How to wash your dogs’ bed?
Ideally your dog bed should be a machine washable dog bed. Most beds have a cover which is easily washable and then the inner cushion that potentially (depending on size) may be too large for your washing machine. The perfect scenario is that the whole bed can be washed. You are more likely to wash the cover more than the cushion.
If you cannot wash the cushion, then inserting a plastic bag or lining between the cover and cushion will provide some protection. When machine washing, do so at the highest temperature possible (follow manufacturers guidelines). Then tumble dry (if recommended for your dog bed) or hang dry.
In between washes a vacuum of your dogs’ bed is recommended to collect any loose hair/dirt.
If your dog bed isn’t machine washable then use warm water and detergent ensuring all of the detergent is dissolved before adding your dog’s bedding. Give the dog bed a good rub until completely clean and then apply at least two rinses before drying.
Best to use a natural detergent where possible and something gentle if your dog has sensitive skin. You can also use some form of stain remover before washing if there is really ground in stains on your dog bed.
Your dog will be grateful for a nice clean bed and you will help prevent any potential bacteria/parasites spreading around your house!
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.
What Kind of Detergent Should I Use?
While many suggest using an ordinary household detergent, laundry residue on toys, bedding and other well-loved items your pet chews or snuggles with can actually be harmful to pets – so it’s generally best to err on the side of caution and opt for a non-toxic brand – half a cup of apple cider or white vinegar can also be added to the cycle to loosen up any stray hair the vacuum cleanr didn’t quite catch.
Washing a DOG’S BEDDING and CLOTHES (Washing Machine & By Hand)
You come in contact with germy places on a daily basis, like public restrooms, the break room refrigerator door, gas pumps and grocery carts. Unfortunately, another thing to add to your list is your dog’s bed.
Sure, you’re not the one sleeping there, but you likely come in secondhand contact with your dog’s bed multiple times a day, every day. Whenever your dog moves from his bed to your couch or comes over to you for a quick pat, he’s dragging an invisible cloud of germs everywhere he goes. Fortunately, dog beds and mats are one germy area you can control the cleanliness of. Learn more about how to properly wash a dog bed or mat, below.
Domestic animals carry disease-causing organisms including bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal species, according to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH).
Although your pet may not seem ill, infections can be passed from animals to people when you pet their fur or come in contact with their feces, vomit, saliva, urine or other bodily discharges, and many of these disease-causing organisms can live in the environment—including on your dog’s bed—for up to 12 months without a host.
