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.
Cleaning tips
If possible, vacuum your dog’s bed and bedding every day. This will help to remove any leftovers, hair, parasites and other tiny inhabitants.
Then, as often as possible, wash your dog’s bed and bedding. Before you start, look at the washing instructions that came with the bed and bedding. See if it is machine-washable or whether you should wash it by hand. It also depends on how big the bed is, if it has a removable cover and whether it will fit into your washing machine.
For handwashing, place the bed and bedding in a container, fill it with warm to hot water and add laundry detergent and a cup of vinegar. The hotter the water, the better. Knead the bed and bedding, then rinse well until all the soap is out. Let it dry in the sun.
If you can wash the bed and bedding in a machine, use the hottest setting available. Add laundry detergent and half a cup of vinegar. After the cycle, let the bedding dry in the sun.
The hot water and vinegar help to get rid of nasty parasites, and the sun helps to get rid of any fungi and some bacteria and viruses in your dog’s bedding.
Material
The best materials to consider for your dog’s bed and bedding are fabrics that are machine washable. That will make life so much easier for you. Consider fabric that is also durable, like cotton canvas, which is also easy to keep clean. Wool is also a good option. Stay away from materials such as tweed, silk, velvet and suede, as they are not ideal for dogs.
Healthy dog
When your dog sleeps or naps in a hygienic environment, he will be less likely to get sick easily. Also, a clean bed always smells nice and your dog will love you for it.
Sources: www.akc.org and www.petmd.com.
