Are you looking for the best blanket for your dog and not sure which one to choose? If so, I will gladly help. The right blanket for your dog depends primarily on what your companion actually needs. Do they want an even softer surface to sleep on, or perhaps some extra cosiness because they are a real lover of warmth? Or maybe you are looking for a blanket that will travel with you from the sofa to the dog bed, car and hotel room?
Evenings on the sofa with your dog are probably one of the nicest parts of the daily routine. After a long day, relaxing together is a wonderful way to unwind and slow down. Many dogs also greatly appreciate this kind of time spent close to their guardian. A blanket can quickly become not only an additional layer of softness but also a permanent part of your dog’s resting space.
A good dog blanket should be suited to your dog’s size, the way they like to rest and, above all, the place where it will be used most often. On the sofa, softness, ease of washing and appearance matter. In a dog bed, comfort and the ability for your dog to arrange the blanket themselves are important, while for travel, low weight, portability and ease of cleaning also become relevant.
When choosing a blanket, it is therefore better not to start with colour alone. First ask yourself what your dog will actually use it for, and only then choose the material, size and specific model.
What will you learn from this article? From this guide, you will learn:
- which dog blanket works well on the sofa,
- which blanket is best to add to a dog bed,
- which model to take in the car and when travelling,
- how thin fleece differs from a thick throw and a furry blanket,
- how to choose the right blanket size for your dog,
- whether a 70 × 90 cm blanket will be large enough for your dog,
- which blanket to choose for a large dog,
- how often to wash your dog’s blanket,
- which blanket to choose for a puppy,
- when it is worth having two blankets instead of one,
- when a made-to-measure dog blanket may be a good solution,
- how Bowl&Bone Republic ZEN, ROYAL, NAP and MILO blankets differ.
Dog blanket – how do you choose one?
Before you manage to find the ideal one, you may go through a few more or less successful attempts. That is why it is worth spending a moment observing your dog before making a purchase.
Does your dog sleep curled up in a ball? Do they stretch out completely? Do they try to get under the duvet? Do they happily lie on a smooth surface, or do they search for the fluffiest cushion in the house? Do they often move blankets around with their paws before lying down?
Each of these observations can give you a clue as to which blanket may best suit their needs. First of all, think about what the main purpose of the blanket will be. Is it meant to keep your dog cosy on cooler evenings, provide a soft addition to their bed, mark out a place on the sofa, or travel with you?
The answer to this question should determine which dog blanket you choose. You can find the complete current collection in the Bowl&Bone Republic dog blankets category.
Dog blanket for the sofa – what should you look for?
For the sofa, it is best to choose a soft blanket that is easy to wash and whose appearance works well with your interior. A dog resting on the sofa leaves behind fur, small grains of sand, dust and other dirt brought in from walks. A blanket will not replace a full protective sofa cover, but it can significantly reduce your dog’s direct contact with the upholstery, and once dirty it is far easier to put a blanket in the wash than to clean the entire sofa.
A blanket can also help mark out your dog’s favourite resting place. This does not, of course, mean that your dog will always remain precisely within the allocated section of the sofa, but many dogs quickly begin to associate a particular textile with rest.
The appearance of the blanket matters on the sofa too. Nobody said that our dogs’ accessories cannot also be pleasing to our eyes. We put a great deal of thought into our interiors, and our dogs’ accessories are a permanent part of the homes we live in.
When choosing a dog blanket for the sofa, look for a product that is first and foremost functional and comfortable for your dog, but which also suits your own taste and sense of style.
If your dog particularly enjoys furry surfaces, NAP or MILO may be a good direction. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a lighter blanket that is easy to remove from the sofa and take with you, ZEN may prove more practical.
A blanket as bedding or an extra layer in a dog bed
Some dogs particularly appreciate the softness of the surface they sleep on. They seem to follow one simple rule: the cosier the sleeping spot, the better.
If you want to give your dog even more comfort, you can therefore consider using a blanket as an addition to their dog bed.
PDSA highlights the importance of soft, comfortable bedding in the place where a dog rests [1]. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA – a UK animal welfare charity) also recommends providing a comfortable, clean, dry and peaceful place for a dog to sleep [2].
A blanket in the bed offers another advantage: your dog can, to some extent, arrange the surface according to their own preferences. Some dogs lie directly on the spread-out blanket, while others bunch it up with their paws into a small cushion or move it towards one side of the bed.
This does not mean, however, that an ordinary blanket can always replace a good dog bed. If your dog needs stable support, likes resting their head against raised sides or has particular needs associated with age or mobility, the blanket should primarily be treated as an additional layer of comfort.
If you are creating a permanent resting area in the most representative room in your home, our guide Which dog bed should you choose for your living room? may also be helpful.
A blanket to help keep your dog cosy
For many dogs, one of the basic functions of a blanket is to provide an additional layer of cosiness while resting.
Not every dog will respond to cooler conditions in the same way. Coat type, body build, age, health and individual preferences all matter. Instead of assuming that every dog needs a thick blanket, observe your own companion.
What should you keep in mind when choosing a blanket for cosying up? It should not be unnecessarily heavy or stiff. Its purpose is to provide a soft layer under which your dog can settle comfortably.
If you are looking for something more like a traditional throw, ROYAL is particularly interesting. It is made from two layers of thick, soft fleece, so compared with the thinner ZEN it provides a more enveloping feel. It can be used on both sides, and its construction makes it more like a small throw designed especially for a dog. See the ROYAL dog blanket.
ZEN, ROYAL, NAP or MILO – which dog blanket should you choose?
At Bowl&Bone Republic, you can currently find four blanket ranges with distinctly different characters. It is therefore not simply a matter of choosing a different colour or pattern. Each can suit slightly different expectations from dogs and their guardians.
| Model | Character of the blanket | Where is it particularly worth considering? |
|---|---|---|
| ZEN | thin, soft fleece | sofa, dog bed, travel, car |
| ROYAL | more like a traditional throw made from two layers of thick, soft fleece | cooler evenings, sofa, dog bed |
| NAP | soft surface resembling short-pile fur | sofa, dog bed, dogs that enjoy fluffy textiles |
| MILO | dense, soft, medium-pile fur | sofa, dog bed, a particularly cosy resting place |
ZEN dog blanket – thin fleece and excellent versatility
ZEN is the lightest of these options. It is made from thin fleece, which makes it easy to fold, store and take away from home. The current standard size is 70 × 90 cm.
This makes ZEN a good choice if you are looking for a versatile product: for the sofa, dog bed, car or even your suitcase for a weekend away.
The manufacturer also states that ZEN fleece dries quickly and does not retain moisture, which makes it even more practical outside the home. See the ZEN grey dog blanket.
ROYAL dog blanket – more like a soft throw
ROYAL is a completely different proposition. Two layers of quilted, soft fleece make it feel more like a traditional throw than a lightweight travel blanket.
It measures 70 × 100 cm and can be used on both sides. This makes it particularly suitable for dogs that like to snuggle into more substantial textiles, or when the blanket is intended to become a permanent feature of the sofa or dog bed.
NAP dog blanket – short-pile fur and a soft surface
NAP is distinguished by a texture resembling short-pile fur. It is soft, delicate and available in a standard size of 70 × 90 cm.
If your dog particularly enjoys fluffy surfaces, NAP is one of my favourites. It can lie inside the dog bed, mark out your dog’s place on the sofa or travel with you for a weekend away. See the NAP grey dog blanket.
MILO dog blanket – medium-pile fur and a more enveloping feel
MILO is the furriest option in the current collection. Its dense surface has very soft, medium-pile fur that gives the dog a clear sense of being enveloped and may encourage calm rest.
The model is available in two standard sizes: 70 × 90 cm and 90 × 110 cm. This makes it easier to choose MILO for a larger dog or to use it over a larger section of the sofa.
MILO is a particularly interesting choice for dogs that naturally seek out the softest places in the home and love burying their muzzle in furry cushions and blankets. See the MILO brown furry dog blanket.
Which blanket should you choose for your dog in the car?
For the car, it is best to choose a blanket that is easy to fold, wash and carry from the vehicle into your accommodation.
During travel, a blanket can serve several purposes. It creates an additional soft surface, catches some fur and small amounts of dirt, and once you arrive it can be carried into a hotel, apartment or a friend’s home.
A familiar scent may offer an additional benefit. Blue Cross suggests taking a blanket carrying a puppy’s familiar scent during their first journey to a new home [3]. PDSA also mentions a familiar blanket as something that may be comforting for an animal in a new environment [1].
This does not, of course, mean that a blanket will automatically calm every dog. It can, however, provide a familiar element in an unfamiliar place. In our case, this is exactly why a blanket often travels with the dog. A familiar material and scent mean that even in a new environment, they have something with them that they already know.
If the product’s main purpose is comfort in the car, it is also worth looking at the HARMONY car dog seats or lightweight dog mats for home and travel.
A blanket in the car does not replace securing your dog
An ordinary blanket is not a restraint system for a dog travelling in a car.
The RSPCA highlights the need to secure dogs appropriately in the car and to provide suitable bedding that helps reduce slipping during journeys [2]. A blanket may improve comfort, but safety during sudden braking or a collision requires an appropriate transport solution. You can read more about this in our guide How to travel safely with your dog by car?.
Which dog blanket is best for travel?
If you travel frequently, it is worth thinking of a blanket as one of the most mobile pieces of your dog’s kit. At home, it may lie in the dog bed or on the sofa. A few hours later, you can take it into the car, spread it out in a hotel or place it beside the table while visiting friends.
In this situation, a lightweight model that is easy to fold and simple to care for will be particularly practical. For this reason, ZEN may be a good choice for a guardian who travels frequently. If, however, your dog prefers fluffy materials, there is nothing to stop you from taking NAP or MILO – you simply need to take into account that they will occupy a little more space in your luggage.
One blanket or two?
One good blanket may be enough, but having two is often considerably more convenient in everyday use. One can remain in the dog bed or on the sofa, while the other waits in the car or in the cupboard with your travel accessories.
This also has a practical advantage when it comes to washing. While one blanket is in the washing machine or drying, your dog still has another in their usual resting place. Two different models also allow you to match the textile to its function. For example, fluffy MILO or NAP can stay beside the dog bed, while lightweight ZEN serves as a travel blanket.
How do you choose the right size dog blanket?
How large should a dog blanket be? First and foremost, it should be large enough for your dog to lie comfortably on it in their preferred resting position. This means that when choosing the size, it helps to know not only your dog’s length but also how they usually sleep.
If your dog normally curls up, they may need less surface area than a dog that sleeps on their side with their legs fully extended. The easiest method is to measure the space your dog occupies while resting and compare it with the dimensions of the blanket.
Is a 70 × 90 cm dog blanket large enough?
For many small dogs and some medium-sized dogs, 70 × 90 cm will be sufficient as a surface to lie on, an addition to a dog bed or a blanket for the sofa.
ZEN and NAP are both available in this size. MILO also comes in 70 × 90 cm, but additionally offers a larger 90 × 110 cm version.
If your dog is larger or sleeps fully stretched out, it is worth choosing a bigger blanket or ordering an individual size.
Which blanket should you choose for a large dog?
For a large dog, the most important consideration is providing enough surface area.
A smaller blanket can, of course, be used to cover part of the body or as an extra layer beneath the head, but if it is intended as a resting surface, your dog should be able to lie on it without being forced to curl up simply because there is not enough room.
In the standard collection, MILO offers the larger 90 × 110 cm size. If even this is not sufficient, or if you need a very specific dimension to fit a sofa or dog bed, it is worth considering made-to-measure production.
Made-to-measure dog blanket – when is it worth choosing?
A made-to-measure blanket makes particular sense when standard dimensions do not suit your dog or the place where the blanket will be used. This may apply to a large dog, a very small dog, an unusually sized bed or a particular section of the sofa.
Bowl&Bone Republic can prepare blankets in individual dimensions. Made-to-measure options are also available within the current blanket ranges, so you do not have to choose between a standard size that is too small and another that is considerably too large.
This can also be a good solution when you want to create a coordinated set: the blanket can be matched to the dimensions of a particular dog bed, cushion or mat. An individual size should not, however, be used to reduce the blanket at the expense of your dog’s comfort. First determine how much space your dog really needs, and only then match the product to the place where it will be used.
What else should you consider when choosing a dog blanket?
Choosing a dog blanket can be easy, quick and enjoyable when you know what to look for. After all, you want the blanket to meet your dog’s needs while also being convenient in everyday use.
Ease of cleaning
Keeping your dog’s accessories clean and hygienic is very important. It is therefore always worth choosing products whose care does not turn into a separate all-day project.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC – the US public health agency) gives cleaning pet bedding and blankets approximately once a week as a practical example, and more often if they are visibly dirty or smell unpleasant [4].
The CDC also emphasises that with textiles you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding temperature and cleaning method [4]. Bowl&Bone Republic ZEN, ROYAL, NAP and MILO blankets can be washed by hand or in a washing machine according to the care instructions for the particular model. For the current versions, a gentle programme and a temperature of up to 30°C are recommended.
Quality of workmanship
We have mentioned many times how important the quality of our dogs’ accessories is. A product that quickly loses its structure, softness or shape stops fulfilling its purpose properly.
With a blanket, pay particular attention to the material itself, the finish around the edges, the stitching and the care instructions. After all, a blanket is a product that may be moved, folded, washed and heavily used on a regular basis.
The appearance of your dog’s blanket
There is no denying that for many of us, the appearance of our dogs’ accessories matters a great deal. Always begin with your dog’s needs and comfort. However, when several products meet those needs equally well, there is nothing wrong with making appearance your next criterion.
A blanket often remains visible on the sofa or in the dog bed for most of the day. In practice, it becomes part of the interior in much the same way as a throw, cushion or rug. This is precisely why the Bowl&Bone Republic collection includes both neutral shades of grey, graphite, beige and brown, as well as stronger colour options.
What is the best material for a dog blanket?
There is no single material that is best for every dog. The right choice depends on whether you need a lightweight blanket, a thicker throw or a fluffier surface. If portability and a small folded size are your priority, consider the thin ZEN fleece. If you want a more enveloping throw made from a thicker material, ROYAL may be a better fit.
For a dog that naturally chooses fur-like surfaces, NAP’s short-pile fur is a good direction. If your dog particularly enjoys sinking into a fluffy surface, consider MILO with its medium-pile fur. This is a much better way of choosing than trying to find one universally “best material” for every dog.
Which blanket should you choose for a puppy?
A puppy can use a blanket from the very beginning of life in their new home. PDSA recommends providing dogs with a soft, comfortable resting place [1][5], while Blue Cross notes that a blanket carrying a familiar scent can be used during a puppy’s first journey to their new home [3].
For a young dog, a model that can be washed regularly is particularly practical. You should also observe how your puppy uses textiles. If they aggressively tear the material or try to swallow pieces of it, remove the damaged blanket and do not leave it with them as a toy.
It is also worth remembering that a small puppy grows quickly. If you are buying a blanket to use as a sleeping surface, consider not only their current size but also the size they are likely to reach over the coming months.
Can a blanket replace a dog bed?
Sometimes – for example, during a short rest while travelling – a blanket can act as a standalone surface to lie on. It will not, however, always be an equivalent substitute for a properly chosen dog bed.
The RSPCA points out that a dog’s resting place should be comfortable, clean and dry, and should allow them to rest peacefully [2]. Some dogs are perfectly happy on a very simple surface, while others clearly prefer soft support, raised sides or a more stable filling. A blanket is therefore best treated as a flexible addition to a dog bed rather than an automatic replacement for every type of bedding.
How often should you wash your dog’s blanket?
There is no single washing frequency that is ideal for every household. The number of dogs, amount of fur, weather, the way the blanket is used and whether your dog frequently returns from walks wet or dirty will all make a difference. The CDC gives weekly cleaning of dog blankets and bedding as a practical reference point [4].
If, however, the blanket is visibly dirty, smells unpleasant or is being used by an unwell dog, it may need cleaning more frequently. Always follow the instructions for the specific product.
Which dog blanket should you avoid?
Do not buy a blanket simply because it looks good in a photograph. If your dog does not like the material, the size is too small, the product is difficult to wash or it simply does not suit the way it will be used, it is unlikely to be a good purchase.
Also pay attention to the condition of the blanket during use. If the material is badly damaged, loose pieces appear or your dog starts biting them off, the product should be repaired or replaced. In the car, do not treat an ordinary blanket as full waterproof protection for the upholstery or as a safety system for your dog. It is primarily a layer of comfort.
The best dog blanket – needs first, model second
I hope choosing a blanket for your four-legged friend will now be a little easier. A blanket is a highly functional part of a dog’s kit because it can easily be moved from place to place. It may lie in the dog bed, move onto the sofa in the evening and then travel with you in the car the following day.
You do not, however, need to search for the product that is “the best in the world”. Look for the best blanket for your individual dog and the particular way it will be used. If your dog needs a lightweight, mobile solution, look at ZEN. If they enjoy thicker, soft throws, consider ROYAL. NAP may appeal to a lover of short-pile fur, while MILO is suited to dogs that adore fluffier, more enveloping surfaces.
If the standard size does not suit your dog or the place in your home, you can also choose a made-to-measure blanket. See the complete collection of Bowl&Bone Republic dog blankets and choose the material and size that suit the way your dog genuinely rests.
– the Bowl&Bone Republic team
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the article –
Which dog blanket should you choose for the sofa, dog bed and car?
What is the best dog blanket?
The best dog blanket should be suited to your dog’s size, their material preferences and where the blanket will be used. Lightweight fleece works particularly well for travel, a thicker throw for cosier rest, and a furry blanket for a dog that enjoys very soft surfaces.
Which dog blanket should you choose for the sofa?
For the sofa, it is worth choosing a soft blanket that can be washed regularly and whose size provides your dog with a comfortable resting area. Appearance may also matter, as the blanket becomes a permanent part of the living room.
Does a dog blanket protect the sofa from fur?
It can reduce the amount of fur and small amounts of dirt that reach the upholstery directly if your dog rests on the blanket. An ordinary blanket does not, however, replace a full protective sofa cover.
Which blanket is best for a dog bed?
A material that suits your dog’s preferences and is easy to wash will work well in a dog bed. For dogs that enjoy fluffier surfaces, NAP or MILO may be worth considering, while ZEN provides a lighter layer.
Is it worth putting a blanket in a dog bed?
Yes, if your dog enjoys the additional softness. A blanket can also make it easier to refresh the surface your dog sleeps on regularly, because it is usually much simpler to wash a blanket than an entire bed.
Which blanket is best for a dog in the car?
A lightweight model that is easy to fold and wash is practical for the car. The blanket can improve travel comfort and then be carried into a hotel or apartment. It does not, however, replace an appropriate restraint system for your dog while driving.
Can a familiar blanket help a dog while travelling?
A familiar blanket can provide a recognisable element in a new environment. PDSA and Blue Cross both refer to the use of familiar blankets and scents during adaptation and a puppy’s first journeys [1][3].
What size dog blanket should you choose?
The blanket should provide enough surface area for the way your dog naturally rests. It is best to measure the space your dog occupies while sleeping and compare it with the product dimensions.
Is a 70 × 90 cm blanket large enough for a dog?
For many small and medium-sized dogs, this will be a suitable size. If your dog is larger or sleeps fully stretched out, consider a bigger option or order a made-to-measure blanket.
Which blanket should you choose for a large dog?
For a large dog, it is particularly important to provide enough surface area for them to position their body freely. MILO is available in a standard 90 × 110 cm size, while Bowl&Bone Republic also offers blankets made to individual dimensions.
ZEN or ROYAL – which blanket should you choose?
ZEN is thinner and lighter, making it well suited to frequent carrying and travel. ROYAL is made from two layers of thick, soft fleece and feels more like a traditional throw.
NAP or MILO – what is the difference?
NAP has a soft surface resembling short-pile fur. MILO is fluffier and has medium-pile fur, giving a more pronounced enveloping feel. MILO is also available in the larger standard size of 90 × 110 cm.
Which blanket should you choose for a puppy?
The most important factors are softness, easy care and an appropriate size. It is also worth observing whether your puppy treats the blanket as something to tear apart or attempts to swallow pieces of material.
Does a dog need their own blanket?
It is not an essential item for every dog, but it can be a very practical addition to a dog bed, sofa and travel routine.
Is one dog blanket enough?
Yes, but with frequent use, two blankets are more convenient. One can remain at home while the other is used in the car and during travel.
Can you wash a dog blanket in a washing machine?
It depends on the particular model. Bowl&Bone Republic ZEN, ROYAL, NAP and MILO blankets can be machine washed in accordance with the care instructions for the individual product.
How often should you wash your dog’s blanket?
The CDC gives cleaning dog blankets and bedding around once a week as a practical reference point, and more frequently when they are visibly dirty or smell unpleasant [4].
Can you order a made-to-measure dog blanket?
Yes. Bowl&Bone Republic offers dog blankets made to individual dimensions. This is particularly useful for a large dog, an unusually sized dog bed or when the blanket needs to fit a specific section of the sofa.
Can a blanket replace a dog bed?
Sometimes during a short rest or while travelling. For everyday use, however, it will not always provide the same support as a dog bed, particularly if your dog needs stable filling, additional support or raised sides.
Sources and inspiration used to write the article
How to choose the best dog blanket – for the sofa, dog bed and car?
- People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), “Helping a new pet adapt” and “Crate training your dog” – materials covering the creation of a comfortable resting place and the use of soft bedding and a familiar blanket in a new environment.
PDSA – Helping a new pet adapt
PDSA – Crate training your dog - Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), “Creating a Good Home For Your Dog” – information concerning a comfortable, clean and peaceful resting place for dogs and safe travel by car.
RSPCA – Creating a Good Home For Your Dog - Blue Cross, “Bringing your new puppy home” – guidance on a puppy’s first journey and the use of a blanket carrying a familiar scent when moving to a new home.
Blue Cross – Bringing your new puppy home - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “About Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies” – current guidance on regularly cleaning dog blankets, bedding and other pet accessories and following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
CDC – About Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies - Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), “Choosing the Perfect Dog Bed” – material covering bedding comfort, ease of cleaning and matching a resting place to an individual dog’s needs.
RSPCA – Choosing the Perfect Dog Bed
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