How to Pick the Perfect Summer Blanket for You and Your Pet

The sun’s shining, the birds are chirping—and your panting dog is making it rain with fur all over your furniture. That’s where summer pet blankets come in.

Pet blankets designed for summer are a smart, practical addition to any home. When shopping for one, prioritize lightweight options, cooling mats or blankets, and fabrics engineered for breathability—like microsuede—that help keep your pet comfortable on hot days while protecting your couches, beds, and crates from stubborn fur.

A golden retriever resting comfortably on a light gray microsuede blanket draped over a sofa

Make It a Microsuede

Why microsuede? First, it breathes like cotton—keeping pets cool in summer and cozy as temperatures drop into fall and winter. It’s a true year-round win.

Microsuede is also stain-resistant and machine-washable, adding both luxury and practicality to your space. Its smooth, faux-fur texture helps minimize hair cling, making cleanup faster and easier.

Keep Cool with Cotton

Cotton is another top-tier choice for summer. Look for 100% cotton blankets—they’re significantly more breathable than synthetic blends like polyester, which, while lightweight and water-repellent, doesn’t offer the same airflow.

Keep Dry with Waterproof Pet Blankets

Staying cool matters—but staying dry matters just as much. After swimming in a lake, splashing through a backyard splash pad, or coming in soaked from a sudden summer shower, a waterproof pet blanket is essential.

Waterproof options—like the FurPetVo Waterproof Dog Blanket—help shield your furniture from moisture and mess. Bonus points if it’s machine-washable too, like the FurPetVo Waterproof Cat & Dog Blanket Protector.

A wet terrier shaking off water onto a dark blue waterproof blanket laid across a patio chair

Fur-Free Furniture

Tight-woven cotton doesn’t just breathe—it also resists pet hair. The denser the weave, the smoother the surface, meaning less fur embeds itself and more lifts away with a quick vacuum or lint roller.

We recommend placing cotton or microsuede blankets on high-traffic spots like sofas and beds—either as an end-of-bed cover or a layered throw. Don’t forget your pet’s kennel: a summer blanket makes an excellent, comfortable kennel mat.

Sherpa for Summer Nights

Even summer evenings can dip in temperature—and that’s when sherpa shines. This dual-textured fabric retains warmth beautifully while wicking away moisture and drying quickly.

Soft, plush, and surprisingly functional, sherpa is ideal for overnight comfort. You might even find yourself stealing a corner of the blanket for your own cozy moment.

A senior cat curled up on a cream sherpa blanket beside an open window with soft evening light

Machine-Washable Pet Blankets

No matter where it’s used—on the couch, in the crate, or as a car seat cover—a pet blanket must be machine-washable. Hand-washing a heavily used, fur-covered blanket isn’t realistic (or fun).

Good news: All the fabrics covered here—including cotton, microsuede, and sherpa—are fully washable. Always check care instructions, though; some recommend a gentle cycle or air-drying to preserve texture and longevity.

In Search of Cooling Pet Beds, Instead?

If you're leaning toward a dedicated cooling solution, look for pet beds with a cooling fabric top and a breathable gel layer. These help regulate body temperature after long, active days.

Top-performing options often include memory foam support and removable, machine-washable covers. Some, like the FurPetVo Deluxe Oxford Cooling Gel Bed, add a water-resistant base to protect inner fillings from spills and damp paws.

A bulldog lying peacefully on a gray cooling gel bed with visible gel layer and removable cover

And there you have it—a clear, practical guide to choosing the perfect summer blanket for you and your pet. Whether you need a stylish reversible throw, a functional furniture protector, or a full cooling bed, the right choice balances comfort, durability, and easy care. Now, the only challenge left is picking just one. Happy shopping—and H.A.G.S.!