How Clean Is Your Pet’s Bed?

With all the other to-dos in your life—like keeping your home clean, feeding the family, or working every day—cleaning a dirty dog bed can seem like a low priority. 

But the truth is that a dirty bed can harbor a whole lot more than a little bit of fur and some muddy paw prints. Over time, it can become a breeding ground for fleas, bacteria, and even allergens that affect both you and your pet. 

Regular washing is key to maintaining a healthy home environment and preventing zoonotic diseases—the ones that can spread between animals and humans. 

Here’s what the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center wants you to know about the importance of keeping the dog bed clean. 

Hidden Health Risks in a Dirty Bed

Every single day, your pet’s bed collects flakes of skin, shedded hair, and microscopic drops of oil. If your pet spends any amount of time outside—as she should—the bed will also be a receptacle for debris from the outdoors. This could be anything from previously peed-upon bits of grass to smears of poopy snow from the yard. 

Gross, right?

But it’s more than just icky. The outdoor debris can host dust mites, mold, and flea eggs. Flea infestations and other bacteria can transmit tapeworms and cat-scratch fever (Bartonella), both of which are potentially zoonotic diseases. 

Even if your dog is on flea preventive medications, washing their bedding helps get rid of any lingering eggs and larvae before they hatch. 

The debris and bacteria buildup can also trigger allergy symptoms in your pets—and in yourself. For pets, constantly lying on dirty fabric can irritate skin, worsen hot spots, or flare up any existing dermatitis. 

For people, pet dander and dust can get trapped in unwashed bedding and aggravate any asthma or sinus issues. 

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog or Cat’s Bed?

We recommend washing pet bedding once every one or two weeks, depending on your pet’s lifestyle. If your dog sheds heavily, has allergies, or spends a lot of time running around outside, the bed might need weekly cleanings. 

Always follow the instructions on the bed’s care label—and when you’re buying a bed, look for one with a removable and washable cover. It makes life a million times easier than buying a bed that has to be washed in its entirety.

Most fabric covers can be washed in warm water with mild detergent and a pet-safe laundry disinfectant to get rid of stubborn smells. Vacuum the bed’s insert or foam base to reduce microbes, or consider spraying it with a pet-safe fabric spray to reduce the amount of microbes. 

Clean Bed, Healthy Home

Fresh, clean bedding is a crucial component of your pet’s wellness habits. Consider it just as important as feeding your pet a balanced diet or scheduling regular preventive care checkups. 

By preventing fleas, minimizing allergens, and reducing exposure to zoonotic diseases, you’re keeping things beautiful and protecting your household from illness. 

If you need to get your pet on a flea preventive, our caring veterinary team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to help. Call us at (916) 737-5670 to schedule an appointment today.