People admit ‘never’ washing dogs toys after learning how often they should

It’s hard to resist spoiling our pets with new toys, especially when they tear through them at lightning speed. But it seems that many owners are clueless about the cleaning frequency needed for their pet’s beloved playthings, let alone the consequences of neglecting this chore entirely.

This topic sparked curiosity on Reddit, leading a user to enquire: “Do you clean the toys regularly? If so, how do you clean a plush squeaky without damaging it? Do you retire toys if not broken?” A reply from one user admitted: “Erm I don’t. Most of them don’t last long enough to need a wash to be honest.”

Another chimed in saying: “I wash them after a guest dog has left. For squeaky plushies, I put them in a large zipped pillow cover or large lingerie bag and run the washer on gentle cycle.”

A different user confessed: “Eh never? Her toys are indoors only so they don’t get very gross. The only time I washed them in the bathtub was due to an ant infestation.”

An additional Reddit member shared: “For fabric toys, I’ve always just thrown them in the wash as needed with a couple extra rinse cycles to make sure all of the detergent is out and then into the dryer on low heat.”

They also explained: “How often depends on the toy and the dirtiness. One of his toys can get washed as much as once a week, others haven’t been washed yet.”

Regarding non-fabric toys, the same person detailed: “For rubber toys I’ll throw them in the top rack in the dishwasher and hope for the best. I haven’t had any melted toys yet, so knock on wood.”

Preventive Vet warns that “dog toys can be harbouring anything from fungus to mould to mildew to staph bacteria”, indicating a potential risk of contamination with faecal matter, which may contain harmful pathogens such as E.coli or Giardia, or even Parvovirus or Distemper if your dog carries their toys on walks.

The statement reveals: “Since dog toys are among the top 10 germiest items in the home per an NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation) study, it is a good idea to give them a good cleaning at least once a month. But in an ideal world, weekly cleaning is better.”

Toys that endure rigorous play and are covered in slobber, dirt, and other unknown substances should ideally be cleaned daily, particularly those that have been taken outside the confines of your home and garden.

However, for dogs that consume a raw diet and enjoy playing with their toys immediately after meals, owners are advised to clean these toys promptly after each play session.

The statement further explains: “Studies indicate that these diets can contain Salmonella and Listeria, which are harmful to people. If your dog loves to play with their toys right after a meal, they can be contaminated with these bacteria.

“If you handle these toys and touch your mouth, you are at risk of accidental ingestion. Use caution by always washing these toys immediately after your dog has eaten and then played with them.

“See the Tersano cleaner below that kills Salmonella and Listeria using water, making cleaning toys so much easier.”