Washing a stuffed animal without any consequences?

Hello

I want to wash a stuffed animal with a fluffy mane and tail in the washing machine. I've washed it once before, and now the tail and mane aren't what they used to be. The fluffy fur has become so dense and it now has fewer thick hairs rather than many thin (=fluffy) hairs. I put it in a washing net because of the glass eyes, as they would otherwise scratch. What can I do to prevent it from getting worse the second time? Will blow-drying it after washing help, or what will protect the fluffy fur?

Thanks in advance and best regards