As the seasons change, many dog owners notice one thing happening around the home: there’s suddenly dog hair everywhere! From the sofa and carpets to your favourite jumper, shedding season can be hard to escape.
And while regular brushing can help keep loose fur under control, your dog’s bed is often where a lot of that hair, dirt and dander ends up.
Why Do Dogs Shed More During Autumn?
Dogs naturally shed their coats throughout the year, but many breeds experience heavier shedding during seasonal changes.
As summer turns to autumn, some dogs lose their lighter summer coat and grow a thicker coat to help keep them warm during the colder months. This means you may notice more loose hair collecting on their bed, blankets and around the house.
The amount your dog sheds depends on factors such as their breed, coat type, age and lifestyle, so some dogs will naturally leave more fur behind than others.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Bed?
There’s no single cleaning schedule that works for every dog. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, regularly gets muddy or is a particularly heavy shedder, their bed may need cleaning more frequently.
As a general rule, checking your dog’s bed regularly and cleaning it whenever it looks or smells dirty is a good habit.
During shedding season, you may find that a quick clean once or twice a week helps prevent loose fur from building up.
If your dog has had a muddy walk, been swimming or rolled around outside, it’s also worth giving their bed some extra attention.
1. Remove Loose Dog Hair Regularly
One of the easiest ways to keep a dog bed fresh during shedding season is to remove loose hair before it has a chance to build up.
Start by giving the bed a good shake outside if possible. You can then use a vacuum cleaner to pick up remaining fur from the surface and around the edges.
For stubborn hairs, a lint roller or pet-hair removal tool can also be useful.
Top tip: Don't wait until the bed is completely covered in fur before cleaning it. A quick five-minute tidy every few days can make a much bigger clean much easier.
2. Wash the Removable Cover
If your dog bed has a removable, machine-washable cover, regular washing is one of the best ways to keep it fresh.
Before washing, remove as much loose hair as possible. This helps prevent large amounts of fur from ending up in your washing machine.
Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing and follow the recommended temperature and drying instructions.
For Four Bare Paws dog beds, the removable covers are designed to make cleaning easier, meaning you can freshen up the cover without having to wash the entire bed every time.
3. Don't Forget the Bed Base
It's easy to focus on the cover and forget what's underneath.
lose fur, dirt and dust can work their way between the cover and the mattress, so it's worth removing the cover from time to time and checking the base underneath.
Give the mattress a thorough vacuum where appropriate and allow it to air out before putting the clean cover back on.
This is particularly useful during autumn and winter when dogs may spend more time indoors and their beds get plenty of use.
4. Deal With Muddy Paws Before Bedtime
Autumn walks can mean muddy paws, wet fur and plenty of debris coming through the front door.
Keeping an old towel near the door can make it easier to give your dog's paws a quick wipe after walks. Drying them before they settle down can help reduce the amount of mud and moisture transferred onto their bed.
For particularly muddy adventures, a quick rinse or more thorough clean may be needed before your dog heads straight for their favourite sleeping spot.
Your future self and your clean floors will thank you!
5. Keep Your Dog’s Bed Dry
Moisture and dog beds aren't the best combination.
If your dog comes home wet from an autumn walk, try to dry them as much as possible before they settle down for a nap.
It's also important to make sure the bed itself is completely dry after cleaning before your dog uses it again.
A well-ventilated area can help the bed dry naturally but always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for the specific materials used.
6. Give Their Favourite Sleeping Area a Full Refresh
Shedding season is a good excuse to give your dog's entire sleeping area a little refresh.
Vacuum around and underneath the bed, remove loose hair from nearby furniture and wash any blankets or toys that regularly share their sleeping space.
If your dog has a favourite corner of the house, don't forget to clean around the walls, skirting boards and floor too. Dog hair has a remarkable ability to travel!
7. Brush Your Dog Regularly
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of hair collecting on your dog's bed is to tackle loose fur before it gets there.
Regular brushing can help remove loose hairs from your dog's coat before they end up on your furniture and bedding.
The right brush will depend on your dog's coat type, so it's worth choosing one designed specifically for their needs.
Brushing your dog outside can also help keep loose hair out of the house altogether.
Choosing a Dog Bed That's Easy to Keep Clean
When you're dealing with a heavy-shedding dog, practicality matters.
A dog bed with a removable, washable cover can make life much easier, allowing you to clean away loose hair, dirt and everyday mess without replacing the entire bed.
At Four Bare Paws, our Sherpa dog beds are designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The soft Sherpa top gives dogs a cosy place to curl up, while the removable covers make regular cleaning simple.
The waterproof backing also provides an additional layer of protection, making the beds well suited to everyday family life particularly when autumn walks bring plenty of mud and wet paws through the door.
A Fresh Bed Means a Happier Place to Rest
Shedding season can be a little messy, but it doesn't have to mean constantly cleaning your home.
By brushing your dog regularly, removing loose hair from their bed and washing the cover when needed, you can keep their favourite sleeping spot clean, comfortable and inviting throughout autumn.
And let's be honest when your dog has finished a long walk, had their dinner and curled up on a freshly cleaned, cosy bed, there's nowhere they'd rather be.
Keep Their Bed Cosy All Season
Looking for a comfortable dog bed that's easy to keep clean?
Explore the Four Bare Paws range of Sherpa dog beds, designed to give your dog a cosy place to rest while making every day cleaning as simple as possible.
