Spring Cleaning… To The Dogs!

The colder weather is finally starting to lift and it’s the perfect time to give your home a good spring clean and general de-clutter. “While you’re changing your linen from winter to summer, and dusting in every nook and cranny, don’t forget to give your dog’s bed a good clean too, make a few changes to it, or if need be, even replace it,” explains Marycke Ackhurst, pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. 

She adds that washing your dog’s bed and blankets on a regular basis is just as important as washing your own frequently. Clean bedding not only minimises unsavory smells but also helps keep your dog’s skin and coat looking healthy. A dirty dog bed can pose a health risk by harbouring bacteria and potentially other parasites, like fleas or mites. Once snuggled into your dog’s bed, pathogens and parasites can become a bigger problem. A dirty dog bed can negatively affect pet parents too, as any bugs that attack your dog will have no problem hopping onto you too. 

So, when should you wash your dog’s bed? “Dog beds should be washed routinely to keep them clean and smelling fresh. The exact frequency will depend on how much your dog sheds and how much dirt he brings into the house. In general, washing it every few weeks should suffice,” Ackhurst says. 

Ackhurst provides the following cleaning tips and tricks:

• Always check the label of your dog’s bed for washing instructions, so as not to ruin the filling or the fabric
• Wash and dry your dog’s bed on the highest temperature setting possible, allowed by the washing instructions, to kill germs and parasites
• If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, it’s recommended you chat to your vet about unscented detergent specifically for sensitive skin

If your dog’s bed is too tatty and far beyond saving, then getting a new bed may be your only option. However, as Ackhurst explains, when it comes time for something new, your dog might not be as thrilled with the gift as you had hoped. Dogs, just like pet parents, are creatures of habit and prefer things with a familiar feel and scent. You can make the adjustment run smoothly by incorporating the old with the new: 

• Place the new bed in your dog’s favourite spot
• Provide a familiar scent. Place a toy, an old cushion or part of your dog’s old bedding in or on the replacement and rub old items against the fresh fabric. The more familiar you can make the new bed, the better
• You can place treats on the new bed for your dog to ‘discover.’ This can also localise treat eating to one area, cutting down on vacuuming chores

Other things to consider when it comes to a new dog bed:

• Size matters – A Great Dane shouldn’t sleep like a Yorkie, so whatever style of dog bed or accessories you choose, make sure your selection suits your pet’s size and breed. Appropriately sized items will lessen the strain on your dog’s back and neck.
• Come summer, move their bed to a shady spot, and swap warm blankets for an old towel.

Like us, your dog’s bedding should ideally change to suit the season. So, it’s time to pack away those fleece or lined beds and opt for a cooler alternative. That’s why, whenever you buy any two large bags of Hill’s Canine between 10kg and 18kg you’ll get a plush, beautifully designed dog bed. Available at selected participating vet outlets around the country, while stocks last.

*T & C’s apply

For more information visit the Hill’s website