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West Elm usually carries a lightweight quilted cotton blanket/comforter. I like them because they are lightweight, thin and washable.

Utility Canvas makes a moving blanket type thing that is a quilt, but if you are going to just use it to cover your bed during the the day and the dog isn't as fussy as people about how soft it is, maybe a actual movers blanket would be cheaper?

http://www.utilitycanvas.com/shop/4,1,0/

Do you mean tightly woven? I don't think a knit fabric will hold up well at all.

I actually like the idea of a canvas drop cloth type thing along the lines of what kendra.e is suggesting.

i can easily find those from tj maxx. but they're probably not super pretty, but if they're just protecting your duvet, i wouldn't think it mattered.

Here's a thought....I immediately thought of that super sturdy but super soft material and I think I found it:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/Product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=108256

looks fairly good...should wear very well.

Ahh - I neglected to check those top bedding links (doh, thanks Maxwell!)

I do think I will check out the utility canvases that kendra.e suggested. Definitely the strength of fabric we're looking for. However, would love something that was nice enough to leave on all the time (and just shake out and wash as needed.)

Anne, you're probably right - i think a tightly woven fabric is what I may need, rather than a knit one. I've had a hard time describing and articulating what I'm looking for. Thanks for clueing me in to that distinction!

Hey Kenji, I have the same big dog problem. I have two solutions for you, working in tandem... a) I keep a small handtowel by the door that I use to do a quick wipedown of muddy paws when we first come back in from our morning park romps; and b) I use those cotton flat sheets you can get from Urban Outfitters to cover up my bed. I actually tuck the corners and sides all around under the mattress, over my comforter, and when I sleep, I just fold the top side down slightly, and Summer sleeps on top of the topsheet.

The ones from Urban Outfitters are great because they're typically thicker cotton than regular bedsheets, but they're also flat and an easy clean in the washing machine. I actually use a handcranked Wonderwash cleaner and it fits in there too! I end up washing it about once every two weeks or so, and this way my comforter is protected, and I don't have to wash my comforter cover as often. (Since its a PITA to change the cover more than a few times a year...)

Hi There,

I have used this for the past six years for our two dogs.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15594&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=10569&langId=-1&categoryId=15837&chosenPartNumber=90020701

It comes in a bunch of different colors and is virtually indestructable. You can throw it in the washer and dryer and you'll never again have to worry about dirty paws on the bed. It's also very inexpensive!!! We have a King sized one for our Queen bed so we can tuck the sides in.

Orvis sells a comforter for just this situation. The selection is somewhat limited but it might work for you.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice.asp?pf_id=99G7&dir_id=1034&group_id=1035&cat_id=5907&subcat_id=7004

I have a very dirty dawg and I have washed my WHITE Newgrange Matelasse from www.linensource.com again and again and again and it still looks brand new. When I bought a new bed I had to get a larger bedspread and it has worked out just as well as the first one I bought. I would highly recommend this for anyone with dirty dogs or dirty children.

Wow - all these suggestions rock. I am definitely going to check these out. Thanks much!

Summerinbrooklyn - it's good to know I'm not the only one who does that with the paws. I keep paper towels and a spray bottle (to wet down the paper towels) by the door and wipe not only her paws but - ok - get ready for it - her tookus (gently, of course.) A friend saw me do this and was pretty floored, but I recounted a story wherein my dog had jumped up on my old bedspread and, well, let's just say she soiled it when she sat down and wagged her tail.

Kenji

"my dog had jumped up on my old bedspread and, well, let's just say she soiled it when she sat down and wagged her tail"

ROFLMAO!! I KNOW what you mean! :D :D

I am glad you asked this question, since I have the same problem, and I am glad people answered you instead of trying to tell you to keep the dog off the bed!

Tired Kitten: one question, do you bleach your matelasse?

To protect my duvet from puppy paws I use an extra top sheet which matches my linens. I just lay the sheet over the down comforter folding it over the top and my top sheet is folded down over that. Everything is neat and tidy and I don't mind washing that top sheet weekly. I also make a point to clean the downy and duvet cover more frequently than I would sans animals.

I have the dog on the bedding thing too. I must say your bed
make-up is A !!!!
I place a sheet on the bed. Ez to wash and not an expensive
investment.