FAQ: Beds & Bedding for dogs

A pad or bed makes the crate more comfortable and helps the dog accept it as its own place. For a puppy or a dog that chews, a simple, easily washed pad without chewable edges is a good start.

On a heated floor a thick foam cushion can trap a lot of heat, so the dog may get too warm. Choose a thinner or raised bed and watch whether the dog goes looking for a cooler surface.

For most dogs washing the cover every one to two weeks is enough, and more often for puppies, allergic dogs or dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. Between washes, vacuuming up hair and shaking out the bed helps.

Follow the care label: many covers can be washed at 30–40 °C and some at higher temperatures. Water that is too hot can shrink the fabric or damage the waterproof layer.

Choose a mild, unscented detergent and do not use too much, so no residue that could irritate the skin stays in the fabric. An extra rinse helps remove detergent and hair.

Strongly scented softeners can irritate a dog's sensitive skin and nose, and they harm some waterproof fabrics. It is better to do without them or choose unscented products.

If the label allows, a smaller bed can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, and a large one can be hand-washed in the bath or in a laundrette's large machine. The key is to dry the bed completely so no mould forms in the filling.

Most foam inserts cannot be machine-washed because they can tear and take a long time to dry. They are usually spot-cleaned or hand-washed with mild soap and air-dried, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Dry the spun bed in a well-ventilated place or outdoors, turning it often so the filling dries inside too. Use a tumble dryer only if the label allows, as heat can shrink fabric or damage foam.

Hair is easiest to remove with a vacuum and upholstery nozzle, a rubber brush, rubber gloves or a lint roller. Removing hair before washing means less of it ends up in the washing machine.

Blot up the liquid as quickly as possible, treat the stain with an enzyme cleaner made for pet stains and wash according to the label. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, because their smell reminds the dog of urine.

Skin oils, hair, drool and dirt build up on a bed, especially if the dog lies on it wet after a walk. More frequent washing, swapping covers and airing the bed help, and a sudden change in or very strong dog odour can be a reason to consult a vet.

Baking soda sprinkled on a dry bed and vacuumed up a few hours later can absorb some odours. It does not replace washing, and vacuum the bed thoroughly afterwards so the dog does not lie on the powder.

The mesh can be wiped or rinsed with water and mild soap, and the frame wiped with a damp cloth. On some beds the fabric can be removed and washed, so check the manufacturer's instructions.

Wash on a gentle cycle at a low temperature and dry without hot air, because heat can melt and frizz faux fur. Brush the dry bed with a soft brush to fluff the fur up again.

Wiping a gel mat with a damp cloth and mild soap and drying it is usually enough. Do not fold it sharply, do not scrub it with stiff brushes and do not put it in the washing machine unless the manufacturer allows it.

Wipe the waterproof liner with a damp cloth or wash it at a low temperature if the label allows. Do not tumble-dry it on high heat and keep it away from sharp objects, because a damaged membrane stops keeping moisture out.

Usually washing the bed regularly according to the label is enough. After an infectious disease or parasites a vet may advise extra cleaning, and use strong disinfectants only as instructed and rinse well so residues do not irritate the dog.

Flea larvae and eggs often stay in the bed, so wash it regularly at the highest temperature the label allows and vacuum the surrounding area often. Most important is ongoing parasite protection for the dog, which a vet can help you choose.

Wash all covers and pads at the highest temperature the label allows, vacuum the bed, floors and furniture and throw away the vacuum bag. Discuss treating the dog and the home with a vet, because fleas live not only on the animal.