Dog toy bacteria may be the last thing on your mind when your dog drops a favorite plush toy at your feet.

But for many households, a closer look at what collects on well-loved toys offers a practical reminder to clean them regularly.

Laboratory testing of one Gran Rapid dog's soft toys found heavy bacterial growth, with samples diluted before they could be analyzed.

That result does not mean every toy is dangerous, or that a healthy dog will become sick from playing with it.

The bigger concern is what happens when a slobbery toy moves from the floor to a person's hands.

Someone who handles it and then prepares food or touches their face may carry those germs along.

For families with young children or anyone especially vulnerable to infection, dog toy hygiene deserves a place in the household routine.

Start by checking each toy's care instructions, then wash suitable soft toys with pet-safe detergent and dry them thoroughly.

Wash hard toys with warm, soapy water, rinse them well and let them dry before play resumes.

Dog toy cleaning works best as a habit, not a response to a toy that already looks grimy.

A monthly check is a reasonable starting point, with more frequent cleaning for toys used outdoors or shared between dogs.

While washing, inspect seams, squeakers and surfaces for damage that could turn a familiar favorite into a choking risk.

Throw away toys that are badly frayed, breaking apart or too difficult to clean properly.

Size matters, too: a toy small enough to lodge in a dog's throat is no bargain, however popular it seems.

Rope toys, battery-powered toys and anything your dog eagerly tears open call for close supervision.

Keep strings, rubber bands and household objects out of the toy basket entirely.

None of this requires turning playtime into a germ scare.

Clean toys, washed hands and a quick safety check can make the next game of fetch easier to enjoy.