How To Restore Your Dog's Squeak Toy

Problem

Does your dog bite through his squeaky toys as fast as you can buy them? Are you tired of spending money on new toys that will be broken in minutes, leaving you out several bucks and your dog disappointed? Well, before you buy new squeaky toys or toss out the broken ones, try repairing them.

Solution: Warning

Repairing a squeaky toy can be quick and simple. Please keep in mind, however, not all squeakers can be repaired, but it doesn't hurt to try. If it can't be fixed, consider using a replacement squeaker. Replacements can be bought cheaply online through sites like Amazon, and the process for using them is similar to those listed below.

Solution: Steps

Here are the steps necessary to restoring your dog's toy.

1) Gather supplies. You'll need:

• Heavy duty tape
• Scissors
• Sewing kit
• Damaged toy
• Optional: Scraps of cloth or stuffing scavenged from a damaged toy for extra squeaker padding.

2) Cut open toy and pull out the squeaker.

3) Inspect the squeaker for damage.

• Are there punctures?
• Is there a nozzle insert? If so, is the insert loose, or has it fallen out?

4) Attempt repairs.

• If the insert is out loose or has fallen out, put back in place.
• If there are no punctures, try popping the toy back into shape by hand or by blowing into the nozzle end of it.
• If there are punctures, tape over the holes before re-inflating the squeaker.
• Once back into proper shape, try squeaking it to see how it works.

5) Tape the squeaker thoroughly with heavy duty tape. Finish by taping the insert's lip against the nozzle. However, do not cover the end. The tape will reinforce the toy against punctures and other damage. Once well taped, test squeaker.

6) Insert the functioning squeaker into toy and sew back up.

7) Return to dog and watch him or her have fun again.

Helpful Hint: If you buy replacement squeakers, follow Step 4 anyway. Taping the toy--especially the insert to the nozzle--will help prevent destruction of the squeaker. I have taped a squeaker up once without securing the insert and it "broke" again. Once I secured the insert, the toy worked fine and is currently the dog's favorite.

Conclusion

Not all toys can be repaired, but taking a few minutes to try restoring a toy is cheaper in the long run and your dog will appreciate your efforts. Plus, you can adapt these techniques to reinforce replacement squeakers to make new toys as well. Have fun!