Buying a Dog Rug: Our Top Tips

Dogs are an important part of family life. So it goes without saying that we want our dogs to feel right at home. But not all rugs are equally suitable for Fido and friends. In today’s blog post, you’ll learn what to look for when buying a dog-friendly rug.

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Functions of a Dog Rug
Which Materials Are Suitable
Cotton
Fleece
Polyester
Here’s what you should look for

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Dog rugs serve many purposes. They provide a cozy spot in the house, on the balcony and patio, and even inside the apartment where dogs can retreat. They serve as a place to sleep, a spot to relax, but also—and quite intentionally—as a private, personal space. Dog rugs should be cozy, but they also need to serve certain practical functions: they should absorb moisture, repel dirt, and be washable. They must be breathable so that unpleasant odors don’t build up, and they should be easy to care for. For added stability, dog rugs usually have a non-slip coating on the underside; if this is not present, a non-slip pad can be used instead. This allows them to be used safely even on smooth floors, while also dampening noise and preventing scratches.

SHOP: Carpet underlay (non-slip) starting at €9.95

Rugs used by pets have to withstand a lot. Play, scratching, shedding, and much more take a toll on the materials used. Sisal rugs and other flat-woven rugs are ideal for dogs because they’re durable and easy to clean. However, rugs made of synthetic fibers also work well for dogs. Fluffy, high-pile rugs provide a cozy retreat.

SHOP: "Tanzania" Sisal Rug

Cotton is used wherever soft and durable fabrics are needed. Cotton fibers offer many advantages. In addition to its tear resistance, cotton is stretchy, long-lasting, gentle on the skin, highly absorbent, heat-resistant, and resilient to mechanical stress. Cotton can also be washed easily even at high temperatures. These are qualities that dog rugs definitely need. 

SHOP: "Nizza" kilim rug starting at €37

In fleece rugs, the weaving process forms small loops from the polyester fibers, which are then cut open and brushed to create a napped surface. This makes dog rugs particularly comfortable, warm, and soft. Fleece is easy to care for, durable, and hard-wearing. It also wicks away moisture well. In addition to its water-repellent properties, another advantage of fleece is that it dries quickly.

Polyester fibers are extremely low-maintenance, tear-resistant, and durable. When they come into contact with small amounts of liquid, the liquid remains on the surface of the fibers and does not penetrate the carpet directly. This makes it very easy to blot it away. If liquids do happen to penetrate the carpet, it dries quickly. It’s especially their quick-drying and breathable properties that make polyester rugs so popular with dogs and their owners. Polyester fibers can also withstand harsh conditions. They’re washable at temperatures up to 60°C without fading or showing significant signs of wear. Another great feature: pilling is virtually impossible with polyester rugs.

SHOP: "Lucky" Dog Rug starting at €59.99

If you decide to buy a dog rug, you should consider not only the materials used but also the rug’s slip resistance and size. Here’s a rule of thumb: Add 10 centimeters to your dog’s length from head to tail, and you’ll have the ideal rug size. By the way, the pile height of your dog rug should be between 1.5 and 3 centimeters to ensure optimal heat retention and dissipation. And if your rug needs to be cleaned, be sure to wash it separately using an odorless detergent. This will protect the fabric and prevent unpleasant odors as well as any unexpected reactions from your dog. If your rug isn’t machine-washable, take it to a dry cleaner and specify that they use an odorless detergent.
 

Dog rugs are great accessories for your four-legged friends. They’re a must-have for every dog-owning household and create special cozy spots. No matter which rug you choose, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in our shop. To make your time together even more enjoyable, trust in professional quality and our many years of experience as dog owners ourselves.