With human children, most parents make it a point to enter into a routine of disinfecting and cleaning any and all toys.
Our furry kids games should be no different! Toys can be an important part of a dog’s daily play routine, providing them with entertainment and positive stimulation.
However, chew toys can become a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not properly cared for and washed from time to time. To keep your family dog as happy and healthy as possible, it’s important to maintain a regular cleaning routine for pet toys.
The Importance of Regularly Cleaning Dog Toys
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Some dogs get so excited about their new toys that they destroy them within seconds of the gift. Favorite toys, however, can last for years which opens up a whole new realm of potential health problems. Pet toys that travel from your dog’s mouth and even bounce around from being in and out of the house become the perfect home to harbor bacteria.
If your home is a hub for doggy play dates where each pup brings his or her own favorite toy, various ailments have the potential to be exchanged. Some infectious diseases that can be a threat are parvovirus and kennel cough, because the bacteria can claim an inanimate object as their home. Not only does bacteria live and grow on unwashed toys, but it can cause even more smelly toys, such as soft toys or ropes.
How Often Should Toys be Disinfected?
Cleaning and disinfecting your dog’s toys doesn’t have to be part of your daily cleaning routine, but the frequency should depend on how often your dog plays with the toy.
Try cleaning and disinfecting your pup’s favorite toys as part of your weekly routine to maintain a good balance.
This will help clean and prevent the buildup of bacteria, slobber, dirt, and other types of dirt. With that said, it’s important to understand that soft dog toys, plush, nylon, and hard plastic toys may require different cleaning methods.
Tips for How to Safely Clean Dog Toys
Photo credits: Bethany Ferr
First, it is important to understand the type of toy material you are preparing to clean. Some owners may opt for a thorough hand wash while others prefer to throw everything in the washing machine, but be aware that not all types of dog toys can be cleaned in the same way.
There are pet-safe laundry detergents on the market that are available for use. White vinegar is also a great option because of its disinfectant properties- just make sure to dilute it with water in about a 50:50 ratio. Vinegar can be used in the process of wiping toys or it can also be used to soak toys.
For rope toys, soaking them in water with a mild pet-safe detergent will do the trick. Follow up the wash with a good air-dry session and they’ll be left smelling and looking fresher. Another cleaning method for toys made of rope material is to pop them in the microwave for about a minute; heat will destroy the important proteins that make up the bacteria.
Rubber toys can be cleaned by hand scrubbing with mild dish soap or vinegar and water. Using one of these combinations is a big help in removing any dirt and old saliva. Make sure they are thoroughly air-dried to avoid prolonged moisture, which causes nasty mold.
Stuffed animals or any plush toy can be cleaned by placing it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. This is a great opportunity to use any pet-safe detergents you’ve been dying to try! Usually, soft toys include washing instructions on their tag, so follow those steps to ensure you have a like-new toy after washing.
Regardless of the type of toy or how it is washed, always make sure the toys are completely dry before returning them to your dog to play with. This will help prevent mold growth.
The pet industry is increasingly creating toys that last longer because of their antimicrobial coating. It’s a layer placed over a durable rubber toy that prevents the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria, so be on the lookout for them at your local pet store.
Using the Dishwasher to Clean Your Dog’s Toys
Photo credits: Pavol Tančibok
Safe to put hard plastic or rubber toys in your dishwasher! This allows you to skip manual scrubbing and soaking, However, consider omitting the detergent and use vinegar.
Always avoid using chemicals on things that come into contact with your dog; it can irritate their skin, eyes, and mouth. Also worth noting for hygiene reasons: please do not wash your dog toys with your dishes! Who knows what kind of dirt might be removed, but you don’t want it in the same space as your dinner plates.
Yes, Some Toys Need to be Thrown Away to Keep Your Dog Safe
Sometimes, you just have to say goodbye to the two-year-old stuffed squirrel with one and a half stuffed eyes hanging out. Old toys that are mostly worn out usually won’t survive a full wash cycle to be properly cleaned.
There will also come a point where there is no magic you can do with an old toy to remove that much dirt and grime. Know that sometimes it’s okay to say goodbye to dog toys! Old toys get the most bacteria because they are the ones owners avoid washing to keep them as intact as possible.
Hanging on to your dog’s beloved and unique toys can interfere with their overall health if cleaning them appropriately is not an option. When certain toys start to leave the lineup, you can replace them with toys that are easier and faster to clean. After all, your puppy will get a new toy at the end and nothing could make him happier!
Washing your best friend’s toys doesn’t have to be complicated. If your routine is kept simple and consistent while always putting their health and well-being first, you’ll have an arsenal of clean and safe toys for your dog to choose from every day!
