Pet bedding is one of the worst places in the home for harboring fleas. Getting rid of them and keeping them away can be a real chore. However, with the right combination of materials, you can eliminate them and keep them from coming back. Once you know how, your pet will be able to rest in total comfort.
Make a Flea-Free Bed Cushion
There are two problems you’ll have to address if you want create flea-free bedding. First, most commercially sold pet beds will not hold up to a good cleaning in a washing machine. This presents a problem when trying to keep the material clean, fresh and free of parasites. The solution, however, is easy. Create your own bedding base with over-stuffed human bed pillows and special casings that are made to be machine-washed frequently.
The second problem to tackle when warding off fleas is keeping them from burrowing down into the bedding. The good news, however, is the same materials that help allergy sufferers eliminate dust mites from human sleeping quarters are also perfect for keeping fleas out of pet bedding as well. The combination of an everyday, washable pillow and an impermeable dust mite cover prevents fleas from boring down into the fabric and fiber of the bedding base. Purchase a pillow size suitable for your pet – or two, if you have a large animal.
An added bonus is that allergen-free covers also come in waterproof styles – so it will offer extra protection for puppies-in-training or elderly dogs that may be accident prone.
Use a Blanket Instead of a Cover
Once you’ve solved the problem of keeping the bedding base free from fleas, it’s time to deal with the outer cover of the pet’s bed. The easiest solution for keeping it parasite-free is also one that will allow you to match the bedding to your decor. Instead of buying a tradition pet bed cover, simply purchase an extra twin size blanket or comforter to match your room. Then wrap and roll it around the flea-proof pillow bed base to create a comfy, cozy place for your pet to sleep.
Easy Maintenance
The most important part of a flea-free pet bed is maintaining the blanket on a schedule. Fleas have a two-week gestation period. Killing adult fleas and their offspring is as easy as doing the laundry. Just launder the blanket twice a month or more to stay ahead of the flea curve. Use laundry detergent with a capful of flea shampoo and you’ll kill any rogue fleas that may venture into the home.
Since the bedding base is so well-protected, you won’t have to launder it as frequently and fleas won’t be able to get into it. Wash it, as required, to keep it looking and smelling fresh.
Couple your new flea-proof environment with a good flea prevention routine for the animal itself and you’ll be rid of those nasty parasites once and for all.
Enjoy more pet articles from Terry Mulligan:
Four Low-Maintenance Dogs You’ll Love to Own
Nail Grinding – Are You Hurting the Pet You Love?
How to Clean that Crusty Little Doggy Nose