If your dog’s wool toys are looking flimsy and tired, don’t throw them away — just throw them in the laundry.
Dog toys made of wool are popular with owners who want a natural alternative to plastic and other synthetic materials. Like any toy, they can’t stay on a dog’s teeth forever. But unlike plastic toys, some of that damage can be repaired.
Handmade pet supply company Frill (@frill.petandhome) teamed up with Kovu the Rhodesian Ridgeback (@kovu_theridgeback) to share this tip in a recent Instagram video.
The video shows before and after shots of a wool dog bone. On the first shot, the bone was broken and bruised, but on the second, it was soft again and ready to be played with.
“Have woolen toys seen better days?” the caption asked. “Machine washing at a high temperature will refresh them.”
This tip is just one of many reasons to choose wool toys for your dog. The material is natural and safe for pets to chew, according to Michelle of Outdoor Dog Fun. Because it’s so soft, it won’t damage your dog’s teeth or gums even if they chew aggressively. And since toys can be washed and reused, you won’t have to replace them as often, so it’s a smart investment.
Wool is also a good choice for the environment. Plastics and synthetic fabrics are made from oil, which can pollute the air, water, and soil, while wool is a natural fiber from sheep that is safely, harmlessly collected by farmers every year. When the wool toy reaches the end of its life, it breaks down naturally instead of staying in a landfill for decades like plastic.
Commenters were delighted to discover a way to get more use out of their dog toys.
“Great top tip! I had no idea you could do this,” said one commenter. Another agreed, saying, “This is so clever!”
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