Dog Crates, Mats, and Blankets: Everything You Need for a Cosy Den

A dog crate can be one of the most valuable tools for training, travel, and giving your dog a safe space to call their own. But an empty crate is just a box. What you put inside it — the mat, the blanket, the bedding — is what transforms it into a den your dog actually wants to be in.

Here is a guide to the best mats and blankets for dog crates, home dens, and everyday use.

Why the right bedding matters in a crate

Dogs are den animals by instinct. A crate lined with the right bedding gives them a warm, enclosed, familiar space that feels safe rather than restrictive. The right mat also:

- Protects joints from hard crate floors
- Absorbs warmth and keeps your dog comfortable overnight
- Reduces anxiety by providing a consistent, familiar scent
- Makes cleaning easier, particularly for puppies still being house trained

Choosing the right crate mat

The best crate mat depends on your dog's age, habits, and how the crate is used.

For puppies and dogs in house training: Choose a waterproof or wipe-clean mat. Accidents happen, and a mat that can be wiped down in seconds makes life significantly easier.

For older dogs or those with joint issues: A memory foam mat provides orthopaedic support on the hard crate floor and makes a real difference to comfort during longer rest periods.

For travel: A lightweight, rollable mat that fits the crate dimensions and washes easily is the priority.

For anxious dogs: Vet bedding is a classic choice — warm, familiar, and used widely in kennels and veterinary practices for its calming, consistent feel.

Our crate mat range

Pescara Waterproof Crate Mat
Our most popular crate mat. The wipe-clean waterproof surface handles spills and accidents instantly, while the soft top layer keeps your dog comfortable. Machine washable for a deeper clean when needed. Available in multiple sizes to fit standard crate dimensions.
Shop the Pescara Waterproof Crate Mat

Water Repellent Crate Mat
A practical, durable crate mat with a water-repellent finish. Available in camel and standard colourways, it suits both home crates and travel use.
Shop the Water Repellent Crate Mat | Shop in Camel

Alaska Memory Foam Faux Fur Mat
For dogs who need orthopaedic support in their crate, the Alaska Memory Foam Mat provides a pressure-relieving base in a soft faux fur finish. Non-slip backing keeps it firmly in place.
Shop the Alaska Memory Foam Mat

Memory Foam Noodle Lounger Mat
A flat, mattress-style mat with a memory foam base and removable washable cover. Ideal for larger crates or dogs who need more substantial support.
Shop the Memory Foam Noodle Lounger

Vet Bedding — UK Made
The go-to choice for kennels, vets, and experienced dog owners worldwide. Lightweight, warm, moisture-wicking, and machine washable. Vet bedding is particularly good for puppies and anxious dogs as it provides a consistent, familiar texture.
Shop Vet Bedding

Adding a blanket: why it makes a difference

A blanket inside or draped over a crate adds an extra layer of warmth and helps create the enclosed, den-like atmosphere dogs instinctively seek. It also muffles external noise and light, which can help anxious or easily distracted dogs settle more quickly.

For crate training, placing a blanket over three sides of the crate (leaving the door side open) mimics the enclosed feel of a natural den without blocking airflow.

Our dog blanket range

Novara Fleece Lined Dog Blanket
A reversible, double-sided blanket in a soft faux suede and fleece combination. Available in brown and grey to complement a range of interiors. Machine washable and generous in size.
Shop Novara Grey | Shop Novara Brown

Cambridge Fleece Lined Pet Blanket
A soft, washable blanket that works equally well inside a crate, on a sofa, or in the car. Lightweight and easy to pack for travel.
Shop the Cambridge Blanket

Sparkle Soft Plush Blanket
A plush grey blanket with a luxuriously soft finish. Ideal for dogs who love to burrow and nest.
Shop the Sparkle Blanket

Browse all blankets:
Dog Blankets Collection

Tips for setting up the perfect crate den

- Size the mat correctly: The mat should fit the crate floor without bunching up at the sides
- Layer up in winter: A mat plus a blanket keeps your dog warm on cold nights without overheating
- Use familiar scents: A blanket that smells of home helps dogs settle in new environments
- Wash regularly: Aim to wash the mat cover every one to two weeks and the blanket weekly
- Avoid loose bedding for puppies: Stick to flat mats and fitted covers until your puppy is past the chewing phase

Final thought

The right mat and blanket turn a crate from a training tool into a genuine sanctuary your dog chooses to spend time in. Whether you need waterproof practicality for a puppy, orthopaedic support for an older dog, or simply a cosy fleece blanket for a dog who loves to nest, there is an option in our range to suit.

Shop Dog Blankets | All Dog Beds | All Dog Loungers