How To Replace Your Pet's Fave (Worn Out) Blanket with Something New?

(photo credit: Gladskikh Tatiana / shutterstock.com)
Let’s be honest here. Every dog or cat owner will have a stash of dog blankets in their arsenal of pet accessories. Why? Because they’re the easiest way to protect our soft furnishings from becoming coated in fluffy fur and doggy drool. And they’re sized perfectly for whipping off to reveal that pristine sofa or chair when company arrives.
But we’re not talking about those plush cover-up blankets we all have tucked away in our closets. We’re talking about those comforting remnants that belong to your dog and seem to travel with him around your home. Like a child with a security blanket, our pets can often attach themselves to something soft and portable that brings them immediate comfort throughout the day.
The “why” for this behavior can include his strong sense of smell and how a familiar scent provides him with comfort and reassurance when new or unsettling circumstances arise. Or, he could use it as a teething device when younger and simply has not outgrown the habit. It could also be down to your dog’s need to nest or burrow and a blanket allows him to flip it around and bury himself down under where he feels safe and cozy. And lastly, his favorite blanket can provide him with warmth and a sense of well-being that allows him to relax and feel at ease within his surroundings – especially when not in his home base.
So, what do you do when said security blanket desperately needs to be washed? You know it will remove the scent he loves and (temporarily) his access to this comfort source. You plan for it.
Whether you’re introducing a new blanket to a pup, rescue dog, or senior seeking a little extra security, it helps to have more than one at your disposal. Why? Because you can rotate out that “well-loved” option that desperately needs to be washed, without depriving your pooch of his comfort source. With scent contributing heavily to creating a familiar, safe environment for your pet, having a few lightweight dog blankets on his bed/in his crate at the same time, means you can remove one or two for washing without creating angst. Options such as this six-pack of cute little, 24 x 28-inch dog blankets are economical and super-convenient for keeping your pet happy and your home smelling not so doggy.
Allowing your pet to sleep with a dirty, stained blanket – regardless of how comforting it is – is never a good idea. You wouldn’t allow a toddler to do this and there’s a reason for that. Fabric that’s been dragged through dirt, saturated in saliva, and possibly exposed to urine and feces, carries germs that can easily infect an unseen injury on your pet. And if he’s chewing and ingesting any of this bacterium, he can become ill. The solution is to have something like this three-pack of lightweight flannel dog throws that rotate in and wash/dry quickly. Concerned your pet may struggle with letting go of his comfort blankie? Try wrapping the soon-to-be-washed option around his new blanket for a few minutes to transfer scent.
If your pet is a drooler or loves to gum his security blanket, finding something that’s extra plush and super-absorbent is top on the list. And this three-pack of fleece calming blankets ticks the box. Made from 100% microfibre in a super-soft Sherpa finish, this lightweight, 23 x 16-inch security blanket is the perfect size for small to medium dogs who love to carry their comfort around with them. It’s 100% machine-washable, durable, and won’t pill or shred over time. Best of all, its thick finish makes it super cozy and ideal for adding a little extra warmth to your pet’s bed or crate.
Some pets tote their blankets and toys around while others love to snuggle down and chew away on them to help relieve anxiety and feel comforted. It’s important to understand how your pet uses his blanket because not all are designed to stand up to the rigours of a serious daily munching. If this is how your little guy tends to enjoy his comfort source, you should check out this set of puppy blankets by Tatuo. Not only are they super-soft and lightweight – making it easy for your pup to cart around the house – but the edges are fully trimmed to prevent fraying and seams from unravelling. Fade-proof and machine-washable, this four-pack of dog security blankets is ideal for pups and smaller dogs.
Larger dogs and slobber seem to go hand in hand. And when you’re dealing with a pooch who relies heavily on a security blanket, you want to avoid having something totally saturated sitting for any length of time on your soft furnishings and hardwood floors. In those instances, investing in a large-sized waterproof dog blanket is the way to go and this four-pack of 30 x 21-inch comfort blankets is a great choice. Not only do they deliver the soft, plush, malleable texture your pooch seeks out for nuzzling and security, but the waterproof membrane helps control slobber saturation. I love the large size of this machine-washable comfort blanket for big dogs who crave something more substantial to curl up with.
Meeting your pet’s need for comfort, security and also play doesn’t mean having an extensive range of dog accessories scattered around the house. What if you could find his one special “friend” in the form of a plush, snuggly stuffed toy that also doubled as a security blanket? Say hello to this dog-friendly comfort toy with the head of a Labrador Retriever that’s attached to a 16 x 16-inch security blanket. Intended for smaller pooches that aren’t heavy chewers and those seeking a little reassurance from the big bad world, this comfort blankie is ideal for him to tote around the house and snuggle up with at night. Machine-washable and made with OEKO-TEX- certified materials it’s both safe and effective at bringing a little calm into the life of your stressed mini mutt.

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife
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