The type of dog bed you select for your home is not only important for your doggo's comfort, but has a bearing on their hygiene, too. Investing in a dog bed that is machine washable is an all round great idea.
But the question we get asked often is "how often should my dogs bed be washed?", read on to find out the answer to that important question...
The Things You Can't See in Your Dog's Bed
Our dogs all run the risk of carrying and spreading numerous pathogens. This, in turn, could possibly create health risks for everyone in your home. These nasties cannot always be seen by the naked eye. Here is a list of the possible threats your doggos' leave in their beds below:
Tapeworm
Roundworm
Hookworm
Ringworm
Campylobacter
Salmonella
Listeria
Ensuring a strict hygiene protocol is in place is essential to stopping the spread of disease or infection.
Let's Get Down to Washing
How often you wash your dogs bed as well as your dog will depend on their lifestyle and habits. Do they play outside often? Do they swim? Perhaps washing once a doggo once a week if they are active is ideal.
Do they laze around the house and only when it's time for the loo do they venture outside? Then maybe washing them once every 10 days to two weeks might work for you?
For your doggo's bed, during periods of high shedding it’s not uncommon to wash a dog bed twice a week.
Make Good Decisions
Washing a dog bed can be a hack! So when it comes to selecting your dogs bed, opt for one that has a removable outer cover and (ideally) machine washable.
Here are some tips to get the job done right:
Vacuum the bed before washing to reduce any build-up in the washing machine.
Apply baking soda and vinegar to any stains to reduce/eliminate odour.
To remove as much dirt, oils, parasites, and bacteria as possible, wash a dog bed on the highest water temperature. To reduce possible skin irritations or allergies, use an unscented, hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
Depending on the bed, it’s probably a good idea to tumble dry the bed on low, or hang to dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mould or mildew.. Always look to the bed’s manufacturer for instructions.
While the bed is in the wash, vacuum the area thoroughly. This is also a great time to bathe and groom your dog.
Fluff up the bed and invite your clean dog to sniff and inspect it before plopping down for a good cuddle.
A common complaint among dog owners is the tell-tale dog smell that doesn’t seem to go away even after washing canine bedding. It’s important to apply odour-eliminating products as you start smelling something amiss. A baking soda treatment can be left on bedding or other areas for hours at a time to prevent long-lasting smells. You can always try to wash a dog bed twice in a row.
Health and Comfort
If your dog’s bed has seen better days, it may be time for a new one. The bottom line is that your dog is safe, comfortable, and healthy.
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