Dog toys are secondary to owners when it comes to taking the attention and time of the canine population. These are their treasures, which are the pet-owners regular source of discomfort. There is no way out though as they have to be cleaned up from the accumulated slobber, dust and dirt. These furry friends cannot wash, so there is no way they can do the same for their toys.
A wide selection of dog toys is currently available for pets nowadays. Their different varieties give these pets a chance to stimulate and further develop their mental and physical abilities. Some people though tend to discard their pets’ toys easily. With 56.7 million US homes owning a dog, there was a whopping $41 of spending on toys annually in 2013.
Dog-owners should realize that it is possible to clean pet toys instead of discarding them. It is also an opportunity to check through the plaything for potential safety concerns. However, the effective cleaning procedure depends on the type of toy. No general washing process works for all kinds of pet toy.
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Types of Dog Toys
The primary factor that determines how a pet toy should be cleaned is its make and material. It is essential to know which procedure is ideal for which material. This is to avoid any damage or additional ones to the item.
A plush, stuffed or cuddly toy is one filled with flexible material and a sewn fabric outer covering. The most common stuffing is cotton, wood wool, beans and synthetic fiber batting to name a few. The toy itself can be in varied forms, but it is mostly taking the form of animals and popular characters. They are recommended for medium-chewing pets as the filling is not too hard to hurt the animal.
Another common variation is made of either rubber or similar plastic material. This type of toy is ideal for pets who chew with so much gusto. Also available in diverse forms, their material makes them a stronger and more long-lasting option than their plush counterpart.
For the vigorously-chewing portion of the canine population, the chew bone toy is a perfect choice. It is usually made of a nylon material that is durable yet chewable at the same time. The material itself is non-toxic but is often equipped with specific flavors to keep the pet’s appetite up.
Some toys are more for running around actively. Others work to help them develop and control their bodily functions. In all of these toys though, the pets are sure to find some form of enjoyment. All of these toys also need the pet owner’s time and effort for cleaning.
How To Clean Plush Toys
One should start the cleaning processing by going through all parts of the toy. It is a chance to check thoroughly for damages, holes or loose parts. If there are any, these should be fixed first before actually cleaning.
Once it is all clear, dry dirt can be removed manually with a toothbrush or wire comb. The form works best for smaller toys while the latter is the recommended option for dealing with fake fur. This should be done while the toys are completely dry. Dust and tiny specks of dirt stick firmly to the toy’s surface when any level of moisture is present.
The dust-free toy can then be thrown into the washer accompanied with a little part of detergent. The setting should be at the hottest level to serve a disinfecting purpose at the same time. After the washing cycle is done, it is highly suggested to rinse the toy manually for a thorough finish. No pet owner wants their dog playing with a clean but detergent-rich toy.
How To Clean Rubber And Plastic Toys
When it comes to squeakers, Frisbees, and similar toys, the cleaning and sanitation process is actually a piece of cake. All it takes is a full cycle in the dishwasher’s top rack and three tablespoons of white vinegar. There is no need for the detergent cycle nor for the rinse aid.
These toys are fixed with holes, so they have to be affixed with heavy-duty tape to keep the water out. The vinegar should go to the bottom of the dishwasher. After the full dish-washing cycle, the toys can then be hanged for drying.
How To Clean Bone Toys
It is most challenging to clean bone toys because of its material, which cannot withstand the impact of automatic washers. They are porous, by nature, and will easily degrade in the presence of physical pressure. Sometimes, even the dog’s playful tendencies can result easily to a bone toy’s early demise.
The best way to clean this type of toy is by simply wiping with warm water. Detergents, soaps and similar other cleaning agents are not recommended for use. Their chemical content can easily end up getting soaked in the pores of the bones. They will end up in the dog’s digestive system in no time at all.
Additional Cleaning Reminders
Toys are shaped in irregular patterns at times. Some areas are outside the natural curves and lines, which should not be overlooked. A dog’s mouth can go everywhere on the pet toy’s surface. Each nook and cranny should be fully cleaned and sanitized for the pet’s overall health.
Regular cleaning and washing should take place. It does not have to be done every day, but the frequency should not rely on how dirty the toys look. Pet-owners should learn to analyze used up the toys are and where they usually spend time in. These are just some of the factors to consider in the washing schedule.
Bleach is never recommended for cleaning pet toys. It is toxic to any living creature and can put the pet’s life at risk. Despite recommendations from experts on the use of watered down bleach, it is not worth it. There are definitely a lot of other cleaning agents that are a better option for the animal’s safety and well-being.
Pet Sanitation
Upon completion of the clean-up stage, one should incorporate a sanitizing step in the process. The typical method to do this is to microwave the toys for at least a minute. The limitation to this option lies in the size of the toy.
Conclusion
Dogs are man’s best friend. In the absence of man, dogs have to have their source of fun. Since the parent cannot be around 24/7, having a clean and sanitized plaything is the next best thing for a dog. Therefore, the parent should make an effort to provide this as a necessity for a dog’s healthy and happy life.
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