Dog beds for happy dogs and happier owners (no more foul smell)

Why do we need dog beds in the first place?

Like humans, dogs need to sleep well. Not only it's good for the dog, but it helps keep its articulations in good shape for many years and prevent old age discomfort.

First things first, why are dog beds important for your pet's health and longevity? Dog beds provide insulation for your pet during colder months and a comfortable place to rest their head during warmer months. Dog beds also help protect your pet's joints by providing support and preventing pressure sores.

Know your dog(s)

Dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, which means they spend a lot of time in their beds. So, it's essential to choose a mattress that meets your dog's needs and is comfortable for them. You can decide to move their bed outside or have 2 beds: one for the day and one for the night.

I have 3 dogs, and I keep their beds in the garage, outside under the patio and in our living area. I prefer washable cushions, and then I use bedding on top of that for breathability. I change their bedding depending on the season. In the winter, I use heavier blankets on top of the cushions and, in the summer, old towels.

This solution solved my dogs' problem, but not mine: bad smell.

Dog beds and bad smell

As much as we wash the cushions and bedding, the smell builds up very quickly, and it's not something we, as a family, were prepared to live with. (And before you say it, no, we can't leave our dogs outside, for us, they're just part of the family).

A foul smell is caused by bacteria, and disinfectants can kill bacteria. However, disinfectants have a potent smell typically, and if it's strong for us, imagine for our four-legged friends.

Dogs have about 300 million olfactory receptors, while humans only have about 6 million. This means that any strong smell for our digs is amplified 50 times! You don't want to use any harsh disinfectant around them, trust me.

(Picture: My youngest child and youngest dog)

I have an old Weimaraner, an 8 years old Hungarian Vizsla and a Miniature Schnauzer (yes, I know... quite a circus). The Weimaraner is one of the breeds used in war to detect mines, so you can imagine his sense of smell. He stays far away from any activity I do that involves solvents or harsh smells in the workshop, imagine if I'd use disinfectant on his bed!

(Picture: This is "their" couch under the patio. Titan on the left, Pluto on the right.) 

 

The Solution

Zoflora has been developing effective and beautifully fragranced disinfectants since 1923. Their products are so powerful that they kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses (Lab tests here), yet they are safe to use around children and pets when used as directed. (Check facts here)

I was sent a bottle of Zoflora's Disinfectant from their Pets line to try out and I have to say, I'm impressed! They have 3 fragrances: Coastal Breeze, Mountain Air and Green Valley. I tried the first 2 already and I like them both; the dogs don't seem to care, they run in their beds at night.

The trick

Compared to all the other products I used, which try to cover the smell with a strong fragrance, Zoflora somehow completely obliterates the foul odour without being overpowering. Sometimes my old Weimaraner messes in the garage in the first morning hours, and I know it immediately when I open the garage door... oh my goodness. Now, I use Zoflora even for that. I keep a spray bottle with a 1 to 40 diluted Zoflora Disinfectant, and I clean the area. The smell disappears instantly, really: it's immediate.

I also use the spray bottle of diluted Zoflora once a week for their washable cushions. And for the bedding, I put them in the washing machine with regular washing powder and 1 cup of concentrated Zoflora for pets. Amazing!

How does it work?

Zoflora's unique formula contains Triclosan which is an effective biocide against bacteria, viruses and fungi. It works by destroying the cell wall of the microorganisms, causing them to rupture and die.

 

Try the convenient Pets Pack