Meta: Know when a toy is worn out and unsafe.
There’s no fixed schedule. It depends on the toy and your pet.
Replace a toy when
- It’s cracked, torn or chewed into smaller pieces
- Stuffing or squeakers are showing
- It’s very dirty and can’t be cleaned
- It has loose threads or strings
- Metal parts are rusty
- It smells bad even after washing
How to check
- Inspect toys every week.
- Press and pull on seams.
- Check rubber toys for cracks.
- For wooden chews, replace them when they’re worn or damp.
Rough guide
- Soft plush toys may need replacing quickly for heavy chewers.
- Hard rubber toys last longer but should still be checked.
- Cardboard and wooden chews for small pets are consumables, so replace them often.
Tip: rotating toys helps them last longer, and keeps them interesting.
If in doubt, replace it. A new toy costs far less than a vet visit.