The 8 Best Dog Blankets Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 18th January 2024
Dog blankets are infinitely useful. From giving an extra bit of comfort and warmth to your pet, to protecting your furniture and car seats, it’s hard to imagine life without one.
Can dogs make do with any old blanket, or should we be looking for specific materials? What blanket will offer the perfect balance between durability and comfiness?
To answer these questions, our team collaborated with veterinarians, canine behaviourists and pet parents to gather brands from all over Australia and personally test their dog blankets with our furry friends. After months of research and discussion, we were finally able to create a list of the best dog blankets that we can find in the market.
Today, our Dog Blanket Australia Guide will reveal the answers to these questions.
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
Snooza Calming Cuddler Dog Blanket
- Extra warm and comforting
- Machine washable
- Very soft but durable
- Neutral colour
Runner Up -
Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Dog & Cat Throw Blanket
- Good value for money
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes
- Six colour options
- Shag design calms puppies and anxious dogs
Third Choice -
FURRYBABY Premium Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket
- Comes in sizes ranging from S to XL
- Lots of colour options
- Doesn’t shed or fade with the use
- Safe for machine washing and tumble drying
Australia's Best Dog Blankets Reviewed
Ready to discover the best dog blanket Australia offers? After months of research and several dozen types tested, these are the blankets our team of independent experts (and their dogs!) liked best.
#1: Best Overall: Snooza Calming Cuddler Dog Blanket
This adorable blanket from Snooza is the perfect choice for dogs that need an extra bit of warmth and cuddles to feel their best. Use it as bedding on your pet’s bed to add an extra layer of warmth, or let your dog snuggle up under the blanket - whichever they prefer. Furthermore, this blanket is also a great choice if you are looking for something to protect your furniture from dog hair but still keep it looking stylish.
The Snooza Calming Cuddler is made from incredible soft double-sided plush. One side is the typical plush fabric, while the other is long-grain plush that feels just like fur. Whichever side your dog prefers, the texture of the blanket will create extra warmth and keep them comfortable.
Compared to the second option, Best Friends by Sheri, this brand keeps our dogs cosy and warm all over the blanket, no matter which side they choose, and is constructed from super-plush fabric that is very comfy. Plus, I really loved how it can be air dried so my dog was able to use it immediately after it being washed.
The Snooza Calming Cuddler Dog Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
Finally, this blanket does not require any special maintenance. It’s machine washable and holds up well even when washed often, which is not that common in soft fluffy blankets like this one (they usually tend to fall apart rather quickly). Simply wash it on a cold cycle (max 40 degrees C) and air-dry. It also dries rather quickly so frequent washes are not a problem.
All the dogs whose owners took part in our team of independent experts loved the double-sided comfort of this blanket, where they can snuggle with it anyway that they want to.
Also, we like how durable it is despite its very soft material. Most of the time, this type of material does not last long when it's not hand-washed.
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#2: Runner-Up: Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Dog & Cat Throw Blanket
Do you always have to fight your pooch over the best seating spot in the house? If the answer is yes, then Best Friends by Sheri has the perfect blanket model for you. Wherever you put it, you can rest assured your dog will never use any other napping spot again.
This blanket is one of the comfiest things you can get for your pooch. Soft shag is designed to mimic a mother’s fur, which can be useful for puppies learning to sleep alone. I'm also happy to report that it also helped my anxious adult dogs feel more secure at night.
Unlike the Snooza Calming Cuddler, which only offers three colours, mink, silver fox, and teddy oat, this brand has only two options - frost and taupe. However, this is larger than the previous option, making it a good choice for all dog sizes.
The Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Dog & Cat Throw Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
The blanket comes in two sizes: 75 cm x 100 cm and 100 cm x 125 cm. The sizing is pretty nice - not too big but still large enough even for bigger dogs. Furthermore, the neutral colours available should suit most home decor.
You can wash this blanket in a washing machine but remember to not add any other laundry. That’s because other clothes will cause friction, which can lead to shedding and matting of the shag. After cleaning, it’s recommended to use a dryer instead of allowing it to air dry.
We appreciate the size variety provided by this brand. Plus, every member of our expert panel shared that their dogs are definitely calm whenever they are using this blanket, so it is really a good buy.
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#3: Premium Pick: FURRYBABY Premium Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket
Our precious pooches appreciate good things in life, like soft and comfy blankets. If you have some extra money to spare, you won’t go wrong with this premium fluffy blanket by Furrybaby.
This blanket comes in various colour options, ranging from earthy to pastel shades - much more variety compared to our previous two choices. There are also several sizes from S to XL. This means that no matter how big or small your dog is, you can find a suitable blanket.
The difference between Furrybaby and the previous brand, Best Friends by Sheri, is its thickness. Everyone on our team of independent experts agreed that this blanket is one of the thickest among all the available blankets in the market, which can surely keep your canine companion warm in cold weather.
The FURRYBABY Premium Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
The reason for a high price becomes evident as soon as you put your hand on this blanket. It’s made of thick but soft fleece that’s inviting for cuddles. You can rest assured that even the most hyperactive dogs will start loving nap time with this blanket.
The Furrybaby fleece blanket is durable too, so don’t worry about it fading or shedding from prolonged use. It doesn’t get dirty easily, but when that happens, cleaning is a piece of cake. Just shake off the dog hair and throw it in the washing machine. After the cycle, you can tumble dry it and have it ready for use in a blink of an eye.
I highly recommend this for those dog owners who have large breeds of dogs (like me!) because they offer an XL size, which is usually not available in other options. If you are unsure if your big dog can snuggle in their large blanket, you can go with the XL.
Also, we chose this as our third option because it is extremely thick. It does not fade or shed with constant use, so despite its higher price, it can last for a long time.
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#4: Budget Pick: PAWZ Road Pet Dog Blanket
Who said that a soft, fluffy dog blanket has to cost an arm and a leg? If you’re shopping on a budget, you can still find some high-quality products on the market, like this model by Pawz Road.
This cute blanket comes in a warm grey shade and features colourful dots all over. It can easily fit any room decor and look good wherever you put it in the house. The blanket is made of ultra-soft plush polyester, which is hypoallergenic, breathable and durable. It does a great job at retaining heat, so you can rest assured your pooch will be warm during their nap.
I quickly discovered that the blanket is also easy to clean. Put it on the cold cycle and tumble dry afterwards. That’s all.
Like the Furrybaby fleece blanket, this brand also produces a blanket that does not fade over time. However, they are better in terms of offering a hypoallergenic option, especially for those dogs who have sensitivities to materials like wool and polyester.
The PAWZ Road Pet Dog Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
When it comes to size, there are four options. The S size is suitable for the smallest dogs like Chihuahuas. The XL size, on the other hand, is suitable for dogs like Samoyeds and Rottweilers. However, it might be a bit short for very large canines, unlike our third choice.
The hypoallergenic feature is the reason why we included this as our fourth option. We like how they consider our dogs' sensitivities and provide a safe and comfortable blanket that is also budget-friendly for most Australian fur parents.
Plus, we appreciate how the colours make the dog hairs on the blanket not that visible, making it look clean most of the time.
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#5: Best Dog Car Blanket: Mog & Bone Stripe Chambray Fleece Dog Blanket
The Stripe Chambray dog blanket from Mog & Bone is stylish, comfortable, and versatile! We’ve found it’s the perfect blanket to keep in the car for your pooch, but the uses are almost endless.
Mog & Bone is a small Australian brand that focuses on designer pet accessories. Pretty much all of their products look amazing, and that's certainly the case with this blanket. One side features a subdued but delightful striped print that matches the white fleece on the other side perfectly.
Compared to the fourth option, the Pawz Road, this blanket is made from super soft fleece and cotton canvas, which combines durability and style, making it one of the best in the market.
The Mog & Bone Stripe Chambray Fleece Dog Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
However, when it comes to our pets, it’s not just cute-looking things that we want, but those that can withstand the use and abuse of everyday doggy life. Well, our panel of experts can assure you that this blanket will stand up to the challenge. The printed side is made from 100% cotton chambray fabric. It is lightweight and flexible, but also durable. It gives the blanket structure and helps prolong the life of the soft fleece featured on the other side of the blanket.
All of the Mog & Bone blankets come in a single size - 130 cm x 90 cm. We found it’s the perfect size for the car, no matter if you need to cover the back seat in a pinch or want to let your furry friend cuddle up while driving.
I also love its reversible feature, which makes these blankets versatile enough to be used for a variety of purposes, like keeping my couch, my dog's bed, and even my car seats nice and clean.
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#6: Best Waterproof Dog Blanket: Petmaker Reversible Dog Blanket
It seems there’s something so appealing about eating and jumping wet on sofas. And while finding pet hair on furniture is inevitable, there’s something you can do about spills and stains. A waterproof blanket, like this one by Petmaker, will solve all your problems.
This reversible blanket comes in five earthy colours to choose from. It also comes in two sizes, with the bigger one being suitable even for very large dogs like a Great Dane.
Unlike the previous brand, Mog & Bone, this one is a better option if you are looking for a waterproof blanket that you can use to protect your sofa, chair, bed, or any surfaces while giving your dogs comfort and warmth.
The Petmaker Reversible Dog Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
The unique thing about this blanket is that it looks just like a normal blanket, but it’s completely waterproof! No, a waterproof blanket does not need to have an ugly backing that looks like a plastic bag - and the Petmaker blanket is the proof. The trick is in the special water-resistant coating they put on the fleece.
Aside from keeping your furniture dry, this dog blanket was able to keep my pooch warm and cozy while sleeping on the couch. And don’t worry if it gets dirty. Simply throw it into the washing machine on a cold cycle, and the blanket will come out as new - waterproof coating undamaged (at least for a while).
The waterproof feature of this brand makes it a must-have for us because it's perfect for shielding our pet's transport container, kennel, or vehicle seat from stains, spills, and hair while we are on the road or anywhere with our dogs. Also, it is large enough and easy to clean, so you don't have to worry about anything.
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#7: Best For Warmth: PetFusion Premium Plus Quilted Pet Blanket
While some dogs can only sleep on cold surfaces, others prefer warm and cosy spots. If your pooch likes sitting by the fireplace or hiding under your bed sheets, then you should get a blanket like this one by PetFusion.
The blanket comes in four sizes, ranging from S to XL. The former is suitable for dogs like Jack Russell Terrier while the latter can be used by large breeds like Labradors.
Compared to the blanket from Petmaker and the previous ones, which do not have any warranty, this has a one year manufacturer warranty, which is a great choice if you like to try a new brand. You can ensure they vouch for the quality of their product while caring about their customers by providing this service.
The PetFusion Premium Plus Quilted Pet Blanket being tested by our independent expert team.
What makes this blanket great is the light inner fill that adds extra warmth. So no matter how cold it might be, you can rest assured that your pooch will stay warm and cosy while sleeping on it. Thanks to the quilted pattern, the fill won’t slide even when your dog is scratching and “digging” the blanket before laying down.
The blanket is made of polyester micro plush, which is a material resistant to stains and mildew. It has a double layer, coloured in different hues of grey. These shades are great, as paw prints and dog hair isn’t very visible. Once it gets dirty, you can wash it the same way you do other blankets.
We appreciate the inner filling that can keep our dogs warm, especially during extremely cold weather. Dogs like to cuddle on warm surfaces, so they will surely have a good sleep if they are using this blanket.
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#8: Best Dog Blanket For Couch: Catalonia Waterproof Blanket for Sofa
Our dogs will climb on furniture, whether we like it or not. So we might as well accept that and focus on protecting sofas and beds from dirty paw prints and tons of hair. For that purpose, this blanket by Catalonia will serve you more than well.
There are three size options available, so you can buy the one that’s suitable for the furniture you plan on covering, whether it’s a sofa or even a king-size bed. The blanket comes in five earthy colour options, like grey and brown.
Unlike the blanket from PetFusion, which only has one colour, this has more variety, and the colours can definitely go with any furniture, improving the overall appearance of your room or house decor.
The Catalonia Waterproof Blanket for Sofa being tested by our independent expert team.
This blanket has two sides, one being a few shades lighter in colour than the other. Two tones allow you to match it to your decor more easily. And in case you have unexpected guests, you can always flip it to the “clean” side and have a tidy room in a second.
What our team of independent experts liked most is that between two layers of fleece, this blanket has a waterproof membrane insulation lining. So even if your dog jumps on furniture while wet or has an accident, you don’t have to worry about that reaching your sofa. To wash it, just put it in the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle.
This is a good option for us and its features are one of the best. With how it covers our bed, protects our bedding from dust mites and moisture, and gives us and our dogs a good night's rest under this cosy blanket, we agree that it is a great buy for any dog owner.
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What To Consider When Buying A Dog Blanket
You are surely aware there is a huge number of blankets to choose from no matter if you are shopping in store or online. Some of them are marketed specifically for dogs, but are they any different from regular blankets? Is an expensive blanket any better than the cheaper versions? Which ones are suitable for dogs, and which aren’t?
To help you deal with the decision overload, we’ve prepared a checklist of everything you should consider before settling on a blanket for your canine companion. These are the features we found mattered most during our team of independent experts' research phase.
Material
When it comes to fabric, anything you would choose for yourself is also fine for your dog. And indeed, there will be a lot to choose from.
Probably the most common material for dog blankets is fleece in all its forms. The two most common types of fleece are coral fleece which is more dense and polar fleece which is more breathable but still fluffy and warm.
Both versions of fleece are usually made from polyester, sometimes mixed with other synthetic materials. Even though it’s synthetic, fleece is a great option for dog blankets, especially if your dog needs some extra warmth. It’s warm, breathable, and fairly easy to wash and dry quickly.
Besides classic fleece, you’ll find all sorts of other options made from synthetic blends with a variety of textures. It’s up to you to choose what you think will work best for your dog. If you prefer natural materials, you can choose something like velvet, terrycloth, or various types of cotton fabric.
One thing to pay attention to when choosing blankets would be any specific allergies you or your dog have that you are aware of. However, while allergies to certain types of fabric do exist in dogs, they are fairly rare, so most pet parents won’t need to worry about that (1). If this is something you might worry about, a 100% cotton blanket is typically a safe choice.
Size
When choosing a blanket for your dog, there are no rules when it comes to size. However, our experts do recommend you take a moment to think about how you will use the said blanket.
A full-sized 2 metre long blanket might be overkill in most cases. For example, if your dog is small or perhaps if you want to place the blanket inside a crate. On the other hand, small blankets are convenient, but you’ll want to be careful not to get one that’s too small.
In short, get whatever you think is best, but make sure to check the dimensions before shopping. Blankets marketed for dogs sometimes look big in advertisements, but they are really quite small, so just make sure to check if the size is right.
Warmth
Blankets are primarily used to provide warmth, but how much warmth does your dog need? Well, there is no universal answer to this question. Some dogs need to warm up, while others just like blankets for the feeling of safety that they provide. There is no other way to discover what your dog likes besides watching them closely.
Some pet parents worry about dogs overheating under blankets, but Dr. Charlotte Thompson from the Banfield Pet Hospital in Pennsylvania says that’s usually a non-issue:
“Our pets can thermoregulate on their own. You just have to give them the ability to choose where they want to be.” - Dr. Charlotte Thompson for PetMD [2]
So, if the blanket is too warm, you’ll notice your dog often getting up to cool down. For dogs with thin coats that crave warmth, fleece blankets and those made of similar fluffy fabrics are a great option. For double-coated breeds and the like, who do not need so much warmth, it’s perhaps better to choose a thinner, more breathable blanket made of cotton, for example.
Durability and Maintenance
Dog blankets need to be cleaned often. Even when they seem clean, dog blankets and bedding can soak up various forms of dirt and even disease-causing organisms. (3) So, when shopping for a blanket, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the cleaning.
Again, there are no right and wrong answers here, but each fabric is unique. Cotton, for example, will hold up well with frequent washes, but it usually takes a while to dry. Fleece blankets, on the other hand, are usually a bit less durable but can be washed in the machine just fine. As a bonus, they tend to dry super quickly, even when air-dried.
Finally, pet blankets sometimes come with specific instructions from the manufacturers. For example, some recommend always tumble-drying the blanket and never hanging it to air-dry, while others recommend the opposite. Choose the option that will make your life easier.
Final Verdict
When it comes to pet blankets, the Snooza Calming Cuddler Dog Blanket is the all-time favourite pick of our team of independent experts. We could all agree that this extra-fluffy blanket is the perfect choice if you are looking to create a safe and calming space for a puppy (or an adult dog). It is one of the softest and most comfortable blankets your dog can use, and its features are excellent.
If that's not really what you are looking for, we recommend you check out the wonderful and versatile Mog & Bone Stripe Chambray Fleece Dog Blanket.
FAQ
Nothing, they are pretty much the same thing. There is nothing specific that makes a blanket into a ‘dog blanket’, except marketing. That being said, blankets made specifically for dogs often come in smaller sizes and are designed with dogs in mind.
Yes, there are waterproof dog blankets available. There are essentially two kinds: those with a liner made of waterproof fabric and those with a water-resistant coating. The blankets with water-resistant coating feel more natural and tend to work great - in the beginning. The problem with these coatings is that they will inevitably wear off eventually with frequent washing, even though the manufacturers say the blankets are machine washable.
Electric blankets, heating mats, and the like are usually not recommended for dogs, especially if left unsupervised. In short, anything that contains electrical components poses a risk to your pet. You can simply never be completely sure that they will not suddenly decide to chew on the cable, so it’s better to keep them away.
Weighted blankets for humans are gaining in popularity due to the feeling of calmness they create. It does not come as a surprise that some pet parents want that feeling for their pets too, especially if they are the anxious type.
However, there is no conclusive proof yet that such blankets would work for dogs. If you are determined to try this route, do it with care. Most importantly, take the weight of your pet into account. A blanket that feels comfortably heavy for you will be too heavy for a dog that has 10 times less body weight, so choose a lighter blanket. And, above all, pay attention to your dog to understand if they like the weighted blanket.
References
- Rain, Kim. April 26, 2021. “Can Dogs Be Allergic to Blankets?”. Wag! Retrieved October 15, 2023. https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-be-allergic-to-blankets
- DiFabbio, B. January 22, 2018. “Blanket Safety or Pets”. PetMD. Retrieved October 15, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/blanket-safety-pets
- Fanslau, J. March 01, 2016. “The Guide to Washing a Dog Bed”. Retrieved October 15, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_guide-to-washing-dog-bed