How Often To Change Dog Beds

Our furry friends love cuddling up next to us any chance they get, but oftentimes, they have their own beds where they spend hours sleeping and lounging each day. Curled up or sprawled out, dogs find comfort in nestling into their plush beds. 

With so much use, as at pet owner, you may start to think about how often to change dog beds. We love our pets, so helping them be as comfortable as possible while keeping their spaces clean can help maintain a healthy and happy life for them. 

Because of this, you may want to consider how often to change dog beds, when you should do so, and how you can delay replacing them so frequently, all of which we’ll discuss below. 

Do You Really Have To Change Dog Beds Every So Often?

You may be surprised to learn that dog beds need frequent changes. Think about it like humans and bedsheets; we need to change our bedding on a regular basis for hygienic reasons and overall comfortability.

Dog beds are very similar in this way–they need to be replaced regularly for cleanliness concerns, but also because the padding and support inside them wear out from frequent use. You want your dog to lounge in a clean environment, but also one that is comfortable as well. 

Many dog beds are machine washable and have durable outer fabrics that can help extend their lifespan, but the cushion and support inside of the bed are just as important. Therefore, even if you’re washing the bed on a frequent basis, you’ll want to pay special attention to when the inner stuffing is getting worn or bulging out, and if the dog is receiving little cushion from the hard floor. 

So, it is important to change out your dog’s bed every now and then, so let’s look more into how often to change dog beds and when you should consider purchasing a new one. 

How Often To Change Dog Beds: Our Recommendation 

So, to answer your question about how often to change dog beds, we would recommend giving your dog a new bed about once every year or so. Of course, this may vary depending on your personal dog and how durable their bed is, but purchasing a new dog bed every one to two years is a good rule of thumb. 

Larger dogs generally wear out beds quicker than smaller ones given their size, and they also may require more cushion and support for their bones and joints. So, the answer to how often to change dog beds will depend to some extent on the size of your dog. If you have a larger dog you may need to replace their dog bed on a more frequent basis than for a smaller dog.

Overall, if you keep a good eye on your pet and notice when they seem uncomfortable on their bed, you’ll know when it’s time for an upgrade. Always use your best judgment, and remember that many dogs spend the majority of their days on their beds, so having a comfortable and fresh place to rest can keep your pets happy and healthy. 

How To Keep Your Dog’s Bed In Good Shape & Delay Replacement

Dog beds are going to receive some normal wear and tear from their everyday use, but there are some ways that you can keep them in good condition and hold off on replacing the beds so frequently. Continue reading as we explain some of the things you can do to extend the life of your dog’s bed, and keep you from worrying about how often to change dog beds. 

Put them in the washing machine

As we mentioned earlier, most dog beds are machine washable which makes it easy to keep them clean and hygienic, thus, you’ll need to replace them less often. Make it a regular part of your cleaning routine to throw your dog’s bed in the wash every so often, which can help ward off serious odors and stains setting into the fabrics. 

Buy quality beds

Most importantly, buying a quality dog bed will give it a higher chance of lasting longer. Even with the normal wear and tear, a quality dog bed can last for a decent amount of time without needing to be replaced given the durable materials and quality craftsmanship that it was made out of. 

We will go more into the specifics below about what makes a good dog bed, but buying ones that are higher quality is typically better and more comfortable for your pet. In turn, this will require you to replace them less frequently, and you can put less thought into how often to change dog beds.  

What Should You Look For In Your Next Dog Bed?

So if it’s about time to replace your dog’s current bed with a new one, let’s discuss some of the main points you should keep in mind when doing so. Not all dog beds are made alike, so you’ll want to pay special attention to the materials and styles of the new bed for maximum comfort and functionality. Which one you purchase can even impact how often to change dog beds.  

Size

A mistake that many people make when buying their dog a new bed is not putting enough attention into how big their dog is, then buying a bed that is too small. It’s no surprise that the smaller the dog bed, the cheaper it generally is, so some people may opt for a smaller bed thinking that their dog will be able to comfortably curl up in it. 

However, this is not recommended, so dog owners should keep the length of their pet in mind when buying a new dog bed. Always buy a bed that is the appropriate size so your dog can stretch out and relax when they desire and still be supported by their bed on all body parts. 

Materials

The materials that a dog bed is made out of should not be overlooked. Focus on finding fabrics that are breathable and hypo-allergenic, as this will help keep your pup feeling cool and refreshed. Fabrics like faux fur are recommended because they can replicate the feeling of a mother’s soft coat, and many times are self-warming so it helps regulate the dog’s temperature. 

Plus, you should make sure that the dog bed has a removable and machine-washable cover, which can help extend its life and help you worry less about how often to change dog beds. Overall, the better-quality materials the bed is made out of, the longer it will likely last. 

Filling

A major factor for comfortability in a dog bed lies in the type and amount of filling that it’s stuffed with. There’s no doubt that the filling in a dog bed will get worn out given the hours that dogs spend on them each day, though there are dog beds on the market that even have extra filling to make sure your dogs are experiencing high levels of comfortability throughout the life of the bed. 

Final Thoughts On How Often To Change Dog Beds

So when it comes to answering the question of how often to change dog beds, the answer will hinge on a lot of factors, including the size of your dog, what type of bed they have, and how much they use it, though buying a high-quality bed will typically require you to replace it less often, and it’s also more comfortable for your pet. 

If you really want to keep your furry friend comfortable and happy–even when you leave home for a bit–you need a calming dog bed by Lucky Paws. These beds will help anxious dogs experience complete bliss and stave off anxiety attacks. They feature a quality faux fur material on the outside that is plush and cozy, but also durable and machine-washable so they can last for years to come. We also offer calming blankets for dogs, too!