Does your dog like to sleep on your bed or on your couch? Do they sometimes have little “accidents” during the night? Is your dog a heavy drooler or do they constantly lick the same spot over and over? If so, waterproof blankets may be what you need for your dog.
There’s nothing like a nice warm, cozy blanket to snuggle up with. Most dogs feel the same way (and if your dog is anything like mine, they will steal yours for themselves)!
Unfortunately, some dogs may drool, lick, or have accidents on your favorite blanket. That is where waterproof blankets come in and can save you the time to constantly have to wash your own bedding or clean your couch due to their accidents or behavior.
What Is A Waterproof Blanket?
A waterproof blanket is just like a regular blanket but it has the ability to contain and absorb liquid. This can be done in one of two ways:
Triple Layer
The majority of waterproof blankets are made of three layers:
- A top layer made of soft material, like fleece or Sherpa.
- A waterproof middle layer that absorbs the liquid and prevents it from going through to the other side.
- A bottom layer made of soft material, like the first layer.
The top and bottom layer can be of the same material or they can be different, as some blankets are reversible.
TPU Coating
The other way a blanket can be waterproof is by the use of a TPU coating. TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane. This blanket does not have a middle waterproof layer. Instead, this coating is applied to the surface of the blanket rendering it waterproof.
Why Do I Need A Waterproof Blanket For My Dog?
There are a variety of reasons why you may want to invest in a waterproof blanket. Your dog may have a medical condition that may cause them to lose control of their faculties, i.e. seizures. Some dogs may be incontinent due to age or medical reasons.
Your dog may be a heavy drooler. They may also tend to lick certain areas over and over, like their paws. They also might just like the feel of your blanket on their tongue and constantly lick it.
Or, they may not be potty trained yet but they insist on being on the bed or couch to be near you. 😀
What Should I Look For When Buying A Waterproof Blanket?
Size
First, determine where you are going to put your blanket (couch, bed, dog bed, crate, etc). Measure the area to figure out what size you need. Most blankets come in a variety of sizes and colors to suit your needs.
Ease Of Cleaning
Most waterproof blankets can be machine washed and put in the dryer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as I have seen some that are hand wash only. Some blankets, particularly those with the waterproof layer in the middle, cannot be washed in a high temperature setting. If they are going in the dryer, usually they should be dried in low heat.
Material
Waterproof blankets are made of various materials including Sherpa, fleece, microsuede, polyester and faux fur. Some are made with just one material, while others have one material on one side and another material on the other side, so you can change up the look and feel each day.
What Are The Advantages Of Waterproof Blankets?
Waterproof blankets can provide you with certain advantages that make them worthwhile to have in your home.
- Waterproof blankets do a pretty good job of containing any accidents your dog might have while on it.
- They are soft and cozy to lay on (both for humans and dogs).
- If your dog does have an accident while on the blanket, you only have to wash the blanket instead of all of your bedding or spot clean your couch.
- The blanket can keep you warm as well.
- They are easy to clean.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Waterproof Blankets?
While waterproof blankets can provide you with peace of mind if you dog has an accident, there are a few drawbacks.
- They take FOREVER to dry. This would have to be one of the biggest complaints about waterproof blankets. They do absorb water after all and drying it on low or even air drying it can take a very long time. (A few people have noted that if they wash and dry it with a few towels, this cuts down on the drying time).
- When liquid first gets on the blanket, it pools up before being absorbed. This may cause whatever you have the blanket on to get wet if the blanket is moved. (This also allows you to clean it up before it gets absorbed into the blanket).
- Due to the middle waterproof layer on most blankets, there may be a “crinkle – like“ sound when the blanket is moved or laid on.
- These can cause you to get very warm when you are sleeping if you put this on top of your bed.
The Top 12 Waterproof Blankets For Your Dog
All of these blankets have the same pros: they are easy to clean, soft, and warm. They all have the same cons: waterproof blankets are heavy when wet out of the wash machine and they take a very long time to dry. Any additional attributes or shortcomings will be noted below.
Best Waterproof Blanket Splurge
VICTORIA ORTON 100% Waterproof Blanket.
Pros:
- Users liked the look and feel of this blanket.
- Many felt it was very well made.
- This blanket is reversible, being blue with a pattern on one side and white with the same pattern on the other.
Cons:
- This only comes in one size: 90 x 90 inches.
- The manufacturer recommends only certain cleaners to get urine stains and smells out of the blanket. These can be expensive to buy for some people.
Best Waterproof Blanket For The Couch
Callarome Waterproof Blanket Cover.
Pros:
- This blanket comes in 3 colors.
- It is reversible with microfleece in two different colors on either side.
- The blanket does not move around when placed on a couch or bed.
Cons:
- It only comes in one size: 80 x 90 inches.
- For some people, it seemed to attract dog hair, but most were able to get it off either by shaking out the blanket or washing it.
Best Coated Waterproof Blanket
Pros:
- It comes in 6 sizes and 8 colors.
- This is reversible. It is velvet with one color on one side and fleece in another color on the other side.
Cons:
- This was not waterproof enough for a few people.
Best Fleece Waterproof Blankets
WESBRAD 100% Leak Proof Blanket.
Pros:
- The blanket comes in 3 sizes and 2 colors.
- This is reversible. It is made of microfleece with a different color on each side.
Puppy King Waterproof Pet Blanket.
Pros:
- It comes in 3 colors.
- This is reversible. It has one layer of polar fleece and the other of berber fleece. The polar fleece side has a paw print pattern.
Cons:
- It only comes in one size: 55 x 50 inches.
Best Sherpa Waterproof Blankets
PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket.
Pros:
- This comes in 4 sizes and 16 colors.
- The blanket is reversible. It has microfiber fleece on one side and a Sherpa lining on the other.
Cons:
- This blanket was not waterproof enough for some people.
Waterproof Blanket by Allisandro.
Pros:
- It comes in 3 sizes and 2 designs.
- This is reversible, with a flannel fleece on one side and Sherpa lining on the other. The flannel side has the design on it: bones or paws.
Cons:
- This blanket tends to run small, according to users.
Best Fluffy Waterproof Blankets
PetAmi Fluffy Waterproof Dog Blanket.
Pros:
- It comes in 4 sizes and 6 colors.
- This is made of a soft, Sherpa fleece.
Cons:
- Some people felt it was not waterproof enough for their needs.
- A few users felt they wished it was larger.
Topblan Waterproof Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket.
Pros:
- This blanket comes in 2 sizes and 4 colors.
- It is reversible, with microfleece on one side and Sherpa fleece on the other.
Cons:
- Most felt it was a little too small for them.
Best Waterproof Blanket Made In The USA
100% Waterproof Furniture Cover by Mambe.
Pros:
- This comes in 7 sizes and 4 colors.
- These are reversible, with 2 different colors on each microfleece side.
Cons:
- A few users mention how the blanket does not stay in place when used on the couch.
- Some people felt it was too heavy for them.
- Reviewers mention the blanket may hold on to some odors, so an enzymatic cleaner may need to be used when washing.
- This was not waterproof enough for some users.
Other Waterproof Blankets To Try
Bedsure Waterproof Dog Blanket.
Pros:
- It comes in 4 sizes.
- This is reversible. It is microfiber fleece in one color on one side and Sherpa fleece in another color on the other.
Cons:
- The fleece layers are not waterproof. Only the inner lining is.
- This was not waterproof enough for some users.
- Only one color combination available.
DEARTOWN Waterproof Dog Blanket.
Pros:
- This blanket comes in 2 sizes and 8 colors.
- It is reversible. This is made of microfiber fleece on each side. You can have it all one color or a different color on each side.
Cons:
- This tends to attract a lot of hair, according to users.
Waterproof blankets are a good option if your dog is prone to accidents, is a heavy drooler, or a frequent licker. Despite any downsides they may have, it beats having to do a ton of laundry for one accident. Plus your dog gets the benefit of having something soft and cozy to call their own.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.