Best Rugs for Dogs in 2022 – Pretty and Functional!

Welcoming a dog into your home is a surefire way to bring change to almost every aspect of your life. You need to pick clothes, food and even furniture with the dog in mind. While keeping rugs in the house may seem problematic, the best rugs for dogs will actually make your life easier.

Just because you’re a dog parent now, that doesn’t mean your house can’t have elegance and style. There are many rugs available to dress up your rooms that would also aid your companionship with your dog. In fact, if you’re the mom or dad of an old or ailing k9, some of these rugs will make both their and your life easier.

Rugs are also good for keeping the house free of adorable, but problematic muddy pawprints. How would you know which are good rugs for dogs? Some are directly marketed as pet products. However some are more general rugs, which are also good for a house with pets. Having trouble picking?

Dog Rugs Perfect for Both You and Your Pet

Worry not, because I’ve read through reviews of quite a few different types of rugs and picked out ones that seem good for a dog parent. Full steam ahead to find out!

Top 3 – Best Rugs for Dogs

Here Are the Best Rugs for Dogs Review 2022

1. GORILLA GRIP Ultra Soft Area Rug
2. Unique Loom Moroccan Lattice Rug
3. LOOBANI Non-Slip Step Rugs
4. NJSBYL Dog Area Rug
5. CooZero Artificial Grass Rug
6. iHappyDog Fluffy Pup Rug
7. Plow & Hearth Medium Mud Rug
8. Cosyroom Absorbent Dog Rug
9. Petgrow Thick Faux Fur Rugs
10. Mihachi Dog Doormat

1. GORILLA GRIP Ultra Soft Area Rug

A common headache for decor-savvy pet owners is to get pet products that match the interior color scheme. Neutral colours are nice and all, but what if you wanted a pet bed to go with the pink room? What if you wanted the dog rug to match the sea-green couch? Look no further, because this GORILLA GRIP faux-chinchilla rug comes in more than a dozen colors.

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Comes in a variety of colors Middle foam layer offers comfort, though not enough as a bed Can be machine washed (separate from clothes) Inexpensive considering the quality Bottom not as grippy as I’d expected

No matter how many times you redecorate, you’ll never run out of options to use this rug. No wonder it sits high among the best rugs for dogs. Some customers have complained that it gets matted, or that it’s too thin. I’ve found that it’s appropriately thick for a rug, and that when it gets matted, washing it and fluffing with a pet brush restores the plush feel.

2. Unique Loom Moroccan Lattice Rug

I know you’re puzzled, thinking: “This isn’t a dog rug, what’s it doing in this list?” Remember how I said some rugs aren’t advertised as strictly dog rugs yet just as functional as one? This Unique Loom classy rug is one that works as a statement decor piece as well as a dog rug.

Surprised? Well, don’t be, because I’m about to tell you all the features that makes it a candidate between the best rugs for dogs. First of all, the pile is made from polypropylene, so any dirt and shed hair can be easily vacuumed up. It’s durable, yet offers a level of comfort that both you and your pup need.

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Perfect for high traffic area Soft and flexible Does not shed Bonus: makes the room look spacious Hides stains and shed hair well Doesn’t come with anti-slip features

This rug comes in quite a few colors that would compliment your decor. However, I’d like to recommend the gray, either the light or dark one. Why? Because they look like excellent choices for hiding liquid stains, dirt and shed hair. Since this is marketed as a regular rug, this does have some constraints.

It has no sticky backing, so you’ll need to add underlay. It’s delivered rolled, you need to put some weight (think books) on the edges for a while. Lastly, you can’t machine wash this beautiful patterned rug, but it does stand up well through regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. You can even use a dog hair broom to clean it.

3. LOOBANI Non-Slip Step Rugs

The best rugs for dogs that have mobility problems is not a rug, per se, but LOOBANI pieces that make up a rug. You can assemble these squares in any shape you like, whatever benefits you and your dog. If your biggest concern is your dog slipping on the slick hardwood or tile floor, make a rug or a track with these squares.

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Provides a reliable non-slip surface Very easy to customize Thin, so can be placed in front of a door Holds up to vacuuming Expensive, considering the area they cover

Not only will it prevent your dog from a bad fall, but you’ll also walk more comfortably. It also doesn’t hurt that these squares are easy to place and replace, and also wash. They come in inoffensive colors that easily fade into your existing decor. A great choice for old dogs, arthritic dogs, ones with joint issues and other disabilities.

4. NJSBYL Dog Area Rug

Dog parent, if you’re looking to spoil your baby with the cushiest rug possible, Chenille rugs are the best. This one is visibly shaggy and looks soft as a cloud. Users also seem to be in love with this NJSBYL dog rug. This rug comes in 3 sizes, so pick one on which your dog can comfortably sprawl.

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Very plush and absorbent Machine washable Convenient color and size choices Not non-slip, in fact moves around and edges curls up

The colors are also neutral and earthy, I’d suggest one of the browns. It would feel soft underfoot, so you can easily put this anywhere in the house. What I really love about this rug is that it absorbs moisture well. So if your dog likes to track mud and other dirt indoors, this rug will catch all that and keep your floor clean.

Also Read: Best Dog Cooling Mat – Top Options to Choose From

5. CooZero Artificial Grass Rug

If you’re looking for the best rugs for dogs, I’m guessing you don’t want to have to replace the rug often. So you need a rug that holds up to a lot of abuse and is made for heavy-duty. Luckily, this Coozero is exactly the rug for the job. While this rug doesn’t look as luxurious or elegant as the other ones in this list, a bit of clever placement will take care of that.

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Great for outdoor use Heavy rubber backing ensures it doesn’t leak Does not shed Inexpensive Does not leak Good for potty training Not quite pretty enough for indoor usage

You can easily place it on the patio and it would go well with the decor. Even indoors, it could go with some greens and blues. Aside from being inexpensive, it is also low maintenance. You can just hand rinse it with soap and water. Additionally, this rug can also be used as a potty training mat!

6. iHappyDog Fluffy Pup Rug

I really like cute and fuzzy accessories to spice up my living room, and I was instantly in love with this fluffy rug! Looking through the top rated best rugs for dogs, I could see users absolutely raving about it. The biggest point about the rug is that it’s aesthetically pleasing. The faux fur on this iHappyDog dog rug gives your living room an expensive, elegant look.

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A multitasking product Machine washable Comes in a few sizes Aesthetically pleasing Not big enough for XL breeds if you wanna use it as a bed

However, since it has fur, the rug inevitably sheds a bit. The other outstanding feature about this rug is that it can double as a dog bed. If you don’t want to buy a dog bed as well as a rug, this multitasks well. It has a thin layer of foam inside, with waterproof and washable liner in case of spills.

7. Plow & Hearth Medium Mud Rug

This Plow & Hearth dog rug is very simple and innocuous looking. Yet, it received some of the best rugs for dogs review. From what I can understand, the reason is its efficiency in keeping the house clean even when there’s a muddy, naughty dog bustling around. This rug looks thick and heavy, and it doesn’t tend to curl up.

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Good for trapping mud and dirt Heavy backed, so they don’t tend to curl up Interesting color scheme so dog hair would not show Durable, machine washable and vacuumable Sheds quite a bit, might clog up your washing machine

However, it’s also thin enough to place in front of the door. If your dog likes to run around outside and track mud all over your lovely floors, this rug will be a lifesaver! This dog rug looks reliable, and actually durable. You can either hose it down in the yard, or give it a tumble in a front-loading machine. It might be too much for a top-loaded washing machine, though.

8. Cosyroom Absorbent Dog Rug

That cute little paw should tell you that this rug is made exclusively for your four-legged baby. This is also another microfiber product, so this Cosyroom rug has formidable capacity to keep your floor dry no matter what spills your pup causes.

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Available in various sizes Soft and stays soft even after machine washing Traps water quite well Not very durable, dogs (especially puppies) tend to dig and chew

Another thing I’d like to mention is that not only does it soak up water, it dries quickly as well. It’s especially important when you’ve machine washed it and hung it dry. It becomes usable again in no time.

9. Petgrow Thick Faux Fur Rugs

This Petgrow faux fur rug gives you all the comfort of a faux fur rug and the efficiency of a dog rug, all in one. This is filled with cotton, and gives your dog a bit more support than a foam filling would. Additionally, the irregular fur pattern would hide dog hair very well!

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Efficient anti skid feature Cotton stuffing offers a lot of support Plush enough to use as a bed Faux fur pattern hides dog’s shedding Expensive, considering the quality

Aside from being beautiful, the faux fur cover is also machine washable. A plus is that this rug has an anti-skid bottom, so your elderly or ill dog can safely use this. Since this is a pale colored rug, I’d advise against using it near the doorway where it could be stained with muddy paws.

Also Read: Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs – Soft and Comfortable

10. Mihachi Dog Doormat

I don’t think I need to tell you why a Mihachi dog rug made from microfibers is a fabulous idea! This material is very resistant to staining, not to mention it holds up well against any kind of spills. When you’re the parent of a puppy or a dog with incontinence issues, such a rug is uber useful.

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Hand or machine washable Very absorbent, holds on to liquid and dirt alike Does not shed at all Very comfortable for old and sick dogs Tends to slip and move around, doesn’t lay flat

Another upside to this plush dog rug is that it is very, very plush. It’s so soft to the touch that you’d want to take a nap alongside your dog on this rug. My only grievance is that this Mihachi rug comes in one size only.

How to Pick Top Quality Rugs for Dogs

Think not from the perspective of a fancy homeowner, but a responsible dog parent. What kind of a rug would benefit you and your dog all around? Start to shortlist the dog rug you need by asking yourself these questions.

What Happens When It Stains?

In case you pick a solid color rug thinking it would be an unobtrusive choice, you might want to rethink. Any dirty paw prints, pee stain, food or drink stain, and even shed hair would be glaringly obvious.

I’d suggest you pick a pattern that would cleverly hide the stain, but not such a busy pattern that makes the room look gaudy. The Plow & Hearth Rug is a good choice in this case.

Is It Machine Washable?

We all know normal rugs aren’t machine washable and need special care. However, being a seasoned dog mom, let me tell you whatever rug you choose will need to be cleaned frequently, once or even twice a month. Therefore, picking a dog rug that you can just throw into the front-loader is a great way to stay stress-free. Heavy duty rugs for dogs that can be hosed down, like the CooZero is also a good alternative.

Is It Easy to Vacuum and Spot-clean?

Let’s face it, you can’t really machine wash the rug everyday, it’s bad for your water bill and will also ruin the rug. You’ll need to vacuum it regularly to keep it clean, and spot clean when necessary. Would the dog rug of your choice hold up to that much harsh treatment?

Would It Harm Your Dog’s Nails?

While it’s advisable to keep your dog’s nails grinded small, accidents may still happen if they get caught on loops of the carpet. Short pile, especially cut pile and non-shaggy dog rugs are generally better if this is a concern.

Is There a Choking Hazard?

Rugs with embellishments, like tassels, look cute and boho, however they aren’t pet-friendly. You should be wary of embellishments especially if you have puppies around. In this case, you should also refrain from using soft, shaggy rugs as puppies may chew on them.

How Big is It?

I always say this in my posts, no matter what you buy, make sure it will at least fit your dog’s dimensions, be it a dog house or a dog couch. Pay attention to the measurements, and if your dog can’t spread out luxuriously across the rug, pick a different one.

Why Can’t I Just Keep My Floor Bare?

I admit, I was tempted to do just that when I first got Limo and she, a wee puppy, started teething on my beautiful turkish rug. However, having a dog rug is actually better than keeping the floor bare for a multitude of reasons. First of all, it reduces the chance of your (and you) dog slipping across the floor when the floor is wet or there’s shed hair strewn about.

The best types of rugs for dogs soak up the liquid and catch the shed hair so you can just vacuum it up later. Secondly, this offers necessary traction for dogs who have mobility issues and cannot comfortably walk on hardwood or tile floors. It also keeps their wee paws warm.

Thirdly, a rug protects your floors from scratches, water spots and other kinds of abuse. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, that will also fare better if you invest in a dog rug. Aside from these, think of a dog rug as a nice, cozy place for your dog to play or nap during daytime. Pick correctly, and this dog rug will also add a nice zing to your decor.

Also Read: How to Deshed a Dog – The Best Tips and Tricks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are Rugs Essential for Dogs?

A: The surface where your dog spends the most time is usually the floor, hard and unyielding. To provide your dog some comfort, you need to place a rug where it sleeps most often. Providing your dog with a stylish dog-friendly rug will also give your decor a great pop. Moreover, it will keep your other furniture safe from your dog’s claws and paws.

Q: What Type of Rug Should I Buy for My Dog?

A: You could pick pet-friendly rugs such as indoor-outdoor-appropriate rugs(polypropylene), wool & tufted rugs, woven cotton dhurrie rugs, sheepskin rugs, etc. However, synthetic rugs are on top of the choices as it’s cheap & easily washable. Acrylic, polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are also popular picks for rugs.

Q: How Can I Clean My Dog’s Carpets?

A: A dog’s carpet or rug can be cleaned in many ways. A simple mix of detergent & warm water can work as a basic cleaning solution. However, if you want to be extra careful, you might apply vinegar solution or baking soda to remove the bad “doggie” smell. But if there is a lingering smell of pee, you might bring in professionals to clean the rugs.

Q: What Kind of Rugs Are Easiest to Clean?

A: When you’re buying a rug for your dog, carefully scrutinize the manufacturer’s instructions on whether it is washable or not, if it is hand-washable or machine washable, etc. Also, look at reviews to know whether it stays in good condition after washing or deteriorates.

As your dog might cause prominent stains on the rug, you should pick an inexpensive, robust rug that you can bleach and scrub without any worries. There are many exciting options you could choose from.

Q: Is Carpet Toxic to Dogs?

A: New carpeting emits quite a few toxic compounds that are capable of causing eye, nose, and throat irritation, neurological problems and might even lead to the death of your pets. Adhesive, stain protectors, flame retardants used on the carpet can also be toxic.

If you must have carpeting installed, let it air out for at least 72 hours and use a fan to whisk the fumes away. Be careful not to let your pet fall asleep on the carpet within this time.

A Dog Rug Will Spice Up Your Dog’s Life and Your Decor

Look through my list of the best rugs for dogs because once you pick one you like, you’ll be buying not one but multiple! This is why, aside from other factors, think about how much money you’re willing to spend for the rug.

That aside, I daresay you’ll find quite a few dog rugs to your liking. One for the mud room, one for the living room, one for the patio, and the list goes on! Don’t forget to tell me in the comments which dog rug you zeroed on!