Extending the lifespan of your dog's bed isn't the only reason for keeping it clean: dog beds should be washed twice a week minimum - and while this might seem like a pain, there's a very good reason - in fact there may be several thousand good reasons living in your pet's bedding right now.
According to PetMD, dog beds should be washed once a week or at a minimum of once every two weeks to maintain the optimum health and safety of your pet. Here are some other things you can do to keep your dog's bed clean between washes: Vacuum your pet's bed regularly.
Using a gentle, pet-safe detergent, wash your dog's bed cover in the washing machine using the warmest water temperature allowed per the care tag. Be sure to choose a cycle that aligns with the instructions on the care tag or consider choosing a cycle based on the soil level of the dog bed cover.
Let's face it- you love the feel of freshly washed bedding, and so does your dog. Having a clean spot to sleep is important. If the bed itself is simple to care for, it will make it snap to keep fresh for your pup.
To ensure that you and your dog stay safe from illness, PetMd recommended that you should wash your pet's bed or blankets at least once every two weeks. However, if your dog is very active and spends a fair amount of time outdoors, then you should bump up those cleanings to once or even twice a week.
Many dogs are known for immediately rolling on freshly-washed laundry that you've laid out to put away. The reason for this is that dogs identify their family mostly through scent.
Spray a combination of ½-cup of laundry detergent and water on the bed without soaking it. Sprinkle the bed with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours to remove odors. Then vacuum it for a final time. Remember to flip the bed and treat the opposite side with the same steps.
However, with a dog sleeping in bed you risk getting more than just soft fur under the covers. Dogs and other pets can bring fleas, ticks and in rare cases pathogenic bacteria to bed, such as ringworm, tapeworms, Campylobacter, parasites and bacteria from urine and faeces in their fur.
Tips to Keep a Dog Bed Clean
Place the bedding in direct sunlight at least once a week to kill bacteria and remove stale odours. Sprinkle baking soda over the bed and leave for a few hours before vacuuming up the powder. Use a removable waterproof cover to protect the bedding from stains.
Should dogs sleep on the floor? Regularly sleeping on the floor isn't ideal for your pet. He can develop structural issues from sleeping on such a hard surface. Rapidly growing puppies and elderly dogs especially need the soft, yet firm, support of an orthopedic dog bed that will protect their bones and joints.
The length of time that your dog bed will last for could vary in time from two years to five years - there are no hard and fast rules but if you follow our tips above then you will get a good idea of when it is time to replace your dog's bed.
A dog should be dried with a more absorbent towel, like a soft microfibre one, and these towels are different to the cotton ones we use ourselves. The two types of towel should, therefore, not be washed alongside each other.
Wipe down the fabric on your dog bed with a mixture of one tablespoon of water and a cup of distilled white vinegar each week. Put your dog's bed in direct sunlight once a week to kill bacteria and remove odors. Sprinkle baking soda over the dog bed when it begins to stink, and then vacuum it up.
Most vets advise against washing your dog every day unless your pet's health practitioner recommends otherwise. Bathing your dog too frequently can irritate your four-legged friend's skin and dry out their coat. Only wash your dog every day if they have a health condition, and your veterinarian advises daily washes.
Never bathe your dog more than once a week unless it's recommended by your vet. While you're bathing your dog, take special care to note any lumps, bump or skin changes that could indicate a health problem. If you find something of concern, be sure to let your vet know.
Laundry detergent: Pets are sensitive to smells, so opt for Tide Ultra Stain Release Free, which is fragrance-free without compromising on cleaning power.
Once you bring a dog into your home, you become part of their pack. They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
If your dog does this, it means they trust you. And, if they keep their bum toward your face, it shows that you make them feel safe. Your dog also wants to keep you safe and secure, which is why they plant their rumps where they do. This allows them to monitor the entire room and be ready for action if it's warranted.
A dog who needs a lot of attention and affection, for example, will run to the person who provides the most belly rubs and affectionate ear rubs. If a family member is stand-offish, your family dog will most likely be less interested in hanging out with him, and more likely to sleep with the more affectionate person.
If your dog bed is too large to be washed in a washing machine, you can hand wash it in a bathtub using hot water and pet-safe detergent. Dry the bed. You can dry your dog bed and cover in your dryer. Tumble dry for about 20 minutes and air fluff the dog bed with a pet-safe dryer sheet to reduce static.
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.