Dog Toys And Chews
– Buying Dog Toys and Chews That Are Safe For Your Pet
Many people buy dog toys and chews that are cute, fun, noisy or soft
and cuddly for their pets. The problem is that many of these items also
pose choking and health risks for your dog. They may even contain
potentially dangerous substances as well as be a source of allergies
for you dog. By taking some time to read the labels, as well as
following a few simple guidelines, you can choose dog toys and chews
that are safe and entertaining for your dog.
When planning to purchase dog toys and chews,
safety for your pet should be your first consideration. Many dogs will
love to play with toys that are not safe for them to have. Watch the
type of toys and chews that your dog naturally picks when you're
playing and then try to find safe versions of the same products. The
following tips will help in your selection:
- Size –
the toys or chews should be the correct size for the dog. Toys that are
too large are not fun for the dog as they cannot grasp them in their
teeth or paws. Toys or chews that are too small can be easily
demolished and parts swallowed or simply swallowed whole. This poses a
potential heath risk and may even cause death if the toy obstructs the
digestive tract or becomes lodged in the back of the dog’s
mouth or throat. The toy needs to be small enough that the dog can
grasp it but not so small that it can be fully enclosed in the mouth.
Small, very bouncy balls are often sold as dog toys and these pose a
very real hazard for larger dogs. The small balls can easily be
swallowed and can lodge in the throat resulting in death in a few
minutes.
- Materials
– dog toys and chews should be made out of a durable
material. Toys like Kong chew and Nylabone chews are virtually
indestructible provided they are purchased in the correct size. Some of
the cute squeaky toys sold for puppies are very dangerous, as the puppy
will chew on the “squeak” and will swallow the
item. They may also simply rip apart the toy and try to eat the thin
rubber pieces. These are both choking and intestinal hazards and should
be avoided or only used when the puppy is closely supervised. Any signs
of tears in the rubber should immediately result in throwing the toy
away.
- Stuffed toys
– for most puppies, stuffed toys should not be an option, as
they will quickly tear the toy apart and often eat the stuffing.
Sometimes the chemicals that the stuffing has been treated with can be
potentially dangerous but the stuffing itself can lodge in the throat
or stomach of the puppy and cause blockages. Stuffing usually will not
show up on an X-ray so it makes surgery and successful treatment of the
blockage very difficult for the vet. Some older dogs do well with
“dog proof” stuffed toys sold at pet stores. They
like to carry around their favorite stuffed toy and this is no problem
provided they do not chew the fabric. Remember that stuffed toys can
carry bacteria or other germs and should be washed frequently,
especially if other dogs have played with the toy.
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Providing a good variety of dog toys and chews for
your pet will help them exercise, entertain themselves when you are
away, as well as keep their attention off your furniture and shoes.
Toys and chews are very safe provided you choose wisely and avoid chews
and toys that are the incorrect size or made of the wrong material.
Balls, Frisbees, rings and hoops are all toys that most dogs love to
play with and will give the family and the dog hours of fun and
enjoyment.
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