Does your pup sometimes bring you his favorite toy, hoping you’ll play? Does Fido get super excited when he spots a new dog toy? Playthings are very important for Man’s Best Friend. They keep your canine pal occupied, prevent him from getting bored, offer mental stimulation, and give him a healthy outlet for his excess energy. However, they do get grungy pretty quickly. A local Covington, GA vet offers some tips on keeping your dog’s playthings clean in this article.
If your furry buddy destroys squeaky toys in a few quick minutes, you won’t have to worry too much about cleaning them: just toss them and replace them. You’ll also want to get rid of any that are ripped or torn. Some dogs will eat the squeaker or stuffing, which can be dangerous. If you do want to clean Fido’s squeaky toy, just spot clean it with a bit of hot water.
Many rubber and plastic toys, such as Kong toys, are dishwasher safe. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any grime, and then pop it into the dishwasher. You don’t need to use soap: the hot water and steam will do just fine.
Rope toys are really easy to clean. Start by removing any metal pieces. Then, soak the toy with water, and microwave it for a minute. Just be sure to let it cool before you give it back to Fido. You don’t want to scald your pup’s mouth!
Tennis balls can be washed in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle, and then let the ball air dry. (Note: You probably want to hang it somewhere out of Fido’s line of sight.)
Like tennis balls, stuffed animals can be machine washed and hung or tumbled dry. However, before trying to clean a stuffed animal, check to see if it’s even worth it. If there’s nothing left but a few crusty pieces of material, it’s probably best to toss it and replace it. If there are any rips, sew them up before giving the toy back to your furry friend. Keep in mind that small parts, like button eyes, can be choking hazards. You may want to remove these, and sew the opening shut.
As your local Covington, GA veterinary clinic, we are always happy to help. Feel free to call us anytime!
