Wet autumn walks, muddy paws and a dog who wants to curl up in his blanket the moment you get home: at this time of year, dog blankets and coats work overtime. Our Vico heads straight for his favourite blanket after every walk, and after a few weeks it certainly shows. Luckily, caring for them is no great mystery. In this guide you will learn how to wash, dry and store your dog's blanket and coat properly so that both last for many seasons.
Why blankets and coats need regular care
A dog blanket collects quite a lot in everyday life: loose hair, dander, dust, moisture and odours. Add autumn dampness and you quickly get a climate where bacteria feel at home. A clean, dry resting place is therefore not just a matter for your nose, it is also good for your dog's skin and fur. There is a practical point too: textiles that are cared for regularly simply last longer.
A good rule of thumb: wash the blanket every two to four weeks depending on use, and sooner if it smells or is visibly dirty. The coat needs a full wash far less often. It is usually enough to wipe it down after a walk and let it dry.
Before washing: remove hair and loose dirt
The most important step happens before the washing machine. Dog hair does not dissolve in water, it simply spreads around the drum and clogs the filter. Here is how to prepare the blanket and coat:
- Shake them out vigorously outside and brush off dried mud.
- Remove loose hair with a lint roller or a slightly dampened rubber glove.
- Close the velcro fasteners on the coat so they do not snag threads in the machine.
- Check the care label: it tells you the right temperature and programme.
Washing the dog blanket: gentle and thorough
For most cuddly blankets made of plush or fleece material the rule is: gentle cycle, usually at 30 degrees, as stated on the label. Use a mild detergent without strong fragrances, because a dog's nose is many times more sensitive than ours. An extra rinse cycle helps remove detergent residue. It is best to wash dog textiles separately from your own laundry, which is more hygienic and kinder to both.
Good to know: our Schmeicheldecke soft dog blanket is designed for exactly this rhythm. It keeps its shape and colour even after several washes and comes in three sizes, so a second blanket to rotate is not a big investment.
Caring for the dog coat: less is more
For coats with a water-repellent outer shell, like our CozyDachs winter coat, daily care is simple: wipe it down with a damp cloth after a wet walk, hang it up and let it dry completely. The coat only needs the washing machine when it is properly dirty. Then the same rules apply as for the blanket: close the velcro, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and air dry afterwards rather than on the radiator. That keeps the outer shell weatherproof and the fleece lining soft.
Fabric softener? Better not
As tempting as the idea of an extra-soft blanket is, fabric softener has no place in dog laundry. It coats the fibres like a film, flattens plush blankets over time and can impair the water-repellent finish of functional materials. On top of that comes the intense fragrance, which many dogs find unpleasant. A mild detergent on its own is perfectly sufficient.
Drying and storing properly
The most common care mistake happens after washing: putting things back too soon. A damp blanket quickly turns musty, and a coat stored away wet can develop mildew stains. So let both dry through completely before your dog uses them again. Plush blankets dry best lying flat or over a drying rack, coats hanging up in a well-ventilated spot. Direct radiator heat is not a good idea for coated materials. A second blanket in rotation is practical: while one is in the wash, the favourite spot stays cosy.
With very little effort, blanket and coat stay hygienic, fluffy and ready for action. You will find matching coats, jumpers and more in our Dog apparel collection. And if you are getting your dog ready for the cold season anyway, our guide on getting your dog ready for winter has the complete checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my dog's blanket?
Every two to four weeks depending on use, and more often in wet autumn weather or if your dog spends a lot of time outside. After a parasite infestation such as fleas, it is best to discuss washing temperature and procedure with your veterinary practice.
Can I put the dog blanket and coat in the tumble dryer?
Only if the care label explicitly allows it, and then on a gentle programme at low temperature. Plush material and coated outer shells do not cope well with high heat. Air dried, both last longest.
The coat no longer repels water. What now?
After many washes the water-repellent effect can wear off. You can refresh it with a waterproofing spray for functional textiles. Look for a product that is suitable for pet textiles, and let the coat air out and dry completely before your dog wears it again.
