Do you actually need pet laundry detergent to clean your dog’s things?

Pet laundry detergents are on the rise, but are they different from regular detergent? Veterinarians explain whether your dog or cat really needs it.

With all the content available online these days, it can be hard to figure out what’s real and what’s hype. While we don’t always have the answers, we have a direct line to people who do — which is why we present to you our series The Internet Made Me Ask, where we have experts break down the truth about some of the buzziest trends (and questions) on our timelines, like how often you should wash jeans. Between muddy paws, drool, and the occasional accident, your dog’s bed, blankets, and toys can get dirty fast. And if you’ve shopped for laundry supplies lately, you may have noticed a growing number of detergents made specifically for pets, with promises to tackle odors and stains while being gentler on your dog’s skin.

But are they actually any different from the detergent you already use? Most of us aren’t looking to add another expense to our bills for household essentials. So I spoke to two veterinarians to find out what sets pet laundry detergents apart from regular ones, and which ones are the best if you find that you should be using one of these formulas to clean your furry friend’s things. What is pet laundry detergent? Pet laundry detergent is exactly what it sounds like: detergent sold with your pet’s things in