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If you've ever caught a whiff of your dog's bed and immediately regretted it, you're not alone. Washing your dog's bed is one of those tasks that's easy to forget — until it becomes impossible to ignore. But beyond the smell, keeping your pup's sleeping spot clean is genuinely important for their health. So how often should you wash your dog's bed?
The General Rule: Once a Week
Most veterinarians and pet care experts recommend washing your dog's bed at least once a week. Dogs shed dander, dirt, and oils every time they lay down, and their beds can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and allergens. Weekly washing keeps all of that in check.
Of course, how often you need to wash depends on a few factors — like whether your dog has allergies, spends time outdoors, or is prone to accidents.
Wash More Often If...
Some situations call for more frequent cleaning:
- Your dog has skin issues or allergies — Allergens build up fast. Dogs with sensitive skin may benefit from washing every 3–4 days.
- Your dog goes outside a lot — Mud, pollen, and outdoor debris hitch a ride on your dog's coat and end up in their bed.
- You have a puppy in training — Accidents happen. Wash the bed immediately after any mess to prevent odor from setting in. A pet odor eliminator spray is handy for spot-treating between washes.
- Shedding season is in full swing — Heavy shedders can make a bed look furry within days.
How to Wash a Dog Bed Without Ruining It
Before tossing the whole thing in the washer, check the care label. Most quality dog beds have removable, machine-washable covers — one of the things we prioritize when crafting beds at Pet Patio, our handmade dog bed company in Los Angeles. A removable cover makes laundry day so much easier.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use a fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent. Heavily scented detergents can irritate your dog's nose.
- Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water to kill bacteria without damaging the fabric.
- Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all soap residue is removed.
- Tumble dry on low, or air dry when possible to preserve the fill.
For the bed insert or foam, spot clean with mild soap and water. Avoid submerging memory foam or egg-crate foam — it can break down and lose its supportive shape.
Protecting the Bed Between Washes
Want to stretch the time between deep cleans? A waterproof dog bed cover can be a game-changer — especially for puppies or senior dogs who may have occasional accidents. These slip over the bed like a fitted sheet and can be tossed in the wash on their own far more frequently.
You can also keep a soft dog blanket on top of the bed as a washable barrier. It collects most of the hair and dirt before it reaches the bed itself — just swap it out every couple of days.
Don't Forget the Bed Frame or Base
If your dog's bed has a bolster, frame, or raised base, wipe it down with a damp cloth when you wash the cover. Dirt and pet hair collect in corners and seams more than you'd think.
A Clean Bed Means a Healthier Dog
It's easy to overlook, but your dog spends a huge portion of their life sleeping — sometimes 12 to 14 hours a day. Keeping that space clean directly supports their skin health, respiratory health, and overall comfort.
At Pet Patio, our mother-and-son team in Los Angeles designs every bed with washability in mind, because we know real life with dogs is messy and wonderful all at once.
Browse our handmade dog beds at Pet Patio — made with love and built to last, wash after wash.