How Gross Are Your Dog's Things?
Time to Deep Clean Their Gear!
As responsible dog owners, we carefully pick out all the essentials: a comfy bed, shiny bowls, fun toys, and sturdy leashes. These items are with our dogs every single day. But have you ever stopped to think just how dirty these frequently-used items might be? Bacteria, odors, parasites… these invisible “guests” could be silently impacting your and your dog’s health.
Are you constantly battling a lingering “dog smell” in your home? Does your pup seem to have recurring skin issues? Or do their toys always look wet and slimy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Today, we’re diving into the hidden hygiene issues lurking in your dog’s everyday items. Plus, we’re sharing super practical cleaning tips tailored for different dog breeds and their gear, helping you get a fresher home and a healthier dog!
The "Dirty Little Secret" of Dog Supplies:
What's Lurking in Your Home?
The joy of dog ownership often comes with hygiene challenges you might not even realize are there:
Odor Central: Dog beds, blankets, and chew toys act like sponges, soaking up dog saliva, dander, and body odors. Over time, these items can emit unpleasant smells that permeate your entire home with that distinct “doggy odor.”
Bacteria & Pathogen Hotbeds: Your dog’s food and water bowls are breeding grounds for bacteria, especially where moisture lingers. Oral bacteria, food residue, and even outdoor germs can take up residence here. Chewed-on toys and dirty leashes can also harbor bacteria and viruses, posing risks to both your dog and your family.
Parasite Hideouts: If your dog accidentally picks up fleas, mites, or other external parasites, their dog bed, blankets, and other supplies become a parasite “resort.” Even after your dog receives treatment, if these items aren’t thoroughly cleaned, those pesky parasites can make a comeback.
Skin Allergy & Infection Triggers: Accumulated dust, pollen, and bacteria on dirty dog beds and toys can be major culprits behind your dog’s skin allergies. Prolonged contact with unclean items can also lead to skin inflammation and infections.
DogProf's Ultimate Cleaning Guide:
Sparkle Up Your Pup's Gear!
The ideal cleaning frequency and focus will vary slightly depending on your dog’s type and breed.
1. Food & Water Bowls: Clean Daily, No Excuses!
No matter the breed, your dog’s food and water bowls should be cleaned every single day.
Small Breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, Yorkies) & Medium Breeds (e.g., Beagles, French Bulldogs): While their food portions are smaller, saliva and food residue can still breed bacteria. Wash daily with hot water and dish soap, rinsing thoroughly.
Large Breeds (e.g., Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds) & Multi-Dog Households: Larger appetites mean more potential for food residue. Daily cleaning is even more crucial here. Ideally, use a dishwasher’s hot cycle (if the bowl material allows) for superior sanitization.
Material Choice: Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are generally easier to clean and sanitize than plastic bowls, and they’re less prone to harboring bacteria.
2. Dog Beds, Mats & Blankets: Weekly Deep Clean, Essential!
These are your dog’s resting spots and prime collection zones for dander, hair, and bacteria.
Short-Haired Breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Rottweilers): Though their shedding might not be as obvious, they can still produce a good amount of dander. Machine wash dog bed covers and blankets weekly (following care label instructions) using a pet-friendly laundry detergent. If inner fillings are washable, clean or air them out regularly.
Long-Haired/Thick-Coated Breeds (e.g., Huskies, Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers): High shedding means hair easily gets tangled in beds and blankets. Vacuum weekly and use a lint roller to remove loose hair before machine washing. For non-washable beds, a steam cleaner can help sanitize and remove mites.
Puppies or Dogs with Skin Issues: Consider increasing cleaning frequency to every few days to reduce bacteria and allergen buildup, which can aid in skin recovery.
3. Dog Toys: Know Your Material, Sanitize Regularly!
Toys are essential for your dog’s interaction and energy release, but they collect slobber, dirt, and germs.
Washable Rubber/Plastic Toys: Like Kongs or rubber balls. Wash weekly with hot water and soap, or run them through the dishwasher. You can also soak them in a diluted pet-safe disinfectant solution, then rinse thoroughly.
Plush Toys: These easily absorb saliva and dust. Machine wash weekly or bi-weekly and tumble dry thoroughly to prevent mildew. For extra dirty ones, a pre-soak in baking soda solution can help.
Rope Toys: These are tougher to clean thoroughly. We recommend boiling them in hot water (if material allows) or replacing them regularly, especially if they’re heavily chewed.
4. Leashes, Collars & Harnesses: Monthly Refresh, Keep it Clean!
These items directly contact your dog’s skin and the outdoor environment.
Nylon/Fabric Materials: Most nylon leashes and collars can be machine-washed or hand-washed with soap and water. Clean them monthly, or more often if your dog frequently plays in muddy areas.
Leather/Metal Materials: Leather collars and leashes should be wiped with a specialized leather cleaner; avoid soaking. Metal chains can be scrubbed with soapy water and then dried thoroughly.
More from DogProf's Vets: Cleanliness Isn't Just About Looks, It's Prevention!
As veterinarians, I frequently encounter dogs with skin problems, digestive issues, and even respiratory complaints, many of which are directly linked to improperly cleaned everyday items. We often say “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” For dogs, this doesn’t just apply to their food; the toys they lick and the beds they sleep on can become breeding grounds for germs. Therefore, cleaning your dog’s supplies isn’t just about keeping your home tidy; it’s a crucial preventative health measure.
Here’s what I, as a vet, would specifically emphasize regarding dog supply cleanliness:
Frequency and Thoroughness: I advise owners to clean their dog’s food and water bowls daily, with hot water and soap, and to do so thoroughly. For dog beds and mats, at least weekly washing is ideal, and even more frequently if your dog has skin issues, a compromised immune system, or is recovering from illness. Toys should be cleaned and disinfected weekly or bi-weekly, depending on their material and usage. Remember, what looks clean to the naked eye might still harbor bacteria; aim for a deep clean.
Choose Safe Cleaning Products: Avoid using any household cleaners containing phenol, bleach, ammonia, or other irritating or toxic ingredients on your dog’s supplies. Chemical residues can cause skin irritation, digestive upset, or even poisoning in dogs. Many pet-specific cleaners and disinfectants are available, often enzyme- or plant-based, making them safer for pets. If pet-specific products aren’t available, mild dish soap and hot water are generally the best choice, but ensure a thorough rinse to leave no residue.
The Importance of High-Temperature Sanitization: For heat-resistant items like stainless steel bowls or certain rubber toys, I highly recommend high-temperature cleaning, such as a dishwasher’s hot cycle, or regularly boiling them in hot water (ensure the material allows and they cool down before returning to your dog). High temperatures effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and parasite eggs—an effect not achieved by cold water washing alone.
Pay Attention to Special Circumstances and Dogs:
Puppies: Puppies have lower immunity and are more susceptible to environmental pathogens. Their supplies require stricter and more frequent cleaning.
Sick or Recovering Dogs: If your dog is ill (especially with skin conditions, gastroenteritis, or respiratory infections) or has just returned from the vet, thoroughly clean and sanitize all relevant supplies to prevent cross-contamination or relapse.
Allergic Dogs: For dogs with a history of allergies, regular cleaning of their supplies effectively reduces the accumulation of environmental allergens (like dust mites, pollen, dander), helping to control allergy symptoms.
Distinguish Between Cleaning and Disinfecting: Cleaning removes dirt and most germs, while disinfecting kills almost all pathogens. For food bowls, water bowls, and items used outdoors, I recommend proper disinfection after cleaning (using a pet-safe disinfectant or high-temperature treatment).
Remember, your dedication to cleaning your dog’s supplies directly impacts their health and happiness. By integrating cleaning into your regular pet care routine, you’ll not only save on potential future vet bills but also create a safer, more hygienic living space for your beloved furry family member.