The best dog bed blanket is a machine-washable sherpa-and-fleece throw if you want warmth, and a waterproof reversible blanket if you have a puppy, a senior dog or a dog that drools or has accidents. Brands such as Bedsure make affordable double-sided fleece pet blankets, while Gorilla Grip is known for waterproof layers that protect furniture and beds. Pick the size to be at least one and a half times your dog’s curled length so the blanket can fold under the body.
Our top picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Quick Comparison of Dog Bed Blanket Types
| Pick | Best for | Key specs | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedsure sherpa-fleece pet blanket | Warmth and everyday use | Two-sided sherpa and fleece, machine washable, multiple sizes from small to extra large | Budget |
| Gorilla Grip waterproof pet blanket | Puppies, seniors, car and couch protection | Waterproof backing, reversible, machine washable, several sizes | Budget to mid |
| Quilted washable throw (class) | Light layering in a crate or bed | Polyester fill, cotton or microfiber top, 30 x 40 in. to 50 x 60 in. | Budget |
| Cooling blanket (class) | Summer and heavy-coated dogs | Cooling-touch fabric, thin, 28 x 40 in. typical for medium dogs | Budget to mid |
| Weighted dog blanket (class) | Anxious dogs, only under supervision | Glass bead or poly pellet fill, 1 to 5 lb | Mid |
| Self-warming mat blanket (class) | Cold floors without electricity | Reflective layer reflects the dog’s own body heat | Mid |
Best Overall: Sherpa and Fleece Throw (Bedsure Type)
A double-sided blanket with fluffy sherpa on one side and smooth fleece on the other gives you a winter and summer layer in one. Bedsure sells these in many sizes, which makes them a common choice for crates and beds, and they are machine washable. The soft sherpa side retains heat, and the fleece side sheds less hair than some fabrics. Trade-offs include static in dry weather and the fact that pile can trap hair and need a lint roller.
Best Waterproof: Gorilla Grip Reversible Blanket
Gorilla Grip makes reversible blankets with a waterproof layer between two soft sides. That makes them the go-to for puppies, incontinent seniors, females in heat and dogs that shake after a swim. They are also helpful as a seat cover in the car. The waterproof layer can make the blanket warmer and a little noisier than plain fleece, and it must be washed on a gentle setting and dried on low to protect the backing, per the usual care guidance.
Best for Crates: A Quilted Washable Throw
For crates, a thin quilted throw adds cushion without building up so much that the dog overheats. Choose one that is machine washable, with stitched edges that do not unravel, and size it to the crate floor plus 4 to 6 inches. Avoid thick fluffy blankets for puppies that chew, since torn fibers are a swallowing hazard.
Best for Hot Weather: A Cooling Blanket
Cooling blankets use a fabric that feels cool to the touch or a gel layer in some designs. They help heavy-coated dogs rest comfortably in warm rooms, but they are not a substitute for shade, water and air conditioning. Never rely on one for a dog showing signs of heat stress, and call your veterinarian if you suspect heatstroke.
Best for Anxious Dogs: A Weighted Blanket, With Caution
Weighted dog blankets use small beads or pellets to give gentle pressure. Some dogs seem to settle under them, but evidence for anxiety relief is limited, and a blanket should never trap a dog or restrict breathing. Use only under supervision, with a light weight, and ask your veterinarian or a trainer first, especially for puppies, seniors or dogs with heart or breathing issues.
Best for Cold Floors: A Self-Warming Mat Blanket
Self-warming blankets include a reflective inner layer that reflects the body heat the dog already produces. There is no cord and no electricity, which makes them safer around chewers. They warm slowly and only if the dog stays on them, so they work best in a bed or crate rather than on a big open floor.
How to Choose a Dog Bed Blanket
- Size: Measure your dog from nose to tail while lying curled up, then multiply by 1.5. A 40 by 30 inch blanket suits a medium dog of about 25 to 45 pounds.
- Material: Sherpa and fleece are warm, cotton is breathable, microfiber washes easily.
- Waterproofing: Choose a waterproof layer if there is any risk of accidents or for puppies.
- Washability: Look for machine-washable at home and a size that fits your washer.
- Hair and chewing: Tightly woven fleece sheds less. Avoid loops and tassels for chewers.
- Season: Use a thin throw in summer and a thicker one in winter, or two blankets you can layer.
Decision Matrix by Situation
| Situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Puppy in a crate | Waterproof thin blanket you can wash often |
| Senior with joint stiffness | Thick sherpa-fleece layered over an orthopedic bed |
| Hot climate, heavy coat | Cooling blanket |
| Dog that rides in the car | Waterproof reversible blanket |
| Destructive chewer | Tightly woven, low-pile blanket, or none, under supervision |
Cost Per Wash: A Worked Example
If you wash a blanket every week, that is 52 washes per year. A blanket that costs the same as a few cups of coffee and lasts about 25 washes before it pills or loses its backing costs far more per year than one that survives 100 washes. Buy two blankets so one is always clean while the other is in the machine, and rotate them to extend life.
How to Wash a Dog Blanket Step by Step
- Shake out hair and debris outdoors first, since hair can clog the machine.
- Use warm water and a fragrance-free detergent, as strong scents can bother dogs.
- Skip fabric softener, which can leave a residue that irritates skin and reduces waterproofing.
- Run an extra rinse to remove detergent.
- Dry on low or air dry. High heat can melt waterproof backings and shrink fleece.
Ownership Realities
- Fleece pills over time, and pilling is cosmetic but can trap hair.
- Waterproof layers wear first, usually after repeated hot washes.
- Check for loose threads and swallowed fibers if your dog chews.
- Replace a blanket that smells after washing, since odors can sit deep in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need blankets in their beds?
Many dogs like them for warmth and comfort, especially in cold rooms, but they are optional. A blanket also protects the bed cover and is easy to wash.
What is the best material for a dog bed blanket?
Fleece and sherpa are warm and soft, while cotton and microfiber are breathable. Choose based on climate and whether your dog chews.
Are weighted blankets safe for dogs?
They can be when used with supervision and a light weight, but they are not right for every dog. Ask your veterinarian before trying one.
How often should I wash a dog blanket?
Once a week is a common routine, and more often for puppies, seniors with accidents, or dogs with skin conditions. Follow the care label.
What size blanket does my dog need?
Choose a blanket about one and a half times your dog’s curled-up length so it can bunch up without covering the entire floor of the bed.
Can I put a blanket in a crate with a puppy?
Yes, if the puppy does not chew it. Use a thin blanket and remove it if the puppy shreds or eats the fabric.
