Dogs shed fur, chew surfaces and leave a trail of debris everywhere they go. It’s no wonder house proud puppy parents can get their tails in a spin trying to decorate in a way that looks good and stays that way. The best area rugs for dogs are easy to clean, durable and practical. Non-skid bases stop the rug from sliding out from under your dog’s paws as they run up to greet you. Easy wipe or machine washable covers make keeping them looking and smelling fresh easy. Ideal area rug materials are chew resistant, don’t catch on loose claws and yet still feel comfortable under foot. It’s a lot to ask, but there are some companies out there making area rugs that meet the grade.
Contents
Your active dog is inevitably going to come home damp or mucky some days. Puppies and older dogs might have incontinence issues, or be partial to a bit of biting. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautifully decorated home.
Selecting the right material, size and color can make all the difference in the world. Some rugs can really hold in and trap fur and hair, so if your dog is a long haired type that tends towards shedding, long fibered rugs may not be your best choice. Also, if your dog is still being housetrained, a shag rug may not work because it can be harder to get stains, food and other matter out of the high pile of the rug.
Outdoor rugs are actually a good option and can be used as indoor rugs. They are durable and come in different styles that make them look indoor friendly and like they’re part of the décor.
Dog Proof Area Rugs
The best area rugs for dogs of a lively nature are dog proof rugs. We think the Safavieh Madison Collection Area Rug* is a perfect rug for those who might need a little extra dog proofing.
It’s easy to vacuum and clean. The low pile also makes it easier to see visible stains. This rug is rubber backed and non-slip, and is stain, mold, mildew, bacteria and soil resistant! A complete A+ for dog proof! Because this rug is rubber backed, it shouldn’t be washed in the machine, but it’s easy to care for by simply wiping away soil or spills.
Sofia Collection
This pretty blue area rug in the Sofia Collection by Unique Loom* is one of our dog friendly favorites.
It’s made from polypropylene, which is naturally stain-resistant. It’s great for pets and doesn’t shed, so you can easily vacuum up pet hair. Use a spot cleaner for tough stains and they should come right out. One of the best area rugs for dogs with owners who are looking for nice décor in their pet filled home!
Stylish Area Rugs for Dogs
The Superior Viking Area Rug* is a beautiful rug that can really liven up your space while staying pet friendly.
The color is great for hiding dirt, and it can be vacuumed easily once it does get dirty. Your pet will love laying on its soft, luxurious pile. It isn’t too high, so it’s easy to clean and wipe up. It doesn’t have a skid-proof back, but this can be fixed by placing a rubber backing underneath it.
Rug Styles
The best area rugs for dogs are of course often dog resistant rugs. RugStyles Online Latex Runner Rug* comes in a fun paw and bone design. It’s slip resistant, so it’ll stay put, and made from sturdy synthetic nylon.
It can be vacuumed, cleaned with mild detergent, and is machine washable. This rug is perfect for those tough stains and for entry ways and hallways where there is a lot of people and pet traffic going through.
Washable Area Rugs for Dogs
Some of the best pet rugs for dogs are those that are washable and machine washable. This way, if something happens or your pup has an accident, you can throw the rug right in the machine and either air dry it or throw it in the dryer, and it’s as good as new. This Unique Loom Trellis Collection
Rug* comes in various sizes and is a snap to clean.
Depending on the size you get, it can be laundered right in your washing machine. And if not, it’s easy to clean by hand because it’s made from high quality and stain resistant polypropylene. Its also low pile, and soft so dogs love to lay on it.
Best Area Rugs for Dogs
So there you have it! Some great suggestions for the best area rugs for dogs. You’ll find that there are so many options, you won’t have to worry about going without beautiful furnishings and area rugs for your home while having a pet living in the house.
And good rugs for dogs won’t be hard if you stick to some of the suggestions on this list. Remember, the best kind of rug is one that’s easy to clean while still looking great in your home. Even better, if it’s made from a soft material, your dog will enjoy laying on it, making them feel more comfortable.
Many dogs are averse to peeing on their beds, so chances are, if your dog likes laying on a certain rug and using it as a comfort spot, it will be less likely to having an accident on it, too!
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training ProgramÂ
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
The last two rugs on your list say they can be machine washed but according to the Amazon pages they cannot.
Sprinkle white pepper on them. Most dogs don’t like the smell or taste. It works great for us!
Hello,
Our precious dog eats blankets…he loves to be under a blanket, but he chews them and ingests them. I don’t care that he chews them up, I worry that he’ll be hurt by swallowing the material. Any suggestions please. Thanks much!