Finding the right dog mat sounds straightforward, but it’s easy to end up with something your dog completely ignores or that falls apart after a couple of washes. Here’s what to think about before you buy.

Mat or bed — what does your dog actually prefer?

Some dogs love a big cushioned bed, others just want something flat and cool to stretch out on. If your dog tends to sprawl rather than curl up, a mat is usually the better choice — easier to wash, easier to move around, and much more practical for everyday use.

Waterproof or fleece?

This is the main decision. If you’ve got a puppy, a dog who comes in from walks absolutely filthy, or you’re heading away for the summer, waterproof is the way to go. Our Waterproof Reversible Dog Mat is one of our most popular — it wipes clean in seconds and the reversible design means it lasts twice as long. The waterproof mats are also brilliant for travelling, days out, and holidays — just roll it up and it’s ready to go wherever your dog goes. Our Waterproof Crate Mat and Bright Waterproof Crate Mat are both great shouts for the boot of the car or a hotel crate too.

For dogs who are past the chaos stage and just want something cosy at home, fleece is hard to beat. Our Fleece Check Dog Mat and Fleece Check Mat are soft, warm, and go straight in the washing machine — perfect for dogs who like to have a good dig around before they settle.

Crate mats

If your dog sleeps in a crate, fit matters. Too thick and it won’t sit flat, too thin and it’s not doing much. Our waterproof crate mats are sized at 90x70cm to fit most standard crates and are tough enough to handle life with a young dog.

Something that looks good too

Not every dog mat needs to look like it came from a pet shop. Our Country Check Dog Mat is one of those bits you don’t feel the need to hide when people come round.

Need a bit more comfort?

Older dogs or bigger breeds sometimes need more than a flat mat. Our Luxury Dog Cushion Bed gives that same flat feel but with a 4cm depth that makes a proper difference for dogs who need it. And our Luxury Fleece Pet Blanket is great layered on top of any mat — most dogs end up pulling it into a pile anyway.

Which one’s right for your dog?

Honestly it comes down to two things — do you need waterproof or fleece, and is it for a crate or general use? Get those two right and you won’t go far wrong. Browse our full dog mat range or drop us a message if you’re not sure — we’re always happy to help.