Not much is as comforting as getting into bed at the end of the day or even taking a nap during the day. Most dogs share the same sentiment and love curling up in their beds for a relaxing snooze. But are you aware that the same comforting bed and bedding can cause your dog to become ill? Here are a few things you need to consider.
Creepy crawlies
You might not realise it, but many types of creepy creatures might be sharing your dog’s bed. Just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they’re not there. These are some common living things that might be found hiding.
- Fleas are definitely some of the more common parasites. They will hide in your dog’s bed, waiting for him to return. If there are fleas, there will most likely be flea larvae too. So, you will need to get rid of the fleas, their eggs and their larvae.
- Where there are fleas, you will most likely find worms too, as fleas play host to tapeworms. And if you find worms in your dog’s bed, your dog more than likely has worms and will need to be dewormed.
- Another type of unwanted ‘creepy’ is bedbugs. Although they prefer feasting on human blood, it is not impossible for them to invade your dog’s bed as well. If you find bedbugs in your dog’s bed, it is highly advisable that you check your own bed and other furniture. There is a possibility they have spread to or from your dog’s bed.
- Bacteria, viruses and fungi are the micro-organisms that can make themselves at home in your dog’s bed. It’s impossible to see them, but they might be there.
Proper hygiene
To keep your dog’s bed and bedding as bug-free as possible, you need to clean his bed and bedding often. You will need to remove all the hair on the bed as well as any stains. And of course, some dogs love to chew their favourite treats in their beds. It’s important to clean out any leftover bits regularly. Not only is it unhealthy, but it’s also irritating to sleep on crumbs and small bits.
If your dog has an ‘accident’ in his bed, the urine and faeces should be cleaned immediately. The same goes for mud. You never know what micro-organisms can be found in the mud. In the unlikely event that there is blood in your dog’s bed, it needs to be soaked in cold water immediately before being washed.
Would you like to read the rest of this interesting article and know more about your dog’s bed and his health? Get the March/April 2024 edition of Animaltalk magazine from retailers or order a digital or printed copy from www.coolmags.co.za.
