How do I clean my animal?

Several animals have herbal inserts that can be removed to allow for washing the fur. These include Oreo Kitty, Ally Cat, Sleepy Pete Lamb, Haley Pig, Ozzie Otter, and Buddy Black Bear. Open the Velcro and remove the herb packet. The fur should be washed by hand using a mild soap and then fluffed with a hair dryer.
For our animals without removable inserts, the fur can be surfaced washed with a mild soap. Do not submerge animal in the water. Fluff with a hair dryer.

How do I heat my animal?

Place in a clean microwave on a towel. Heat in 30 second intervals until desired warmth is reached. The heating time will vary with the type of microwave. For our large animals, begin with 1 to 1 1/2 minutes of heating. Increase the heating time in 15 second increments up to a total heating time of 2 minutes. Do not over heat.
Rotate the animal during the heating process. If you have a turntable microwave, make sure the animal is turning. It is a good idea to flip and shake the animal halfway through the heating cycle. Always test for hot spots and overall temperature before using.

How do I cool my animal?

To chill Dream-Eye pillows, place in a plastic bag and store in refrigerator or freeze fo 30 minutes prior to use.

Are the animals safe for children?

Our animals have been safety tested for children 3 years and above. Please consult your doctor if you or your child has any medical conditions, such as diabetes or neurological/circulatory problems before using.

How long does the lavender scent last?

The lavender scent may be strong at first but will gradually diminish. With average use (2-3 times a week) the scent will stay for about a year. Heavy use may dry the herbs more quickly. The scent can be refreshed by misting the animal or the herbal insert lightly with lavender linen water. Let air dry before heating in the microwave.

How long does each product stay warm?

The heat retention varies somewhat between animals, depending upon the amount of grain inside.

• Oreo Kitty, Ally Cat, Ozzie Otter - up to 1 hour
• Jack Bear - up to 1 1/2 hours
• Buddy Black Bear - up to 1 1/2 hours
• Sleepy Pete Lamb - 2-3 hours Laraby Lab - up to 1 hour
• Fairbanks Moose - up to 50 minutes
• Haley Pig - up to 1 hour Poker Pony - up to 50 minutes
• Pocket Critters - approximately 10 minutes

What is the product filled with?

• Large Animals - buckwheat and lavender.
• Pocket Critter - flax seed, buckwheat, chamomile, lavender and orange.
• Eye pillows - flax seed, lavender and chamomile

Why buckwheat?

Buckwheat is a hard seed and lasts longer and holds its moisture better than other grain. It is also harder to scorch in the microwave.

Moist heat is the most therapeutic and the animals will have more moisture the first few heatings because the herbs are fresh. Surface moisture normally dissipates quickly. If the animal is too moist, try heating less time and don't forget to heat on a towel. After several heatings the moisture will decrease.

Cautions 

•  Do not use in conventional oven 
•  Do not use on sensitive skin 
•  Do not use on an open wound