on a similar principle to Thundershirts and weighted blankets for humans: gentle, even pressure is thought to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Some dogs respond noticeably; others show no difference. They’re not a reliable solution for significant anxiety and shouldn’t replace veterinary advice or behaviour work. If your dog has meaningful anxiety, discuss it with your vet before investing in anxiety-specific products.
Are anxiety blankets safe for all dogs?
Not necessarily. Check that the filling material is non-toxic before purchasing. The blanket should not be too heavy for the dog’s size — be particularly careful with small breeds, puppies, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds that may already have compromised breathing. When in doubt, ask your vet before trying one.
How do I get dog hair off a blanket?
A lint roller works well for surface hair before washing. Tumble drying before washing can also loosen and collect hair in the lint trap. Cotton blankets release hair more readily than fleece. For heavy shedders, a rubber glove or damp rubber squeegee over the surface can remove significant hair before it goes in the machine.
