Your four paws’ cherished toys can accumulate dirt and grime over time, which is unpleasant. Instead of immediately discarding them, there’s a chance you can restore them to a clean condition.
While some puppies tend to wear out new toys pretty quickly, certain toys are specifically made to withstand vigorous chewing and rough play. Although those toys may be long-lasting, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other pathogens if not cleaned regularly.
Engaging with unclean toys can invite a lot of health troubles for your pooch, which is why you should keep them in a pristine condition. At the same time, consider being equipped with pet insurance in NZ so that you are more prepared to handle health emergencies just in case something unfortunate happens to your fur baby.
Contemplate purchasing cheap pup insurance in the least, so your furry little one is covered for basic medical care during distressing health situations with less financial stress. In the meantime, read this article to learn when and how to clean specific pet toys.
Cleaning your canine’s toys is a relatively simple task, but exercising caution and ensuring safety during the process is essential.
When to clean?
Eventually, assessing your puppy’s toys and eliminating those in poor condition becomes necessary.
Discard any toys with broken or missing pieces or that have been heavily chewed. Also, any toys in bad shape and with loose or dangling parts (such as worn-out strings or eyes popped out of stuffed toys) or components that could pose a choking hazard to your dog should be promptly removed and discarded.
It is also vital to get rid of toys your pup appears to be ingesting rather than merely chewing on. This includes toys that have significantly decreased in size over time. If the plaything looks good, is working, and is big enough that your pet can’t eat it, wash it and return it for continued use.
How to clean specific toys?
The cleaning techniques for dog toys differ based on the materials they are made of. Hard rubber toys are highly durable and can be easily cleaned by soaking them in soapy water, preferably warm, followed by gentle scrubbing and thorough rinsing. Many hard rubber/plastic toys are dishwasher-safe; you only need to run them through a hot cycle. The high temperature of the water should effectively neutralize germs and sanitize the toy.
Cleaning soft dog toys such as rope braids and stuffed toys can be a bit more challenging. One effective method is to soak the rope toy in fresh water and then microwave it on high heat for thirty seconds to one minute. Alternatively, run it through the dishwasher on the hot cycle without using any detergent. This process should sufficiently kill any bacteria present.
Regardless of the method chosen, handle the toy with caution, as it may be hot, and allow it to cool down before giving it back to your dog. As for stuffed animal toys, the best approach is to wash them in the washing machine. The toy should hold up well during the washing process if it is well-maintained.
Take care of your furry beloved’s toys; however, consider being prepared with pet insurance in NZ because puppies can get into many health troubles while handling toys. With cheap pup insurance, providing your furry precious with quality medical care can be much easier during unplanned vet visits for reasons like accidental injuries, sickness, and more. So, why not contemplate purchasing a policy?
