VetBed and Dog Blankets

Occasionally dogs' need for sleep and rest is underestimated. Our loyal four-legged friends spend up to 18 hours a day resting, slumbering and dozing. A dog blanket is a low-maintenance, mobile alternative to dog beds. There are dog blankets for many different areas – be they in apartments, gardens, cars or outdoors. Here you can find important information on matters such as material, size and washability of blankets. Our bitiba dog shop offers you a large selection of different dog blankets.

Dog blankets can carry out different tasks. On stone floors or outdoors, thick blankets protect dogs from the cold ground. In dog baskets, a blanket provides extra comfort. When used in cars and on the sofa, they protect seating areas from hairs, scratches, damp and dog odour. In a dog crate or buggy, a blanket known to the dog creates a sense of familiarity and makes it easier for the dog to get used to it. With this versatility in mind, a dog blanket is a sensible purchase.

Most dog blankets are made of one or more of these materials:

- Polyester

- Nylon

- Cotton blend with polyester or nylon

- Pure cotton

- Wool

Wool is fluffy and warming but difficult to clean. Pure cotton blankets are robust and can be washed at higher temperatures. Synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are equally durable, but are more sensitive to high temperatures when washed. Dog blankets should have a coated underside for good moisture protection outdoors. The upper surface should be water-resistant in case of accidents. The craftsmanship of the material plays a big role in the snuggle factor. For instance, polyester fleece or cotton flannel feel warmer than smooth versions of these materials.

Dog blankets should always be much longer and wider than the dog itself when it stretches out on the floor. If the blanket is for a dog basket or bed, it should be possible to lay it comfortably over the edges. When it comes to protection from the cold, the thicker the blanket the better. To prevent slipping on bare floors, you can choose dog blankets with anti-slip nubs or another slip-resistant underside.

A good dog blanket for cars is water-resistant and robust for optimal protection from scratching, moisture and soiling. Choose the blanket to fit the area where the dog will be in the car, which is usually the back seat or boot. There are blankets that fully cover the relevant area and can also be attached to backrests, headrests and sides to protect these areas from soiling too. Machine-washable blankets ensure that dog odour soon becomes a thing of the past.

The material determines the temperature at which a dog blanket can be washed. You should wash wool blankets at 30ºC on a gentle cycle and lie them down to air dry. Synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester can be washed at 40ºC. Cotton blends can usually also be washed at 40ºC, whilst pure cotton blankets are washable at 60ºC and sometimes 95ºC. Always look at the washing instructions on the blanket label and follow its cleaning recommendations. An advantage of being able to wash at 60ºC or more is that this kills both bacteria and fungi.