Stuffed Dog

Gifts For Humans

Stuffed animal gifts for humans may vary by the season. While a well-stocked toy shop will offer a variety of stuffed dogs throughout the year, different holidays prompt themed items, such as a dog holding a heart for Valentine’s Day or wearing a Santa hat for Christmas. Movie-related items may also be available when a dog-related picture is in theaters. When choosing a toy, it is important to consider the characteristics of the gift to insure that it is age-appropriate and will not present a safety hazard to the recipient. Before selecting the gift, note the following characteristics:

• Size: Very small items are inappropriate for children, while very large ones may frighten them or simply be unwieldy.
• Firmness: A plush pup that is too soft could present a suffocation hazard to very young children, while one that is exceptionally firm may not hold its shape with frequent play.
• Color: Does the gift match the color of the recipient’s pet or favorite breed? Also, beware of light colors that may stain easily if the gift is for a child.
• Accessories: If the stuffed dog has a removable collar, novelty clothes, or other accessories, be sure that they will not present a choking hazard to young children and be aware that they may be easily lost.
• Care: Always check the care tag on the stuffed dog to be sure it is machine washable, particularly if it is for a child.
• Materials: If the recipient is allergic to certain materials (wool, for example), be certain that neither the fabric nor the filling consists of those materials.

Naturally, choosing a gift for an adult requires less intense scrutiny, though no less care in selection. If the recipient has a favorite breed, specialized toy stores may be able to find that particular stuffed dog, while online stores and auctions may also have more unique choices available.

Gifts For Dogs

Many people also give their pets plush chew toys, and these should also be chosen with great care. In addition to the above characteristics, toys for dogs should never have small parts that could be detached by chewing or biting – button eyes or hard noses, for example – they could become choking hazards and certainly are not healthy if digested. Furthermore, the toy should be sturdily sewn and if possible, repaired or discarded as soon as the dog begins to mangle it. Stuffed toys that contain talking devices or other electronics are entirely inappropriate to give to a pet.

One additional precaution when giving a stuffed toy to a dog is to consider the message that is being conveyed. If the dog is allowed to play with certain stuffed toys, it may construe that to mean that any play thing is an acceptable target. This could result in unintentional damage to children’s toys, decorative pillows, slippers, or other household items.

Caring for a Plush Puppy

Just because they are toys doesn’t mean that stuffed puppies don’t require loving care. Most plush toys are machine washable: tie them into a pillowcase and toss them in with the laundry. More expensive stuffed dogs or very unique ones may require special treatment, so always review the care instructions on the tag before cleaning. To restore a stuffed dog’s coat after washing, simply brush it as you would a live pet. Stains may be spot treated. To dust a plush toy, shake vigorously in an open area and then brush the coat to restore its original shape.

Stuffed toys for pets may require an additional care step: flea and tick treatments. These bothersome pests may take up residence on a stuffed animal, and to be sure that the stuffed dog is not harboring any fleas or ticks, apply a small amount of control powder to the toy after each cleaning. Another solution is to fasten a flea collar around the stuffed animal – adding a touch of realism as well as protection for your pets. To further protect your pet, use only mild treatments on stuffed toys.

Stuffed Dog Summary

A stuffed dog can be a perfect gift for either a dog lover or a pet if chosen carefully. Considering the characteristics of the toy as well as its potential care requirements insures that the gift will be appropriate for the recipient, and putting that sort of thought into a gift guarantees it will be appreciated for far more than its outward appearance. As with any gift, it truly is the thought the giver puts into it that counts.