My dogs would sleep all day, every day if they could. So it only makes sense they want to be comfortable. How frequently should you wash your dog’s bed considering that the majority of dogs spend about 50% of their day sleeping?
Dogs can carry dirt and parasites on their fur. Dog beds should be cleaned once or twice weekly, depending on how active your dog is.
If you have multiple dog beds in your home, washing them once a week can take a lot of time and shorten their life. By using a dog bed cover, you can extend the life of your dog bed and make cleaning simpler.
A multipurpose dog bed sheet made by LAYR fits small to medium-sized dog beds. Microfiber, polyester, and lycra blend sheets are used, and they stretch to fit any size bed. To keep the sheet from moving, an elastic band is placed all the way around it. There are numerous prints available, and new ones will soon be released. While supplies last, LAYR is offering 50% off all sheets at the time of publication.
We’ve only had our LAYR sheet for a week, but we already love it because it’s much simpler to clean than the entire dog bed. Pop off the sheet and toss in the wash. The sheet can be cleaned more quickly and without requiring additional dryer time. Your washing and drying machines will last longer if you wash the sheet (no more uneven loads)!
Keep your dog healthy and sleeping comfortably with clean bedding. Clean beds or covers at least weekly. You might need to wash your dog’s bedding more frequently if they are very active.
What about Allergies?
A late discovery of pet allergies (perhaps long after you brought your furbaby home) is unfortunate, though not uncommon. Amongst other steps you can take to minimise the discomfort that comes with pet allergies, consider using a throw over the dog bed that you can quickly toss in the laundry. Heavy shedders might also benefit from a washable cover or liner that can be laundered on a regular basis. Consider keeping a small vacuum cleaner on hand to spot clean fur and dander – some models are even built with allergy sufferers in mind.
A safe haven for germs
Another problem is that although humans do a good job of bathing their dogs, they don’t consider washing their dogs’ bedding on a regular basis. It takes a while before someone washes the dog bed because it gets so stinky. All of the pollen, dust, dirt, and dead skin cells that your dog brings into the house are also kept in our pets’ beds in addition to germs. Salmonella, listeria, and even ringworm can grow and flourish as a result of this breeding ground for bacteria. Additionally, it can make your seasonal allergies worse by allowing dust and pollen to gather safely inside your house.
Why are dog beds so germy?
So, how does a dog bed rank as one of the germiest spots in the home? Dr. Kelly Reynolds, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Arizona found that dog beds are one of the 10 dirtiest (germiest) spots in the home, due to the bacteria, MRSA, and fecal matter that they harbor.
Consider this: when your dog walks around outside, he picks up bacteria on his feet. Even without your knowledge, he might roll in dead objects. Until he hops on his bed, rummages around, and dumps all of that “stuff” onto his comfy, fluffy bed, those germs remain on his body.
FAQ
Is it OK to wash dog bed in washing machine?
The dog bed should also be washed in the washing machine. If the dog bed is too big, you can have it washed at the laundromat. To eliminate any potential insects and their eggs, place the dog bed cover or the entire bed into a front-loading washing machine and wash it in hot water.
How often should I change my dog’s bedding?
Dog beds should be washed regularly, ideally once a week, to keep them fresh-smelling and minimize odors while also keeping your dog clean and healthy. How frequently you wash your dog also depends on how much fur they shed and how much time they spend outside.
Do dogs like clean bedding?
Let’s face it, both you and your dog enjoy the feel of freshly laundered bedding. Having a clean spot to sleep is important. If the bed is easy to maintain, it will be quick to keep it clean for your dog.
How do you dry a dog bed after washing it?
Rinse thoroughly in cold water until there are no longer any bubbles or soap residue. Squeeze the bedding vigorously to extract all of the water. Follow the manufacturer’s label for drying instructions. Use a low dryer setting and no dryer sheets if it can be tumble-dried in your dryer.