Does your dog chew through their bedding within the first week of getting it? Chew-proof dog blankets may be the next step for you. While no blanket is completely indestructible, there are many that are designed with stronger materials than others.
A chew-proof blanket for dogs should be made to be sturdy, lightweight but a good insulator, easy to clean, and an appropriate size for your furry friend.
What Are Chew-Proof Dog Blankets?
Your pet needs a comfortable place to rest after hours of playtime. As their owner, it is your job to provide a comfy bed and a blanket for their comfort. However, if your dog has a bad chewing habit, you might find it harder to choose a durable blanket that will not be torn to shreds overnight. This is why some owners use chew proof dog blankets for dogs.
The best chew proof blankets for dogs are soft but sturdy. They are made using several different materials. The most popular materials are polyester, microfiber, and fleece. Lightweight materials are preferable to heavy ones. This is because they are less tempting for destructive dogs to chew on, especially when compared to padded blankets. Some manufacturers use a double-stitch design in their blankets for extra durability.
Choosing The Right Chew-Proof Dog Blanket
When choosing your dog’s chew-proof blanket, there are several elements for you to consider. The material, ease of cleaning, size, and quality of insulation are important and evaluating these qualities will help you to make the most informed decision for your pet.
Material
When choosing the right blanket for your pet, the material is one of the most important elements to consider. You’ll want your pet’s blanket to be soft and comfortable, but sturdy and not prone to tearing. Amongst the most popular materials used in chew-proof dog blankets are polyester fiber, microfiber, and fleece fabrics.
Polyester is a popular material used in chew-proof dog blankets. Fibers made using polyester are extremely durable. The material is resistant to abrasions, heat, and chemicals. It is also renowned for maintaining its shape well because it is not a stretchy material.
Microfiber is another synthetic fiber. It is made from polyesters, polyamides, polypropylene, or sometimes all three. The distinct fineness of microfibers creates durability and flexibility. This makes it less prone to tearing than other materials like rayon and wool.
Fleece fabrics are predominantly made with durable polyester. However, they can also be blended with other materials. These materials include polyamide microfibers, spandex, cotton, and wool. Polyester-cotton blends are popular for their durability and availability.
Ease of Cleaning
Dog bedding should be rotated once a week to get rid of bacteria and allergens that your dog might bring in. Cleaning your dog’s bedding regularly also helps to minimize odors, as well as helping to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy and clean. For these reasons, choosing a chew-proof dog blanket that’s easy to clean is highly beneficial and more convenient for you and your pet.
Most chew-proof blankets for dogs are machine washable. If you choose a machine-washable blanket, use mild detergents to wash them. Milder detergents do not compromise the blanket’s abrasion-resistant capabilities as much and are easier on your dog’s skin.
Size
There are two sizes to consider when choosing a chew proof dog blanket. First, the blanket should be the right size for your dog. You’ll want a blanket that your pet can comfortably sleep on and stretch out fully on. At the same time, the blanket should be able to fit into your washing machine for easy cleaning.
A common issue with online shopping for blankets is that owners select the incorrect size by accident. Carefully evaluate the different sizes on offer before making your purchase to avoid disappointment!
Insulation
Most chew proof dog blankets are made with lightweight materials, so it’s important to pick one that also insulates heat well at the same time. Luckily, polyester and microfiber fabrics are good insulators of heat despite being lightweight materials. In terms of insulation, polyester, and microfiber are inferior to wool, but wool is not as resistant to chewing as these materials. Choosing a wool blanket may be tempting for its soft texture and natural source but it will not hold up to a destructive dog’s chewing behaviors as well.
Chew-proof dog beds are built for durability over comfort. If you buy a mesh chew-proof dog bed, a chew-proof blanket would offer some insulation and comfort for your dog.
5 Best Chew-Proof Dog Blankets
With all this in mind, it’s time to take a look at the top 5 chew-proof dog blankets available on the market. As a disclaimer, no blanket or bed is 100 percent immune to a destructive dog’s habits. These blankets are designed with sturdy materials that are more resistant to tearing and chewing than others.
1. PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket for Bed
The PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket is made with 460 GSM premium microfiber polyester. On the top side, flannel fabric lines the blanket. There is a waterproof membrane sewn into the middle. The third layer is a sherpa lining. This blanket comes in 17 different colors including black, gray, red, taupe, and plaid taupe. It also comes in three different sizes: 50×40 inches, 60×40 inches, and 80×55 inches.
Happy buyers report that this durable blanket is soft, waterproof, and comfortable. The soft, lightweight material makes this blanket less appealing for destructive chewers. It’s also easy to care for and machine washable, which makes it easy to keep clean. This blanket is perfect for any dog who likes to snuggle down and get comfortable!
Some buyers report that the blanket is not waterproof, or that the waterproof quality wears off after several washes. The incorrect size is also sometimes sent out.
2. PetFusion Premium Pet Blanket
The PetFusion Premium Pet Blanket is made with 100% polyester micro plush fibers. It is double-layered and reversible. The color options are gray and brown. The blanket is also machine washable. It’s shed (pill) resistant and features a stylish in-seam. PetFusion’s blanket comes in four sizes: 31×27 inches, 44×34 inches, 53×41 inches, 60×48 inches.
Satisfied buyers appreciate that this blanket has no stuffing inside, making it less appealing to chewers. The material is super soft and comfortable for dogs to sleep on. With its soft material and lightweight feel, this blanket is a great purchase for any dog!
The blanket is very thin and may lose softness with multiple washes. The material may also thin more with regular washes. Despite being made with polyester, some owners describe the blanket as easily torn, especially by larger breeds.
3. PAWZ Road Pet Dog Blanket
The PAWZ Road Pet Dog Blanket is made with ultra-soft polyester coral fleece. The blanket comes in four colors: dark gray, light gray, pink, and blue. It also comes in four sizes, small, medium, large, and extra-large.
This super-soft blanket is ideal for dogs who need some extra comfort It’s a good size for crates, and the coral fleece material is fluffy and comfortable. The fleece is not thick, which may deter some chewers. This blanket also features a cute spotted design!
The material is too thin for some buyers. The blanket tears in the wash on occasion, and is too small for some dogs. It is also prone to a build-up of lint and is not waterproof. Although the blanket is not water-resistant, it compensates by being machine-washable and easy to clean.
4. DII Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Blanket
Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Blanket is made with 100% polyester microfiber. This blanket features a unique bone-shaped embroidered design. It measures 36 x 48 x 0.5 inches. There are five colors to choose from, including taupe, blue, gray, navy, and pink.
Many buyers are satisfied with the size and soft, lightweight material of this blanket. In addition, some owners report that despite attempts to chew on the blanket, the blanket did not rip easily. When bought for incessant chewers, some owners state that their dog took no interest in chewing this blanket. Your dog is sure to love this blanket!
The main issue reported with this blanket is the misprints of the pattern. Some also describe that they have been sent the wrong blanket color. More importantly, a few buyers state that their dog has been able to chew through the blanket quickly.
5. Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket
The Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece is made with Berber fleece (100% polyester). It comes in five sizes, Small 24 x 32 inches, medium 32×40 inches, large 40×47 inches, large 41×65 inches, and jumbo 59×78 inches. This blanket is machine washable.
This blanket is thin but comfortable. Most buyers describe the blanket as super soft and good value for money. The Berber fleece adds to the insulating quality of the product. While some dogs are able to chew holes into the blanket, others find that they prefer to hold the blanket in their mouth without chewing on it – the soft material appears to deter some chewers, but not others. This blanket deserves its place in our top five!
There are some reported issues with quality control and the durability of the product. Puppies are said to be able to chew holes in the blanket, and other buyers state that the stitching falls apart easily after a few washes. In rarer cases, the product has arrived with poor stitching quality.
Training Your Dog to Stop Destructive Chewing
No blanket is 100 percent chew-proof, and a chew-proof blanket is no substitute for finding the underlying cause of your dog’s destructive behavior. Destructive behavior is caused by a number of problems. Separation anxiety, boredom, stress, teething, and hunger are just a few possible causes for blanket chewing.
Physical Exercise
Giving your dog more physical exercise can help to reduce destructive behaviors. This is because many destructive behaviors are the result of boredom, anxiety, and agitation. Engaging in exercise with your dog gives them an outlet, as well as tiring them out so that they have less energy to chew on objects in the house.
All dogs require daily walks. A brisk walk is a fun opportunity for your dog to burn off energy. A slow, meandering walk is great for your dog’s mental health as they have more opportunities to sniff around and explore.
If you want to get you and your dog’s heart rates up, jogging can be a great option for exercise. Build up this form of exercise gradually, as overdoing things with an unfit dog causes injuries and soreness just like in people. The best way to build this up is to try a short route with short bursts of jogging through the walk.
More adventurous owners may enjoy a longer hike with their pooch. Before embarking on a challenging walk, it’s vital that you study the route first. Not only does this help to ensure your own safety, but it allows you to determine whether the route is too steep for your dog, or whether you will pass by livestock on the way. Finally, while it doesn’t replace a brisk walk, playing games outdoors is a great form of exercise. It’s also a good opportunity to work on training.
Chew Toys
When you catch your dog chewing, quickly distract them with a safe dog toy. If they start to chew the toy instead, offer lots of praise to encourage this redirected behavior. Make sure that your destructive dog has access to plenty of chew toys and treats. Rotate these regularly to prevent boredom.
If you catch your dog chewing an object that isn’t theirs, do not punish them. If you discover a chewed object even minutes after the deed is done, you’re too late. Dogs associate punishment with what they’re doing at the moment they are corrected. Your dog will not make the connection that, because they chewed an object an hour ago, it is the reason for the punishment now. “Guilty” looks are submissive postures that dogs offer you when they feel threatened. If you are angry or upset, your dog may feel threatened by your tone of voice or postures and will offer you submissive postures to avoid further conflict. Instead of punishment, always use positive, reward-based training methods like redirection to chew toys.
Strict Supervision
Whilst you train your dog to stop chewing it’s necessary for you to have realistic expectations. Your dog will not understand that chewing is an undesirable behavior if you do not show them the behavior you wish to see instead. This may mean that you need to supervise them more often in order to catch the destructive behaviors as they happen.
Chew-Proof Dog Blankets – FAQs
Have any more questions about chew-proof blankets for dogs? Our Frequently Asked Questions section will have all the answers you need.
What are the Best Blankets for Dogs?
The best blankets for dogs are machine-washable, odor-resistant, waterproof and are made with heavy-duty seams and stitching. You’ll also want to consider the thickness and size of the blanket. For help on how to choose the best dog blanket, refer to our article 6 Best Dog Blankets — Waterproof, Fleece, and Warm?
What is the Best Chew Proof Dog Bed?
This can vary based on how heavy a chewer your dog is along with their size. Check out our article Top 5 Best Chewproof Dog Beds if you find your dog chewing their bed and breaking it quickly.
How do I get my Dog to Stop Chewing his Bedding?
In order to stop your dog from chewing their bedding, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of the behavior. Destructive behaviors are often a result of anxiety, boredom, and frustration.
Boredom is a common reason for destructive chewing in dogs. Your bored pet may require more exercise – one walk per day may not be enough, and extra playtime can help to alleviate the frustration of boredom. It also helps to occupy your dog with fun dog toys whilst you’re away or unable to play with them. You should use your dog’s toys to begin redirection training when you are able to supervise your pet directly. When you notice your dog chewing their bed, offer them a high value, engaging dog toy to chew on instead, and lavishly praise the correct behavior. Redirection training is not always easy, so some owners may need to invest in chew-proof blankets or chew-proof dog beds to help with the process.
Stress and anxiety are another common reason for destructive chewing. Whether your pet suffers from separation anxiety or a stressor in their environment triggers their general anxiety, these stressors often result in destructive behaviors as it becomes a coping mechanism. Redirection training by itself will not resolve the underlying problems. Identifying and eliminating the stressors that upset your dog is the most efficient solution. However, these triggers may be out of your control. Speak to your vet about the options that are available to you and your dog.
Is there a Chew Proof Dog Bed?
Unfortunately, no dog bed is 100 percent chew-proof. However, the chew-proof dog beds on the market are designed to be as indestructible as possible. Chew-proof dog beds are made with a range of materials, but many are designed to be elevated, have a metal frame and a mesh, memory foam, or canvas layer. These beds are elevated to keep your dog from cold floors, a compromise for the thinner bed design. Some of these beds are less comfortable compared to softer dog beds, so a chew-proof blanket is often recommended for these beds.
For dogs who love to chew, a chew-proof blanket is a great tool whilst you train your pet to stop chewing. It’s always best to eliminate the cause of your dog’s destructive behavior above anything else. If you are struggling with your dog’s chewing habits, your vet may be able to advise you on the best course of action.