You’re familiar with the routine. When you get home after grocery shopping and enter the front door, your nose is immediately assailed by an array of dog odors, a smell of pee or excrement, and a general stench onslaught. You may be wondering what that is.
You emptied the garbage, vacuumed the carpets, and sanitized the bathroom. However, something heinous lingers. And then you recall that your furry baby has multiple mattresses in various areas across the house. Bingo! That is what the putrid odor smells like. What can you do, and how can you ensure that there are no more stinking dog beds? In this article we will discuss about how to keep dog bed smelling fresh. A few simple steps need to be followed which are as under :
Table of Contents
Steps On How To Keep Dog Bed Smelling Fresh
1- Access The Cause
If it’s been a while and the scent has become unbearable, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. As you can see, dogs can be pretty odoriferous at times. From rolling in whatever is outside to bodily discharges and shedding hair. These nasty odors and dirt are not only detrimental to your pet’s health but also pose health concerns to any household members. There can be a lot more going on in a dog’s bed than meets the eye!
2- Select The Appropriate Dog Bed
Prevention should always be the first line of defense against stains and odors. Nothing will simplify the task more than making an informed choice on your dog’s bed. While dog beds come in various shapes and sizes, including flat mats, bolsters, orthopedic beds, and heated beds. The most advanced models feature waterproof liners, machine-washable coverings, detachable hypoallergenic memory foam, and are even flea and mold resistant. Apart from odor-controlling dog beds, “normal” dog beds are available in various forms and fabrics, with or without a cover.
Whether you choose a bed made of waterproof fabric, odor resistant dog bed, or a washable microfiber dog bed, you must clean it often to keep odors at bay. As many animal professionals recommend, dog owners should wash their dog’s bed once a week or twice a month, depending on the owner’s sense of smell and their pet’s activity level.
However, if you genuinely desire a clean dog bed, you must start from scratch. When selecting a dog bed for your pet, the method of cleaning it should be your foremost priority. Check the labels and directions to determine whether the material and cleaning techniques are suitable for you. Is it possible to remove the bed cover? Is the dog bed compatible with your washing machine? Always keep these factors in mind while shopping for a dog bed.
3- Bathing Regularly
Regular bathing is the second stage in preventing your dog from smelling like a dog. Cesar Millan recommends bathing your dog once a week with dog shampoo or baby shampoo for humans. If you believe your dog requires more frequent washing, such as following a run or a day spent sunbathing, dry shampoo is an excellent option. Similar to dry shampoo for humans, the dog version of spray shampoo allows you to spritz, rub, and leave without the trouble of a tub or the unpleasant smell of a wet dog.
4- Properly Clean Your Dog’s Bed
This is a no-brainer, but it is also critical. While it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions on the label of your dog’s bed, there are instances when we need to bend the rules. Mainly when dealing with difficult stains and foul odors. Here are six ways to thoroughly clean your dog’s bed.
6 Ways On How to Clean a Dog Bed
- Before cleaning the dog bed, vacuum it to remove any loose dirt or debris. This improves the effectiveness of machine washing and eliminates unhatched eggs from fleas and other insects. Take special care around corners and beneath any trim.
- Use an enzyme-based stain remover to pre-treat those pesky spots. If stains like mud, urine, or feces are present, the spot cleaning will dissolve the stain sufficiently to allow the washer to complete the job. Avoid using stain removers that include chlorine since this can be detrimental to your pet.
- Machine-wash the dog bed in hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Using hot water to clean the dog bed eliminates odors, disease-causing bacteria, and lingering fleas or bug eggs. When using the washer, ensure that the mattress fits snugly inside the machine. Alternatively, you can wash it in a larger environment, such as a bathtub. Utilize a gentle detergent or natural deodorizers such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Thoroughly rinse the dog bed. Even if you’re using a light detergent, you must ensure that the water is free of soap bubbles.
- Use the dryer to dry the dog bed. Allow it to tumble dry entirely.
- Maintain a clean bed in between washes. This involves covering the bed with a nice bed blanket, vacuuming it in between washes, and cleaning the outside of the bed down with an 8-to-1 solution of water and apple cider vinegar. Alternatively, see How to wash a dog bed with stuffing for a full article on this subject.
5- Make Use Of An Air Purifier
Air purifiers can help reduce odors in the air, and the best ones will filter particulate matter while also killing germs and fungi in the air.
6- Clean Collar
The collar on your dog may be the source of the odor issue. If you haven’t washed or updated your puppy’s collar since he or she became a dog, now is the time. Given that most collars will not survive a standard machine cycle, hand wash it with the dog or baby shampoo. Rub collar vigorously with your hands, soak for 10-15 minutes in warm water, rinse, and hang dry.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a dollar store pet bed or a high-end dog bed, routinely washing your dog’s bed will not only eliminate odors but also kill germs and bacteria. However, no matter how hard you try to keep your dog and his bedding clean and odor-free, we cannot prevent them from rolling, licking, chewing, and engaging in other pet activities. That is why it is critical to have a clean home.
If you’re still particularly sensitive to your dog’s odor, it may be best to choose a breed that produces less of it. In practice, though, with an understanding of why pets sometimes stink one should keep a vigilant eye on cleaning, so your pet may stay an integral member of your family.
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