I will not deny that my dog is spoiled. I’ve genuinely lost count at this point, but she has at least 30 toys. I know -- that’s a little excessive, but if you saw how cute my dog is, you would completely understand. 

Now, one of my responsibilities as a dog owner is to ensure her toys are decently well-taken care of and clean.  

According to Preventive Vet, your furry friend’s treasures may be carrying fungus, mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can negatively impact their health. For this reason, you should wash your canine companion’s toys every four weeks or so. However, if you would like to clean them more often, go for it! 

As for how to clean your furry friend’s favorite items, you can always check the manufacturer's label. If the toy no longer has a label, no worries, we’ve got you covered. If you are working with a plush toy that does not contain plastic, place it in the washing machine using the gentle cycle. Meanwhile, soak rope toys in hot water. Wash plushies with plastic parts, like squeakers, with cool water. Plastic toys, such as Kongs, can be rinsed off using soap and water. To thoroughly clean the item, use a bottle brush or a toothbrush. 

It is also important to not use bleach, chlorine, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, phthalates, and artificial dyes when washing your pet’s toys, as they may accidentally ingest remnants of the chemicals. The American Kennel Club reported that the American Veterinary Medical Foundation has found that “bleach, phenols, products with high chemical concentrations and some detergents can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe chemical burns.” Talk to your veterinarian to see what type of cleaning solutions best suits your furry friend’s needs. 

We recommend air drying the toys once they are clean.