While you’re sprucing up the areas of the home that you use so much, don’t forget your dog’s things need cleaning, too - not just in time for spring cleaning, but all year long!
In this article, we’ll go into detail about why cleaning your pooch’s possessions such as their leads, collars and beds is important to their health, and give you tips on how to keep them squeaky clean.
Why is cleaning your dog’s belongings is so important?
It’s easy to forget just how often our dogs’ things are used - their collar is always on, and their leads are used multiple times a day through rain and shine!
A dog’s bed in particular, just like our beds, can become a nest of sweat, dead skin and bacteria without being regularly washed and refreshed. Dogs are dependent on us to keep their things clean for them, so we must include washing their belongings as part of our wider cleaning routines.
If your dog’s things are left to fester and get dirty, you potentially allow a build up of bacteria, and even create a home for parasites to hide (like fleas, ticks and worms!) which can potentially cause harm to your precious pooch.
Moisture, dirt and bacteria build-up not only results in bad smells, but could lead to skin irritation, sickness and the emergence of allergies for your dog.
When asking Vet Linda what she thinks, she said:
'I often find that owners are good at booking their dogs in for a regular groom and giving them baths, but I find that it is really common that they will overlook washing their beds and accessories.
This is especially concerning in those dogs at higher risk for developing skin infections such as those who have just had a surgery (like neutering), senior dogs, and patients with allergic skin disease. Any breaks in the skin leave a dog wide open to infection, so cleaning is especially vital in these guys.'
Our Hypoallergenic range, as well as our Skin and Coat range at Pooch & Mutt are formulated with natural, functional ingredients that can help towards elevating symptoms of irritation and keep their coat nice and glossy.
To learn more about skin irritation and allergies in dogs, be sure to check out our blog post, ‘Dog Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment’.
Dirty items are also more likely to pick up germs and spread them to other people, animals and places around the home - so it’s not only your pooch you’re putting at risk by not cleaning, but yourself and your family, too.
Which dog possessions should you clean, and how often?
We’re all about a spring clean, but hopefully you’re cleaning your dog’s things more than once a year! Everything needs to be regularly washed to keep you, your pooch and all the members of your household comfortable, safe and healthy.
Bed (every 1-2 weeks). Dog beds get dirty quickly, so aim to spruce it up with a vacuum and wash at least the cover every 1-2 weeks. A more thorough clean can be done less often.
Lead and harness (every 2-4 weeks). Harnesses get grimy fast, especially when you do more off-road walking, so be sure to give them a thorough clean along with the lead at least monthly (more if they’ve gotten dirty!).
Collar (every 4 weeks). Freshen up your dog’s collar each month to avoid skin irritation.
Blankets (every 1-2 weeks) Dog blankets can be well used, so throw them in with your washing every week or so to avoid them getting stinky.
Toys (every 1-2 weeks). Soft toys should be washed with pet-safe detergent every week or so, while squeaky or plastic toys should be soaked in soapy water, perhaps more often if they’re prone to getting slobbery.
Dog clothing (whenever worn). If your dog has their own outfits, wash them each time they’re worn.
Food bowls (every day). Avoid food and water bowls becoming nasty by washing them up at the end of every day - otherwise bacteria can breed.
Grooming tools (every 4 weeks). Thoroughly clean up your dog’s brushes, combs and clippers every month or so - but be sure to pull out the fur more regularly!
What cleaning items are toxic to dogs?
When looking to spruce up your dog's belongings, be aware that some cleaning products are unsafe for dogs to be around and could even prove toxic.
The following should be kept well out of reach of a dog, and if you’re cleaning with them, be sure your pooch is out of the room or kept secured until the products are cleared away.
- All-purpose cleaners used on surfaces, glass and floors tend to all have the same chemicals that can be harmful for pets if they ingest. Bleach is very poisonous to dogs, as well as toilet cleaner and mould remover which are usually bleach-based.
- Some fabric softeners and laundry detergents are also unsafe for dogs, so don’t use them to wash your pooch’s bed, blankets or soft toys. Find a detergent that the label deems pet-safe to keep your dog's belongings fresh and clean.
- This might be an obvious one, but insecticides are extremely dangerous for dogs. Keep any ant-killer or rat poison well away from your pooch, as they can prove fatal if ingested.
- Scented candles, incense, oil diffusers air fresheners can be harmful for dogs to inhale (particularly citrus, tea tree and peppermint), so it isn’t recommended to burn or spray them when your dog's around.
If you can’t keep your dog out of the room or house while you clean, be sure to look for ‘non-toxic’ or ‘pet-safe’ cleaning products by looking at the labels of what you buy. Otherwise, you could use natural alternatives such as vinegar and lemon juice with water, or non-toxic soap solutions.
Why should I clean my dog’s bedding?
You should clean your dog’s bed for the same reason you wash your own bedding - to avoid a smelly sweat fest! If left too long without a wash, your dog’s bed will start to smell particularly pungent thanks to the build-up of sweat, fur and bacteria, not to mention it will look dirty, too.
There will be dog fur that has fallen out while scratching, tossing and turning during sleep; and it won’t be as comfortable for them as a freshly clean bed.
The moist, warm crevices of a dirty dog bed make the perfect nesting ground for bacteria and potential parasites brought in on your dog to feast on, so regular cleaning is a must!
Do dogs prefer a clean bed?
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, so can be put off if their sanctuary and place of peace and quiet is starting to smell a bit whiffy. That said, they will somewhat appreciate a clean and fresh-smelling bed!
On the other hand, scent is also a big part of how your dog see's the world - sniffing out scent to connect with those around them, and find out where's safe. Eradicating a familiar scent can lead to feelings of anxiety in your dog. So, when it comes to wash day, consider giving them access to cleaner, familiar bedding or blanket, their favourite toy or giving them some calming treats.
How to clean a dog bed
Check the label on your dog’s bed before you do anything else, as some beds, their pillows and covers can simply be thrown in the washing machine. A cool wash is usually best, using a mild detergent that’s safe for pets.
If this isn’t the case or you’d prefer to hand wash, then follow these easy steps.
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Remove the cover. If your dog’s bed has a removable cover, take this off and clean separately. If machine washable, use a pet-safe detergent and dry out thoroughly before putting back on the bed.
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Vacuum the bed. Use the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to get rid of crumbs, debris and as much dog hair as possible.
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Spot clean any stains. If you’re not using a washing machine, remove any covers and spot clean, using a scrubbing cloth or brush and a pet-safe cleaning solution. Some enzymic cleaners are good at breaking down stubborn stains!
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Clean any bed inserts. Pull out any separate pillows or pieces of the bed, spot clean them, and vacuum and scrub thoroughly behind them.
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Use deodoriser. Now to have it smelling fresh! Use a dog-safe deodoriser spray or powder to finish the bed. This will hopefully tackle any lasting smells.
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Let the bed dry out (outside if possible). Before your pooch uses the bed again, let it dry out. Outside is best, in the fresh spring air, to maximise that clean scent.
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Consider a new cover. If your bed is getting ragged or stained, it’s worth considering a new, removable cover for the bed which you can machine wash regularly.
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Regularly vacuum. Don’t forget to vacuum the dog bed as part of your regular vacuuming routine - it will keep the bed looking and smelling fresh for much longer, and will be as comfortable as possible for your pooch to sleep in.
Why should I clean my dog’s leads and harnesses?
Your leads may not be the first of your dog’s things that you think to clean, but they do get surprisingly grimy. The length of the dog lead can pick up all kinds of mud and dirt - while the handle is held so often, putting it at risk for bacteria build up.
Then there’s the harness! It’s more understandable why these need a wash, absorbing all that sweat, dead skin and fur from your dog’s body, and dirt from outdoors.
Leaving the harness to stay dirty will end up irritating your dog’s skin, even having the potential to cause sores. An unwashed harness is also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and it will start to smell damp and musty!
How to clean a dog’s lead and harness
It’s straightforward to clean your dog’s lead and harness; here are some tips!
Cleaning the lead:
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For plastic or rubber leads, use a soft cloth soaked in soapy water to gently scrub away dirt and grime. Be sure to get into any crevices and clasps, and brush away dirt from buckles. Rinse away all soap residue and leave the lead to air dry.
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For a leather lead, do the same as above, but consider using a leather conditioner after rinsing to keep the leather supple.
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For a chain lead, do the same as above but thoroughly towel dry afterwards, as leaving it to air dry can lead to damage or rusting.
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For retractable leads, be careful not to get the mechanism wet as this can damage the springs inside. With the lead fully extended, soak the fabric lead in soapy water with the handle left out of the water. Gently scrub the lead with a brush or cloth, being careful not to damage the material. Rinse it thoroughly to get rid of soap residue, then leave it out to air dry.
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For the handle itself, use a damp cloth and dish soap to thoroughly clean the exterior, without getting water inside the mechanism. If you aren’t sure about this, check the manufacturer’s instructions from when you bought the lead.
Cleaning the harness:
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For a plastic or nylon harness, remove any tags or accessories and check it over for any damage or repairs that may need doing. You can machine wash some harnesses - check labels or instructions to be sure.
If not, soak in a bowl of soapy water, scrubbing gently with a soft cloth to get rid of stubborn stains. Be sure not to damage the fabric by scrubbing too hard. Rinse thoroughly and leave to air dry.
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For a leather harness, don’t soak it - remove tags, then use a damp, soapy cloth to wipe thoroughly and get rid of stains, then towel dry. Finish with a leather conditioner to keep the harness soft and comfortable when your pooch wears it.
Why should I clean my dog’s collars?
Collars sit on a key part of a dog’s body to pick up all kinds of grime - it’s well placed to absorb sweat, dead skin and saliva, not to mention mud and dirt from outdoors. If you skip cleaning it, it will start to look dirty and unpleasant, will likely smell bad, and the fabric will break down and tear more easily.
A dirty collar rubbing against your dog’s neck has the potential to cause skin irritation over time, and potentially encourage allergy symptoms. It can also breed bacteria that could make your dog sick or even infect other members of the household.
How to clean a dog’s collar
No matter what type of collar your dog wears, fabric, plastic or leather, it’s generally easy to wash them, especially with our top tips.
- Remove any tags and accessories.
- Wipe off any mild stains with a damp cloth.
- If it’s a fabric or plastic collar, soak in warm, soapy water for around 10 minutes.
- Scrub with a mild, pet safe detergent or soap, using a soft cloth, brush or sponge.
- For a leather collar, just wipe clean with a warm, damp cloth.
- Leave fabric collars out to air dry (don’t use a tumble dryer to avoid shrinking). For leather or plastic collars, simply wipe down with a towel.
Note: Lots of fabric collars can be machine washed and hung out to dry - check any labels on buying to be sure.
FAQs
How often should I wash my dog’s bedding?
Your dog’s bedding gets dirty and smelly quite quickly, just like your own bedding - with all that sweat, fur and dead skin that comes off your pooch while they’re sleeping. It’s recommended to wash your dog’s blankets, pillows and bed every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh.
Can I burn incense around my dog?
The scented smoke that comes from burning incense can irritate your dog’s eyes and lungs, and some fragrances might be harmful and toxic to them - so it’s best to avoid reaching for the incense sticks, if possible. To freshen the air consider using an air diffuser with essential oils that are safe for dogs (- avoid peppermint, tea tree and citrus oils).
Can I put my dog’s bed in the washing machine?
Most dog beds are machine washable - you’ll have to check the label or the instructions that came with it on purchase. It could be that the pillows and removable cover are machine washable. If you do wash, it’s recommended you put it on a cool wash and use a pet-safe detergent. Let it dry out completely, ideally in the sun, before putting it out for your dog to use again.
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