How often should you clean your dog's toys? Owners weigh in on pet care practices
A dog owner has sparked a debate on Reddit about how often people clean their dog's toys after they rarely do so
It can be difficult to resist treating our pets to new toys, especially when they seem to destroy them in a matter of seconds. However, many owners are unaware of how frequently they should be cleaning their pet's toys, or the potential consequences of neglecting this task altogether.
This topic recently sparked a discussion on Reddit, with one user asking: "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?" One user replied: "Erm I don't. Most of them don't last long enough to need a wash to be honest."
Another user shared their approach, 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 admitted: "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."
Another Reddit user explained their method: "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," reports the Express.
They added: "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."
On the topic of non-fabric toys, one individual shared: "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 cautions that "dog toys can be harbouring anything from fungus to mould to mildew to staph bacteria", suggesting a potential risk of contamination with faecal matter, which may contain harmful pathogens such as E.coli, Giardia, or even Parvovirus or Distemper if your dog carries their toys on walks.
The statement discloses: "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 withstand vigorous 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 clarifies: "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."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK households told to close windows and doors from 10am until 3pm
Hay fever season is currently in full swing and sufferers are being urged to take preventative measures to try and minimise their symptoms - including keeping windows and doors shut Brits with hay fever are being told to keep their windows and doors firmly shut, especially between 10am and 3pm, as hay fever season wreaks havoc across the country, lasting from late March to September. From the first release of tree pollen in late March to the prevalence of grass and weed pollens throughout the summer, sufferers have been fighting symptoms. Particularly prevalent in the South are higher pollen counts compared to the North, with grass pollen proving the most troublesome during two peaks in early June and July – which may explain any recent spike in your sniffling. The UK's warmest meteorological spring and May on record since 1884, followed by balmy temperatures in late June, has led to what experts dub "ideal" conditions for pollen blights. Those afflicted by hay fever can attest that symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes tend to hit hardest from late March through to September, with weather conditions playing a pivotal role. Britain is bracing for a sizzle as the Met Office forecasts a scorcher next week, predicting temps will soar from Wednesday, June 11, sending the mercury into the high 20Cs. This heatwave comes hand in hand with sky-high pollen counts, spelling trouble for hay fever sufferers in North West England, the West Midlands, and London and South East England, where "very high" levels are expected. The rest of the UK isn't off the hook with "high" levels predicted too, reports the Express. There's no magic pill for hay fever, but experts stress the importance of pre-emptive actions to keep those pesky symptoms at bay. They advise against flinging your windows and doors open willy-nilly when pollen's playing up, as it invites those sneeze-inducing particles in to settle on your soft furnishings – not what you want! NHS guidance sides with the cautious, suggesting keeping windows and doors shut "as much as possible", but if you're craving a breath of fresh air during the balmy weather, aim to crack them open outside peak pollen times. Saxton Blades' very own DIY expert, Glen Peskett, chimes in with some sound advice for sniffle-stricken Brits: allergy-proofing is key and that means windows and doors should stay firmly shut between the hours of 10am and 3pm, especially on blustery days. That's when pollen counts peak and flinging things wide open is just asking for trouble. Glen added: "It's important to get fresh air, and when the weather begins to improve, it's even more tempting to open your home up to the warmer elements. "However, during peak pollen times - usually between 10 am and 3 pm, and on windy days - it's extremely beneficial to keep your windows and doors shut. This is especially important in bedrooms, where you want to breathe easy at night."
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Wales Online
Symptoms every pet owner should check for during summer
Symptoms every pet owner should check for during summer A vet said it is "important to watch out" for a number of symptoms in your pets during summer A vet shared the symptoms pet owners should look for (Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images ) A vet has urged pet owners to be aware the signs of hay fever in their furry friends during the summer months. While hay fever is a well-known cause of discomfort for up to one in five Brits, it may come as a surprise that pets can also be affected. Unlike humans who typically exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes, pets with pollen allergies often show signs through their skin. These can include itchiness, redness, or irritation. As the weather warms and plants release more pollen, your pet's skin may become increasingly uncomfortable, reports the Express. Pets at Home Veterinary Services Director, Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, has outlined the key symptoms to look out for and how best to treat them. Symptoms of 'hay fever' in dogs and cats She explained: "This can cause your pet's skin to appear red, sore, or flaky and, in very severe cases, can lead to the skin getting infected and them losing patches of fur. Make sure to seek advice from your vet if the skin becomes particularly inflamed. Dr Butler-Davies also highlighted the importance of tracking your pet's symptoms, saying: "It's also worth remembering that different kinds of pollen can trigger 'hay fever' in your pet, so keeping a diary of their symptoms can help you identify the most probable cause." A vet shared a number of symptoms pet owners should look for (Image: Getty ) Article continues below Treating a pet's 'hay fever' When it comes to treatment, she advised: "It's always best to consult your vet to determine whether your pet's symptoms are indeed 'hay fever' and then discuss the most suitable treatments. This could encompass a variety of options, which your vet will guide you through. "It's important to remember that skin irritation can also be caused by other conditions, including allergies to something other than pollen, such as fleas, dust mites or something your pet has eaten. "If you're unsure, or if you have any questions about 'hay fever', it's always best to book an appointment with your vet." Article continues below Reducing the impact of 'hay fever' Dr Sam advised on mitigating the effects of 'hay fever' in pets: "While you can't prevent 'hay fever' entirely, there are steps you can take that can help decrease your pet's exposure to pollen." She added: "If possible, avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is at its highest, which is usually around midday in the months between late March and September. It's best to go for walks early in the morning or late at night instead, when the pollen count is lower - the Met Office shares the latest pollen forecast on its website. "Gently wiping your pet's coat and feet after they've been outside will help to remove some of the pollen. On top of that regularly washing their bedding and vacuuming the house will be beneficial by removing any pollen that has found its way indoors."
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
Revamp your tuna sandwich with this creamy twist that's healthier than mayo
A tuna salad sandwich is a lunchtime classic, but food experts say it's time to forget adding mayonnaise to your filling and use a different ingredient instead. Tuna mayonnaise sandwiches are a timeless favourite, often found nestled in many a lunchbox. Adding a slice of cucumber lends a touch of sophistication to this simple snack, making it suitable for even the most refined afternoon tea menus. However, culinary experts suggest an alternative method to enhance the flavour of this dish. Instead of combining tinned tuna with mayonnaise, they recommend using sour cream. It's deemed a perfect replacement for mayonnaise as it provides a creamy and smooth texture, with a subtle sweet tang that amplifies the taste of the tuna without overwhelming it. Culinary connoisseurs at Tasting Table state: "While the mayo's custardy, egg tones are typically expected, you'll find sour cream's sweet, creamy medley to be just as (if not more) satisfying, reports the Express. "Both mayonnaise and sour cream have a tangy flavour base, but sour cream has a milky richness that brings a refreshing element to tuna salad. The fish's usual salty, savoury taste is less dull and instead, perfectly balanced by an equal amount of deep and bright flavours." "Even better, with sour cream's consistency, there's also a textural shift that makes for a much better eating experience. Everything comes together beautifully on the taste buds - the fish's tender yet chewy bites and the veggies' slight crunchiness, all coated in the sour cream's velvety thickness." Sour cream also boasts the advantage of typically being lower in fat than mayonnaise, making it a marginally healthier choice that still provides a delightfully rich and creamy flavour. To whip up your sandwich filling, suggests adding one tablespoon of sour cream (either regular or low-fat) to 5oz of tuna in a bowl and mashing them together. For an additional kick of taste, you can sprinkle in a bit of salt and black pepper and one teaspoon of mustard, although the latter is entirely up to you. Once all the ingredients are mixed well, you can add more sour cream (and mustard) to suit your taste. Then simply serve your tuna salad in a sandwich and garnish with slices of cucumber, tomato and lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Cook and founder of Feel Good Foodie Yumna Jawad has revealed another simple recipe to lighten up your tuna salad while also making it taste better and it involves switching out the mayonnaise with just one other product. Yumna explained: 'I use Greek yoghurt rather than mayonnaise to make this wonderfully creamy. Greek yoghurt is also a great source of protein and probiotics.' Greek yoghurts' texture is thick and creamy so it will replicate the same feel that mayonnaise gives tuna but in a much healthier way. While mayonnaise can often overpower the taste of tuna due to how rich it is, Greek yoghurt keeps it more balanced as it compliments it with a slight, tangy, bright flavour.
