A cozy blanket for your dog is part of the essential equipment; After all, the four-legged friends sleep or rest up to 20 hours a day, puppies and seniors even longer – and they like it warm, dry, and cuddly. The following tips will help you choose a suitable dog blanket.
The blanket for your dog should be made of a robust, easy-care material that at the same time protects against moisture and cold and is pleasant to the touch. Furthermore, it depends on whether you want to buy a dog blanket for your apartment or travel in the car.
Suitable materials for dog blankets
The suitable material is the be-all and end-all when choosing a blanket for your dog. It has to fulfill several tasks so that your four-legged friend feels comfortable on the one hand, and you can easily clean the dog blanket on the other. Wool is not suitable because it is very delicate and cannot be washed easily. This allows bacteria and parasites to build up in it over time. Therefore, high-quality synthetic fabrics are more advisable, provided they are free of chemical pollutants and do not pill.
Plush or faux fur throws may look cozy, but your dog can get their claws tangled in the long fibers and potentially swallow the loosened lint. Fleece and cotton blends, on the other hand, are usually a good choice as they insulate well against the cold in winter and heat in summer but are also easy to care for and feel comfortable.
Dog blanket for the home or the car?
If you are looking for a dog blanket for the apartment, it depends on whether the veil lies directly on the floor or should make the dog bed more comfortable. If it lies directly on the floor, we recommend a particularly thick dog blanket with a non-slip base so that your dog can sit down on it with a little more energy. On the other hand, a simple veil is sufficient for the dog bed – the advantage is that you don’t have to clean the dog bed as often but usually only have to replace the dog blanket.
The dog blankets for car trips are usually even more robust than the blankets for sleeping at home. They should also have a non-slip coating on the underside, be a little thicker, and have loops, straps, or Velcro fasteners to be easily attached to the seats or the protective grille for transport in the trunk.
Cleaning the blanket for the dog: practical tips
Before you buy a blanket for your dog, look at the washing and care instructions. You can see whether the dog blanket is machine washable and how many degrees it can be washed. It is optimal if it can be washed in the washing machine at 60 degrees Celsius so that most bacteria and parasites are killed. If the material can only withstand washing temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius, you should wash the blanket more often, then not so many germs will collect in it. It’s even better if dog blankets can also be put in the dryer; then, your dog will be happy with a cozy, warm blanket that is ready for use shortly after washing.
Use a detergent that is as odorless as possible, and do not put the blankets in the laundry together with human clothing. Otherwise, your sweaters, trousers, and shirts will quickly become full of dog hair. Speaking of dog hair: Vacuum the blanket thoroughly before putting it in the washing machine. Otherwise, the loose fur can clog the lint filter. Fabric softeners, hygiene conditioners, and fragrances are taboo when cleaning, as the chemicals are potentially harmful to the dog, and he finds strong odors unpleasant with his delicate dog nose. It is best to wash new dog blankets once or twice before letting your four-legged friend sleep on them to remove any residues of harmful substances.
