How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed to Stop It From Smelling?

September 3, 2026

If you've ever walked into a room and been hit by that unmistakable "wet dog" smell, there's a good chance the culprit is your dog's bed. Dog beds absorb sweat, dander, oils, saliva, and dirt with every nap — and without regular washing, they quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors.

So how often should you actually wash a dog bed? The honest answer depends on a few factors, but most pet experts recommend washing your dog's bed at least once every one to two weeks. For dogs that shed heavily, have skin conditions, spend time outdoors, or sleep in the bed every night, once a week is the better benchmark.

In this guide, we'll walk through exactly how often to wash a dog bed, what causes the smell, how to wash different types of beds properly, and how to keep things fresh between washes.

Why Do Dog Beds Smell in the First Place?

Before getting into washing frequency, it helps to understand where the odor actually comes from. Dog beds smell for a combination of reasons:

Natural body oils and sebum — Dogs produce oils through their skin that transfer onto their bedding with every nap. Over time, these oils oxidize and create a rancid, musty smell.
Dander and dead skin cells — Like humans, dogs shed skin cells constantly. These accumulate in bedding and provide food for odor-causing bacteria.
Saliva — Dogs lick their paws, their beds, and themselves. Dried saliva is a major contributor to that "doggy" smell.
Outdoor dirt and bacteria — If your dog goes outside, they're tracking in soil, pollen, and bacteria that embed in the bed's fabric.
Moisture — Damp fur, drool, and even humidity trapped in thick bedding creates the moist conditions bacteria love.

The thicker and more textured the bed material — like plush faux fur — the more surface area there is for these particles to accumulate. That's why washability is one of the most important features to look for when choosing a dog bed.

How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?

Here's a practical guide by dog type and situation:

Every week:

Dogs that go outside daily
Dogs with skin conditions or allergies
Heavy shedders (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers)
Dogs that are prone to drooling
Puppies still being house-trained

Every 1–2 weeks:

Average indoor dogs with regular outdoor walks
Dogs without skin conditions
Short-haired breeds with minimal shedding

Every 2–4 weeks:

Very small dogs with minimal outdoor access
Dogs that use multiple sleeping spots and rotate beds
Older dogs that sleep more calmly with less movement

As a general rule: if you can smell the bed, it's already overdue for a wash. Don't wait for the odor — by then, bacteria have had time to multiply significantly.

How to Wash a Dog Bed Properly

Step 1: Shake and pre-treat
Take the bed outside and give it a firm shake to remove loose fur, dirt, and debris. Use a lint roller or rubber glove to remove embedded hair before washing. If there are visible stains, pre-treat with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.

Step 2: Check the care label
Always check the manufacturer's washing instructions before you start. Most quality dog beds — including faux fur round beds — are machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Avoid hot water, which can shrink fabric, break down filling, and damage waterproof liners.

Step 3: Use a pet-safe detergent
Use a fragrance-free, pet-safe laundry detergent. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle — it's a natural deodorizer and helps remove any remaining soap residue.

Step 4: Wash on gentle, cold
Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. This protects the fabric structure of plush beds and prevents pilling on faux fur surfaces.

Step 5: Dry thoroughly
Tumble dry on low heat, or air dry in a well-ventilated area in direct sunlight. For thick plush beds, it may take several hours to dry completely. Never put away a bed that's even slightly damp.

How to Keep a Dog Bed Fresh Between Washes

Washing every week is ideal, but there are things you can do between washes to extend freshness:

Sprinkle with baking soda — Lightly dust the bed and let it sit for 15–20 minutes before vacuuming off. Baking soda neutralizes odors naturally.
Vacuum regularly — Run a vacuum over the bed 2–3 times a week to remove loose fur, dander, and debris.
Use a washable cover — Wash the cover every week and the inner cushion every 3–4 weeks.
Air it out — Place the bed outside in the sun for an hour or two on a dry day.
Wipe down your dog's paws — Before your dog settles in after a walk, wipe their paws to reduce outdoor bacteria.

The Best Type of Dog Bed for Easy Washing

Freshly washed round faux fur pet bed

Not all dog beds are created equal when it comes to washability. Look for machine-washable construction, faux fur or plush fabric, durable stitching, and PP cotton filling that dries faster than memory foam.

If you're looking for a bed that's genuinely easy to keep clean, the Winter Warm Pet Bed checks every one of these boxes. Machine washable, premium faux fur that stays soft wash after wash, and high-density PP cotton filling that dries quickly and retains its shape.

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What Happens If You Don't Wash a Dog Bed Regularly?

Skipping washes isn't just an odor problem — it can affect your dog's health:

Skin irritation and hot spots — Built-up bacteria and allergens can trigger skin flare-ups.
Flea and mite infestations — Dirty bedding is an ideal environment for fleas and dust mites to breed.
Respiratory issues — Accumulated dander and dust can worsen allergies in both dogs and their owners.
Reinfection after treatment — An unwashed bed can reintroduce fleas or skin infections immediately after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash a faux fur dog bed in the washing machine?
Yes, most faux fur dog beds are machine washable. Use cold water on a gentle cycle with a pet-safe detergent. Always check the care label first and dry thoroughly before use.

How do I get dog smell out of a bed that's really bad?
Pre-soak in cold water and white vinegar for 30 minutes before washing. Add baking soda to the wash cycle and run a second rinse. For extreme odors, an enzymatic cleaner applied directly before washing is the most effective option.

Can I use fabric softener on a dog bed?
Avoid fabric softener — it can leave residue that irritates sensitive skin and the fragrance can be overwhelming for dogs. White vinegar in the rinse cycle is a better alternative.

How long does it take a dog bed to dry?
Thin beds may dry in 2–3 hours on low heat. Thick plush beds can take 4–6 hours. Always check that the filling is completely dry before returning it to your dog.

My dog won't use the bed after washing — why?
Dogs rely heavily on scent. After washing, their familiar scent is gone. Try placing a worn t-shirt on the bed temporarily, or avoid strong-smelling detergents.

The Bottom Line

Washing your dog's bed once a week is the gold standard, with a minimum of every two weeks for average dogs. Regular washing prevents odor, reduces bacteria, protects your dog's skin health, and keeps your home smelling clean.

The key is choosing a bed that's actually easy to wash — one that holds up to regular machine cycles, dries quickly, and maintains its shape and softness over time.

The Winter Warm Pet Bed is built for exactly that. Machine washable, faux fur that stays plush, PP cotton filling that dries fast, and no electricity required.

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