Dogs love a good snuggle.
And good blankies are a way to get that.
However, not all blankets are made the same.
Some blanket materials might even be dangerous for Fido.
But don’t fret.
Let me guide you through the best dog materials for Fido’s blanky.
Keep reading to discover…
- 5 best materials for dog blankets.
- Why materials matter in dog blankets.
- The warmest material for dog blankets.
- Why microfiber is a great fabric for dog blankets.
- And many, many more…
Table of contents
Why does the material matter for a dog blanket?
The material of your dog’s blanket matters as they greatly affect your dog’s comfort. Some blanket materials can pose dangers like choking and intestinal blockage to dogs that like chewing on them. Moreover, you need to consider durability, ease of cleaning, and odor and moisture resistance.
What material is good for a dog blanket?
The best materials for a dog’s blanket are fleece, terry fabric, and coral velvet. Other great materials include cotton, sherpa, microfiber, and woven fabric. However, you must consider factors like your dog’s shedding, allergies, and the climate when choosing among these materials.
5 best materials for dog blankets
#1: Fleece
Do you want something soft for your pooch?
But you’re also looking for something strong?
Well, fleece blankets are perfect for you.
First of all, fleece is top-notch doggy blanket material.
It has everything you’d want for your pooch’s blanky.
How so?
Let’s take a look at…
The benefits of fleece blanket
It’s warm and soft
Fleece is just like wool but better.
In what way?
It’s softer. And it feels like a man-made cloud.
Plus, it’s comfier.
That’s because fleece is more breathable.
Therefore it won’t suffocate your pooch.
Despite that, it’s amazing at keeping heat. So your pooch is guaranteed to be warm in a fleece blanky.
It soaks up moisture fast, but it also dries easily
Generally speaking, dogs aren’t always nice and dry.
For one, some dogs drool a lot.
And others love playing in the water bowl.
Whatever the reason, dogs don’t mind being wet.
Instead, it’s us who mind. Especially when they head straight to snuggle up in their blankets
Fortunately, with fleece, you’ll have very little problem with that.
That’s because it absorbs water fast.
What’s more? It dries fast too.
So your laundry days will be a lot easier.
For further reading: 15 Odd Reasons Why Dogs Lick Blankets & Furniture + 5 Tips
It’s durable
Fleece is highly durable. And it can stand a lot of wear and tear for a long time.
That includes any chewing that your pooch might do.
That’s because fleece is specially made not to fray.
To further explain, let’s take a look at the fleece-making process.
- First, synthetic fibers are combined with polyester terephthalate (PET)
- The ingredients are then put through high temperatures to create a polymer.
- After that, the polymer solidifies. And it forms a thick syrup.
- The syrup is passed through a metal disk with tiny holes. This creates long strips.
- The long strips are then woven into yarns. And it’s made into fabric.
- Sometimes, Teflon is added to make the fleece water-resistant.
Given that, it’ll last longer than any other fabric.
This also means that you’ll buy doggie blankets less often.
And you’ll get more of your money’s worth.
Read also: 13 Weird Reasons Why Your Dog Chews On Blankets + 3 Tips
It’s very lightweight
Fleece is also popular because it’s very lightweight.
And guess what?
It also has amazing anti-perspiration qualities.
It blocks moisture from getting in. But it allows it to get out.
So it’s a win-win situation.
But wait, there’s more…
When it comes to fleece, you have plenty of options
Let’s discuss them one by one.
Polar Fleece
This is less furry than coral fleece. But it’s also very warm.
Additionally, it’s stretchier than other fleeces.
Plus, there’s more variety with it.
For one, there are those that create fur balls. And there are those that don’t.
Of course, the latter is more expensive.
But it’s worth the price. That’s if you don’t want to clean up fur balls every day.
Berber Fleece
This one looks and feels like natural fur.
It’s curly and has a nubby texture. But it’s soft.
Also, it has great insulation properties.
Additionally, it’s strong, stretchy, and versatile.
However, beware…
This type of fleece attracts fur more than others.
So if your pet sheds a lot, be prepared.
But don’t worry.
I won’t leave you covered up in fur.
Simple tips to get rid of pet hair from fleece
Use adhesive rollers
Lint rollers are a pet parent’s best friend.
They’re so easy to use.
And they’re clean up quick.
For Fido’s blanky, first spread out the blanky. Then, roll the lint roller over it until it’s covered up in fur.
Remove the filled-up strip. And repeat the steps until all the hair is gone.
“What if I don’t have one?”
A simple alternative would be tape.
For this, first cut off a piece, then blot on the blanket. Keep repeating it until Fido’s blanky is clean.
Use dryer sheets
Did you know? Static electricity isn’t just great for fun.
It’s also great for removing pet hair from fleece.
To do this, take a piece of dryer sheet. Then rub it over the blanket. And it’ll easily grab the hair.
You can also use an inflated balloon in the same way.
Use rubber gloves
Rubber gloves don’t just keep your hands clean.
They’re also great for cleaning up pet hair.
Simply wear one and lay the fleece blanky on a table. Then, wipe your gloved hand across the blanket.
This will gather the hair and make it easier for you to pick them up.
Tip: For stubborn spots, dip your glove in water. The dampness will provide a better grip on the hair.
#2: Terry fabric
Do you have one of those sweaters that is soft on the inside? Then it has this even texture on the outside?
Aren’t they warm and cozy?
Those sweaters are often made of terry fabric.
This fabric is mostly made of a special cotton blend. But it also has a bit of spandex and polyester.
With those qualities, they’re also great for making doggy blankets.
In fact, it’s one of the most used fabrics for doggy blankies.
Terry fabric is very soft. And it’s just midweight.
However, it’s less warm than fleece.
But that’s one of the best things about it.
Why?
Your pooch can use it all year round.
But wait…
“Do dogs still need a blanky in the summer?”
See, not all pooches feel warm in the summer.
Smaller or older dogs can still feel a little cold during that season.
Additionally, the summer months can still have rain, wind, and a bit of a chill.
Moreover, blankets don’t just offer warmth to dogs.
As you know, blankies can offer comfort too.
That’s especially so if your pup has separation anxiety.
Vets would often recommend you give your dog a blanky with your scent. This would help ease your pup’s anxiety.
For instance, take a look at this Pittie bringing his security blanket everywhere with him:
Now, going back to terry fabric…
It’s also very durable. However, it can sometimes snag.
And when it does, there’s little that you can do to fix it.
So, if your pooch is a blanket chewer, this might not be the best option.
Lastly, terry blankets can shrink in the wash.
And Fido might not appreciate his blanky shrinking.
So, to prevent that, wash your pup’s blanky in cool or warm water, depending on the care sheet. Then make sure that the washing machine is set on gentle.
Lastly, in drying, only use low or medium heat, depending again on the specific care manual.
#3: Coral Velvet
Coral velvet is remarkably soft.
The fabric is also light and breathable.
Your pooch might not even feel like they have a blanket on them.
But it’s guaranteed they’ll have plenty of cozy nights with it.
With how soft and comfy it is, you might even be tempted to “borrow” your doggy’s blanky.
It’s just that comfy.
However, beware.
Coral velvet attracts dust.
More than that, it can attract mold spores and the shed skin cells of your pooch.
So if your dog has any respiratory illness, it’s best to look for other blankets. That’s because it can arrive at the point where these can cause allergies.
Some allergy symptoms you can look out for according to VCA are:
- Sneezing.
- Wheezing.
- Coughing.
- Teary eyes.
- Runny nose.
If you notice these, take the blanky away from your dog.
And it’s best to take them immediately to the vet.
#4: Microfiber
Many dogs treat their blanky as their comfort spot.
Unfortunately, that means it can also be their snacking spot.
And sometimes, that causes stains.
However, with a microfiber blanky, you won’t have that to worry about.
You see, microfiber repels stains. Plus, dirt and other allergens don’t stick to it too.
So cleaning it will be a breeze.
You can just pop it in the washing machine and wait.
Additionally, microfiber lasts long. It doesn’t wear thin easily.
And even if it’s stretched, it goes back to its original form.
This makes it harder for your pup to shred.
Also, while microfiber is lightweight, it’s warm.
With it, your dog will be wrapped in coziness in cold months.
However, in warm months, this fabric can be uncomfortable.
Fortunately, microfiber is highly breathable. And this wouldn’t suffocate your pooch.
See, according to experts, dogs can self-regulate pretty well.
They know when they’re feeling too hot. And they’d know when to move.
Regardless, breathable fabrics help a lot. That’s because they let Fido easily escape and cool down.
Going back to microfiber, there’s one other thing that makes it unique:
It attracts wet things.
So think oil, mud, or bodily fluids.
That’s why you’d need to wash it a lot more often than other fabrics.
#5: Sherpa fabric
Sherpa is sometimes called faux-sheepskin.
And that’s mostly because it’s as snuggly as the real thing.
Moreover, it’s really great at preserving heat. And it provides a great barrier against wind and cold.
With the warmth it creates, it’s almost like fleece.
However, unlike fleece, sherpa isn’t heavy or bulky.
That’s despite its thickness and plushness.
And while it does feel luxurious, sherpa isn’t high-maintenance.
For instance, if there’s a stain, you just have to wipe it. Then, wash it in cold water using mild detergent.
Also, to avoid shedding, just put it in a laundry bag. And throw it in the wash.
However, if your dog is a chewer, best keep sherpa blankies away.
The lightweight material can easily tear.
And your pooch can easily swallow bits of it.
If it’s just a small amount, it might not be an issue.
It can pass through their tummies. And it can come out with their poop.
The problem is when it gets stuck.
It can be in their mouth, throat, or intestines.
When that happens, it can choke your pooch. Or it can create a blockage.
So if you noticed your pooch has swallowed a lot of fabric, first, don’t panic.
Here are some tips from experts you can do.
#1: Call your vet and head to the vet’s office immediately.
#2: If your pooch is choking, first check their mouth. The fabric might be lodged in there.
#3: If you can see the fabric, try removing it. But only do that if you can easily reach it.
#4: While doing that, be careful. Your dog can accidentally bite. To prevent that, keep one hand on the upper jaw. Then, place the other on their lower jaw. And keep your index finger free to search.
#5: If you can’t remove the fabric with your finger, head to the clinic right away.
What is the warmest blanket for a dog?
The warmest blanket for your dog is any kind of fleece blanket. It’s thick and provides a great layer of insulation. This will keep your dog’s warmth in and keep the cold and chill out. However, there are various kinds of fleece. And when choosing, consider the climate in your area and the needs of your dog.