From chew toys to rubber toys - it’s likely that your beloved pooch has got quite the collection to choose from. However, when it comes to picking out the best plush dog toys, that’s when things can get a little more complicated. Do you want something that your furry friend can cuddle up to in their bed or a squeaky toy that will excite and entertain them for hours? This will all depend on your pup’s individual personality, so it’s important to choose carefully.
So, whether you need a more hard-wearing plush dog toy for a rougher pup, or something fun and squeaky - our top tips will help you decide which kind of soft toy to treat your pooch to.
Pay Attention to How Your Dog Plays
Every dog owner will know that, just like humans, all dogs have their own individual personality traits. Some dogs are calm and gentle, whilst others are playful and boisterous, so some plush toys will last longer with some dogs than others! However, when it comes to choosing a plush dog toy for your pet, it’s important to pay close attention to how your pup likes to play.
Some dogs will be super content with anything that squeaks, giving them that extra level of stimulation to make playtime fun. However, other dogs may become aggressive with squeaky toys, which may lead to them getting damaged quickly!
In order to make sure your plush dog toy lasts as long as possible with your playful pup, look at how they play with their other toys. If they’re more gentle-natured and prefer to give their toys a bit of a sniff and a nudge with their nose, then any plush dog toy will suit them perfectly, as you don’t need to worry about any rough play!
However, if you notice that your dog is a little more boisterous when playing, then you’ll need to select a plush toy carefully. We’d recommend opting for something a little more sturdy, such as the Rufus & Rosie Knottie Rope Toy or Zoon Squeaky Dog Toy to give it the best chance of survival.
You’ll quickly find out if you’ve picked the right one for your fluffy friend if you notice that they’re reluctant to ever part with it - that’s when you know you’ve done well!
Should I Throw Damaged Plush Toys Away?
If your pooch has won the battle against their plush toy one too many times, then you may notice signs of wear and tear. Although it can be frustrating, it’s important to know when to retire their toy and treat them to a new one.
If the toy simply looks a little bit worse for wear, then it’s probably okay to let your pooch have fun with it for a little while longer. However, if any parts are protruding or fluff is escaping, then it’s probably time to say goodbye and seek out a shiny new replacement, as you don’t want to risk your dog swallowing any loose parts!
Additionally, if you’ve got more than one dog and these kinds of toys are a hot commodity at your house, then you’ll definitely want a back-up in case there’s a friendly to-and-fro between them with the plush toy caught in the middle.
How to Wash Plush Dog Toys
If your dog’s favourite toy isn’t quite ready to be replaced, then it may just need a good clean. But how exactly do you wash plush dog toys?
The easiest way to do this is to throw them all in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a pet-friendly detergent to ensure the toy is safe for your pooch to play with. If your plush toy has got a removable squeaker, then make sure to take it out before washing. If not, don’t worry - it should be able to survive a gentle cycle.
These are general guidelines for washing plush dog toys, so always consult the care instructions for your pup’s favourite toy, as some may require hand-washing - high maintenance, but your dog is worth it!
So, whether your pooch loves a bit of rough play with their toys, or they just want a soft little friend to snuggle up to at bedtime - we’ve got a huge range of plush dog toys for every doggy personality! Explore our range today to find your dog’s new best friend.