A Clean Place to Take a Snooze You change your sheets and pillowcases regularly. Your pets should enjoy that same courtesy when they lay their heads down to sleep. Considering the debris, dust, and pollen that can collect on your dog's fur as she goes from outdoors to indoors, it's important to pay attention to her dog bed - it's essential to keep it clean! We've got the low-down on making sure your dog bed is spotless. Step-by-Step to a Clean Night's Sleep Every day, you should remove bedding and blankets from your dog bed. Take them outside and give them a good shake. This will release most of the dander and pollen, and will give the material a chance to breathe and freshen. While you've got the bedding off the dog bed, give it a look to make sure there's not any caked-on dirt or creepy-crawlies; bedding can be a key place for fleas and other unwanted critters to gather and plan their canine attack strategy. |  |
Do Your Washing
Once a week, wash the bedding and blankets from your dog bed in the washing machine. Make sure to wash the bedding with hot water to rinse away germs, fleas, or other unwanted material. Always use a mild detergent so your dog won't suffer from an allergic reaction. Both pet-friendly and specially formulated pet laundry detergents are available that will thoroughly clean and deodorize pet bedding without irritating your dog's skin.
The Bed Itself
While you're waiting for the dog blankets and other bedding to dry, inspect the dog bed itself: keep an eye out for soiled dirt, and use a wet rag and a mild cleaning solution to address any problem spots. Depending on your type of dog bed, you might even be able to throw the bed itself in the wash! Dog pillow beds and similar bed styles often feature a removable interior so that the covering can be dropped in the washing machine. Outdoor dog beds such as dog cots can usually be cleaned with a thorough spraying from a garden hose.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Most importantly, pay attention to your dog's behavior concerning her bed. Is she suddenly avoiding her favorite resting spot? Is she scratching herself more often than normal? With proper care, a dog bed can be a respite from the world, but it can also be a breeding ground for fleas or a gathering place for dirt. If you notice these kinds of behavioral changes, it's time to give the dog bed a good inspection to make sure it's not dirty.
