It’s wonderful for your dog to have a place of their own for sleeping and napping. With the selection of brands, bed types, and styles, you can get your pup a custom item tailored to their needs. However, there’s an issue that plagues even the most stylish dog beds.
They can get really smelly, especially after a lot of use.
That’s precisely why washable dog beds were invented. With the option to wash and maintain the pup’s bed, you never have to endure the foul odours in your home. But that’s not the only reason why a washable dog bed is a great idea. Let’s look at all the important details about washable beds.
The Benefits of a Washable Dog Beds
For most dog owners considering a washable bed, the scent will be the primary reason to get an upgrade. And that’s a valid reason. Regardless of how clean your dog is, their bed will keep getting smellier and smellier.
Why is that the case?
The pup will often eagerly jump onto their bed to settle in after a walk. Even if you clean your pet thoroughly, some contaminants will likely stay on the dog’s hair. Plus, the hair itself will gather on the bed, contributing to the predicament. As the impurities keep piling up, the odour will become more intense.
Of course, regular washing will take care of the residue and refresh the bed. As a result, your entire house will smell much more pleasant, too. However, it’s arguable whether this improvement is a considerable step up in your pup’s quality of life.
On the other hand, getting rid of the potentially dangerous microbes will definitely be a plus for your four-legged friend. It might not be common knowledge, but various tiny organisms inhabit your pet’s bed.
What your dog picks up outside isn’t the only stuff that gets on their bed. There are also trace amounts of different bodily fluids that may contain viruses and bacteria. Paired with external impurities, the mix becomes a breeding ground for fungi and parasites, too.
Furthermore, as we mentioned before, all those contaminants tend to pile up. After a while, they may cause infections or allergies. To make matters worse, all this can spread around your home, eventually presenting a health risk for everyone.
You might think that the build-up is impossible if the harmful microbes don’t have a host. Yet, the fact is that many microscopic organisms can survive on their own for a long time, with some surviving up to a year.
Fleas are another vital reason why the dog’s bed needs regular washing. If your pup experienced flea problems, the issue won’t go away by only treating the dog. Young and even some adult fleas could survive on the bed. Again, a thorough wash is the perfect solution.
Dog Bed Washing Guide
Now that we’ve established why washing matters, let’s go through the actual process. In essence, you’ll have two options: wash the bedding by hand or pop it into the washing machine. Naturally, the second method will be far more convenient, but you may have reasons for hand-washing. For instance, you may have a bed without a removable cover that can’t fit into the machine properly.
Hand-Washing a Dog Bed
The cleaning process here will start with a thorough vacuuming. Make sure to pick up all the hair, dirt, and debris. Then, get a container large enough to fit the bed, fill the container with water, preferably warm, and mix in baking soda (about a quarter of a cup).
Put the bed inside and leave it in the soda water for up to half an hour to allow it to get deep into the fabric. After soaking, discard the baking soda water and drain the bed by gently squeezing it. Refill the container with clean water, add a pet-friendly detergent, and put the bed back in. This time, leave it for about 15 minutes.
It would be best to pay attention to the water here. If it starts turning dark, you’ll need to repeat the detergent soaking. Once the water no longer appears dirty, you can begin to rinse the bed.
When rinsing, you should repeat that process, too, until you’re certain there are no traces of the detergent in the bed. This is crucial because your pup may have an allergic reaction to a particular component.
Finally, squeeze the bed one part at a time to get rid of as much excess water as possible. Try not to squeeze too hard or you might damage the bed. When you can’t force any significant amount of water from the material, leave the bed on a clean surface outside until it dries. Avoid exposing it to the sunlight directly.
Machine-Washing a Dog Bed
As with the manual method, machine washing will also start with vacuuming. The same principle applies here: You should do the job thoroughly and leave no large particles behind.
Before you put the bed in the machine, consult the washing instructions. Like clothing, different bed materials and even colours will require you to adjust the washing machine setting accordingly. You may not be able to add bleach per the instructions.
Whether you’re using detergent only or adding bleach to the mix, be positive that the products of your choice are approved for pet use. If you must wash the bed in cold water, opt for a stronger detergent.
For persistent stains, using a stain remover before washing will be ideal. Also, you might need to wash the bed again if the freshness still isn’t there after the first time.
Whether by hand or machine, it would be optimal to wash the bed every one or two weeks.
How to Maintain a Dog Bed (Besides Washing It)
Unfortunately, your list of options for bed maintenance will be quite narrow. Besides washing, you can vacuum the bed. In fact, you should do just that whenever you get the chance. However, keep in mind that even the most thorough vacuuming won’t produce the same results as regular washing.
In addition to vacuuming, you may try using a dog bed deodorizer, although finding a product that smells nice and doesn’t bother your pup might be a challenge. Finally, and this should go without saying, you can keep the dog bed fresher for longer by maintaining your pet’s hygiene.
What to Look For In a Washable Dog Bed
Supposing you’re sold on the idea of washable dog beds – as most dog owners undoubtedly are – the remaining question is: How to pick a good bed?
The choice will come down to several factors, including the material, how durable the bed is, the comfort it brings, size, and, finally, pricing. Here’s a breakdown of each factor:
- The material
There are a variety of washable beds in the market. A fluffy tent bed like the Snooza Hoodie Cuddler will certainly be made of a drastically different material than the smooth orthopaedic Fur King “Ortho”.
Some beds will be hand-washable only, while others may require very specific washing machine programs. If you’re going for quality options, those usually won’t be as easy to maintain. On a somewhat different note, getting a removable cover bed will always be more convenient than having to wash the entire bed.
- The durability of the bed
A bed designed to go into the washing machine should be built with extra durability in mind. Dog beds are usually robust by nature so they can endure the instinctive digging that so many pups do when getting ready to sleep.
The durability level you’ll want will also depend on your pup’s daily habits. If they can’t go a day without getting into dirt or, worse yet, mud, you’ll need to wash the bed more often. In that case, the sturdier, the better.
- Comfort
As you’re choosing a washable bed, keep in mind its ultimate function: to provide your pet with a comfortable place to rest. If your pup has special requirements in that regard, chances are you’ll find a bed of the appropriate build with a removable cover.
- Size
Matching the size of the bed to the size of your dog represents another universal principle. Regardless of the type of bed you decide on, it should always leave just enough room for the pup to stretch. Simultaneously, the bed shouldn’t be too big, or it won’t provide the same “den” impression as a smaller model.
- The price
Of course, when you consider all other aspects, pricing may be the ultimate deciding factor. While you should avoid paying too much for a dog bed, trying to get one cheap may prove counterproductive. A cheaper bed could be made with second-grade materials, and the craftsmanship likely won’t be up to par.
It’s clear that picking the right washable dog bed might not be a clear-cut decision. If you want a comprehensive list of quality products to choose from, browse the Pet Parlour selection. All the beds there are finely made and listed at quite reasonable prices.
Keep Your Pup’s Resting Spot Clean
After breaking down everything you need to know about washable dog beds, there should be no doubt that getting such a bed is the right choice. Your dog, home, and everyone around will be more satisfied with the cleaner environment, and you’ll avoid the potential health risks that lurk inside dirty beds.
All that’s left is to consider which bed you want to buy. Luckily, Pet Parlour’s experts will help you with that part of the job. Check out our washable dog beds here.