In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Learn about our Shelter of the Week

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is a pioneer in animal welfare dedicated to giving older dogs a sweet second lease on life. Founded in San Francisco in 2007 by animal advocate Sherri Franklin in her own home, Muttville was created to address a heartbreaking gap in animal shelters: senior dogs. These pups are often deemed "unadoptable" due to age or minor health needs, being overlooked or euthanized despite having so much love left to give. That's why Muttville, and organizations like it, are so important.

Since its inception, Muttville has rescued and rehomed thousands of senior dogs, changing the perception of senior pet adoption nationwide.

What Makes Muttville Special

• Cage-Free Living: Unlike traditional shelters, Muttville operates open, cage-free facilities where rescue dogs can lounge on cozy beds, socialize comfortably, and feel at home while waiting for their forever families.
• Comprehensive Care: Every incoming pup receives thorough veterinary attention, dental work, grooming, and tailored medical support to ensure they are healthy, happy, and comfortable.
• Hospice Program: For senior dogs with terminal conditions or specialized needs, Muttville provides compassionate hospice care and loving homes, ensuring every dog spends their final chapter surrounded by comfort and affection.

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How Often Should You Really Clean Your Pup’s Hard Toys?

We recently covered how often to clean your pup's stuffed animals or soft toys, but hard chew toys are their own beast. These items are absolute lifesavers for keeping them busy, satisfying their natural urge to chew, and protecting our favorite shoes. But here is a question we don't ask ourselves often enough: When was the last time you actually washed that toy?

While hard toys (like rubber kongs, nylon bones, and durable antlers) don't get soggy and gross quite as fast as plush stuffed animals, they are still absolute magnets for bacteria, saliva, dirt, and even mold. If left uncleaned, your pup’s favorite pastime can turn into a hidden breeding ground for germs.

How Often Should You Clean?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how much love (and drool) the toy gets, but as a general rule of thumb:

• Weekly (The Maintenance Clean): For toys that are in regular rotation and get chewed on a few times a week, a weekly wash is ideal to keep slime and everyday bacteria at bay.
• After Every Outdoor Session: If your dog takes their favorite chew toy out into the yard, mud, or park, give it a rinse immediately before letting it back inside. Dirt and outdoor bacteria love to hitch a ride!
• Immediately After Illness: If your pup has been under the weather with an upset stomach or an infection, sanitize all their chew toys right away to prevent reinfection.

A Quick Guide by Toy Material

Not all hard toys are made equal, and they handle the cleaning process a little differently:

• Rubber Toys (like Classic Kongs): These can usually handle a weekly trip to the top rack of the dishwasher on a normal cycle. Alternatively, a good soak in warm, soapy water with a bottle brush to get inside the crevices works wonders.
• Nylon Bones and Hard Plastic: These are tough cookies! Give them a weekly scrub using warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or bleach, as any lingering residue can upset your dog's tummy.
• Natural Chews (Antlers, Horns, Wood): Because these are organic, you want to skip the harsh soaps and the dishwasher. Instead, scrub them under hot running water, or sanitize them by boiling them for a few minutes (make sure they cool down completely before giving them back to your pup!).

Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time for a Wash (Right Now!)

Not sure if that toy sitting in the corner needs immediate attention? Look out for these red flags:

• The "Yuck" Factor: A slimy film or sticky residue when you pick it up.
• The Smell Test: If you catch a whiff of funky, stagnant dog breath or mildew when you walk past the toy basket, it’s definitely overdue for a bath.
• Visible Grime: Dirt, hair, or carpet fuzz trapped in the textured grooves of the toy.

A Healthy Mouth Makes a Happy Pup

Taking just a few minutes each week to wash your dog's hard chew toys is a small act of love that pays off in big ways. It protects their gums from harmful bacteria, keeps your house smelling fresh, and ensures their favorite toys stay safe and hygienic for all those chewing sessions to come.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella

Want to help find lost pets?

Download our RoverAlert app to receive notifications of missing pets in your area.

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.

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