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Avoiding these will keep them warm and snug, too

Your dog's bed might look invitingly cosy at first glance, but in the colder months, there are plenty of easy-to-miss factors that prevent your pooch from getting properly toasty. But don't worry – from tackling hidden condensation to minimising sneaky dust mites, there are easy steps you can take to ensure your faithful friend is as comfy as can be.

Dog bed manufacturers, Charley Chau, have shared their expert advice to give your pet the perfect place to snooze.

1. Minimise moisture as much as possible

It wouldn't be winter without muddy walks in the countryside, followed by a compulsory towelling at the doorstep. However, no matter how thorough your drying-off session is, moisture tends to linger, especially on your pup's belly, legs and paws.

If your pet heads straight into their bed after a walk, you need to think about investing in moisture-wicking fabrics that take the dampness away from your dog's body.

"Cotton is a fabulous fabric for dry weather, but it's highly absorbent and holds on to moisture, so it's not a good choice for winter," explains the team at Charley Chau. "If your dog's bed covers are cotton, consider swapping them in winter, or add a moisture-wicking layer of fleece or faux fur into the bed.

"During the winter, our homes tend to be less well-ventilated, with the heating on the doors and windows kept mainly closed. Air your dog's bed regularly. Strip off the covers and pick it up off the floor so that air can circulate freely."

2. Keep an eye on condensation

Does your dog's bed feel chilly and damp to the touch, despite being in a warm, cosy room? Condensation is to blame. It's worth looking out for, as the growth of mould and mildew is detrimental to both pet and human health.

"Warm, humid air in a dog bed mattress hits the cold floor underneath and that's when condensation forms – just like on a bathroom window," explains the team at Charley Chau.

No one likes to feel an icy chill on their toes, including your dog. Ground level can be pretty chilly so ensuring their bed is safe from draughts is super important.

The experts at Charley Chau suggest pushing your dog's bed up against the end of a sofa or against an internal wall to shelter it. If possible, avoid placing it near external doors and windows.

For ultimate comfort, give your pooch a cosy cocoon to snuggle up in. "Opting for a dog bed with deep, cosy sides is a great choice for winter," says the Charley Chau team. "Thick, padded sides will protect your dog from cold draughts and trap warm air to keep them toasty when they snuggle down."

For older pets, who may suffer stiff joints in chilly weather, invest in a memory foam mattress topper to give them plenty of support as they sleep.

4. Wash your dog's bedding regularly

How often you wash your dog's bed depends on how much time they spend using it. As a rule, if your dog only has one bed, wash the outer covers weekly (or once every fortnight, at a push).

If your dog has more than one bed, then you won't need to wash it as frequently. Dog blankets are the easiest thing to wash frequently, so consider investing in a few to use on a rotation basis.

Why is it so important to wash their bedding regularly? Well, aside from muddy paws and shedding hair, your dog (and its bed) are dust mite heaven. The Charley Chau team explain: "A dog bed in winter is one of the warmest and most humid places in your home - the perfect conditions for dust mites to thrive."

They suggest choosing hypoallergenic fabrics and fillings for your dog's bed, as well as encasing the mattress in a waterproof bed liner to provide a physical barrier.