Dog beds work hard every day, they collect hair, mud, drool and the odd accident. Although good vet bedding is designed to withstand this, it still requires regular care and occasional replacement.

In this guide, I will explain how often you should change your vet bedding. I will share clear signs to look for, simple routines that suit different dogs and links to our most useful pages, including our ProFleece vet bedding guide and a practical guide on how to wash your vet bedding.

What do we mean by “change” vet bedding?

When people ask how often they should change vet bedding for dogs, they usually mean one of two things:

1. How often should I wash it?
2. How often should I replace it with a new piece?

Good veterinary dog bedding is designed to be washed many times, often far more frequently than a standard cushion bed. Vets, groomers and kennels use this type of dog vet bedding because it can be washed, dried and put back into service quickly.

In most homes, you will wash vet bedding regularly and replace it only when it shows clear signs of wear.

How often should I wash vet bedding?

The right washing schedule depends on your dog and how you use the bed.

Here are simple guidelines.

For healthy adult dogs

If your dog is healthy, mostly toilet-trained and sleeps indoors, a weekly or fortnightly wash is usually enough. Wash sooner if it smells, looks dirty or has been soiled.

For puppies

Puppies tend to have more accidents and bring more mud into the house. If your puppy sleeps on vet bedding in a crate or pen, plan to wash it more frequently, every few days, and immediately after any accident. This is one reason why vet bedding for dogs is useful in puppy training, as it dries quickly and copes with frequent washing.

You can see how vet bedding fits into a full crate set up in our guide on what to put in a dog crate to make it comfortable.

For senior dogs or dogs with health issues

If your dog is older, suffers from incontinence or is recovering from surgery, the bedding may need washing every day or every other day. One of the big strengths of ProFleece is that it allows liquid to drain away from the surface. It is still important to keep the bedding clean to protect the skin and odours under control.

For car crates, boot liners and spare beds

Pieces that are used only in the car or as spare beds can be washed less frequently, for example, once or twice a month, unless they are obviously dirty or have been soiled.

For full step-by-step instructions, including temperature and detergent advice, see our guide on how to wash your vet bedding.

Signs you should change the bedding right now

Regardless of your usual routine, you should wash vet bedding straight away if:

• It smells even after airing
• It has been soiled with urine, faeces or vomit
• It feels damp to the touch
• You can see visible dirt, mud or food on the surface

These signs are more important than any fixed schedule. A key benefit of quality vet bedding is that it can be washed as often as needed without losing its shape.

How often should I replace vet bedding completely?

Good vet beds are very durable. Textile mills that manufacture this style of bedding for veterinary practices and kennels often suggest hundreds and sometimes up to a thousand machine washes for their top ranges. That is far more than most home users will ever need.

In a normal home, you are likely to replace a piece of dog bedding because of wear rather than a fixed time limit.

Look for these signs:

• The pile has flattened and no longer springs back
• Bald patches or thin areas have appeared
• The backing has cracked, peeled or lost its grip
• Stubborn smells or stains that do not go away with proper washing
• Your dog no longer seems comfortable on it or prefers other spots

If you notice one or more of these, it is a good time to invest in a fresh piece, especially for older dogs that need more joint support.

Breeders, groomers and kennels that wash bedding daily will replace pieces more often. In these cases, having a roll of vet bed and cutting it into several sections can be a cost-effective way to keep plenty of clean bedding on hand.

You can explore different thicknesses, backings and sizes in our ProFleece vet bedding collection.

How to make your vet bedding last longer

A simple care routine will help your vet bed stay comfortable for as long as possible.

• Shake or vacuum the bedding before each wash to remove loose hair and grit
• Use a wash bag to protect your machine and the fibres
• Choose a gentle, pet-safe detergent and avoid fabric softener
• Air dry where possible, or only use a cool tumble setting if the product allows this
• Brush the pile when dry to keep it soft and springy

These are the same principles used in vet practices and grooming salons that rely on veterinary dog bedding every day. For more details, including photos and tips, in our vet bedding washing guide.

FAQs about changing vet bedding

How often should I change our vet bedding for our puppy?

For a young puppy, plan to wash the bedding every few days and any time there is an accident. It is wise to have at least one spare piece so you can swap them quickly. Many owners choose a non-slip piece for the crate and a second piece for playpens or daytime naps.

Is it ok to wash vet bedding with other laundry?

It is better to wash the vet bedding separately from human clothes and bedding, especially if it is very hairy or soiled. Use a wash bag and run a short empty cycle afterwards to rinse any loose hair from the machine.

Do I need to replace vet bedding every year?

Not usually. If the fibres are still springy, the backing is intact and there are no stubborn smells, you can continue using the same piece. Many customers use the same ProFleece vet bedding for several years, especially around the home and buy extra pieces for crates or travel.

Is vet bedding better than a thick cushion bed?

They do different jobs. A cushion can look smart, but it may not drain moisture well and can be hard to wash. Vet bedding for dogs provides a low-profile, breathable and easy-to-wash surface that is often more practical for daily use, especially in crates or for older dogs.

FAQs about NoseyPaws

Who are NoseyPaws?

NoseyPaws is a small, family-run pet business based near York. We specialise in practical, high-quality products for dogs and cats, including ProFleece vet bedding, crates, recovery suits and everyday essentials. You can read more on our About Us page.

Why do you recommend vet bedding?

ProFleece is the choice of bedding used by vets, breeders and groomers. It offers a good balance of comfort, drainage and durability, making it suitable for puppies, adult dogs and senior pets. You can learn more in our ProFleece vet bedding guide.

How can I get advice on what to buy?

If you are unsure which size or style of vet bedding to choose, you can contact us using the details on our Contact page. We are happy to help you match the bedding to your dog, your crate and your home.

Final thoughts

There is no single rule for how often you should change vet bedding. Instead, you can follow a simple approach: wash it whenever it looks or smells dirty, adjust the routine for puppies, seniors and unwell dogs and replace the bedding only when it shows clear signs of wear.

If you care for your ProFleece properly, it will support your dog for a long time and it may quickly become one of the most useful items in your home.

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