Dog Toys: Choose Well to Avoid Hidden Dangers
Next time you go strolling down the aisles at the store, don't be tempted by every cute toy you see. Sometimes toy manufacturers design treats and toys to appeal to people, not our dogs. Be especially careful when shopping at non-pet-stores, such as the Dollar Store, or Grocery Store. They currently stock cheap, poorly-made dog toys, some of which have dangerous chemcials, are made outside of the USA, or will come apart quickly in the face of normal usage by your puppy. By following the suggestions, and noting the warnings given here, you should be in a much better position to make a decision to purchase a toys that your dog will find both fun and safe to use. What Makes a Dog Toy Dangerous?There are a variety of factors to keep in mind when selecting safe toys, and the purpose of the toy is obviously one of these. Some toys are great for supervised play, but should not be left alone with the dog because of their potential to be destroyed. When a dog chews a toy too much it gets destroyed and you'll have to buy a new one. Of more concern, though, is that a dog toy which is cracked or ripped apart into small pieces quickly becomes a hazard since your dog could accidentally swallow or choke on the tiny bits.If you notice your dogs' toys showing signs of excessive wear, keep a close eye on them. Even a small piece of string from a rope toy, a wad of stuffing from a plush toy, or a chunk of plastic from a chewing ball can cause serious damage when ingested by your dog. At some point, even cheapskates like me have to acknowledge that dog toys have a limited lifespan. My dog just doesn't take care of her things as well as I take care of mine. Dog toys don't last forever and for the safety of your dog, it makes sense to pick up the toys and throw them away when they have been nibbled down to a size where they are no longer safe or are starting to crack or crumble and could potentially break apart into hazardous pieces. To see the list of risky toys that are NOT RECOMENDED, visit the Dangerous Toys List.
Teach Your Dog Good HabitsMany dogs chew - to relieve pain as teething puppies and for fun as adult dogs. It is your job to provide your pets with toys that are fun and engaging enough that they choose chewing on the toy over chewing on your favorite objects. One great way to point them in the right direction, is to avoid giving dogs chew-items that resemble valued objects in your home. The dog might not be able to tell the difference between the "old" socks you use to play tug-o-war with her on the weekends, and the "good" socks you want to wear to work on Monday. Keep socks, shoes and children's toys away from dogs looking for a good chew.You might consider storing your pup's toys in a special bin or basket. If you can teach your dog to put his toys away on command (See an upcoming issue of our free newsletter for more information on training THAT trick!) you'll keep the house neater, and the dog will set a good example for the other family members. :-) It's also a good idea to use a toy rotation so your dog doesn't get bored with the toys he does have. If you put away his toys that he'd been ignoring for a while, and then bring them out later, he'll be much more excited when he sees them again. I guess with dog toys it's another case of "absence makes the heart grow fonder!"
Rants and Raves: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...With that said, you know to look for toys that will not break apart or shred into small pieces that your dog can choke on or swallow. You know not to let him chew items that resemble valued possessions, and you know to give him SOME toys to keep him busy and out of mischief!
Here are some great recommendations (and warnings) to point you in the right direction! 1) Dangerous Dog Toys that Create a Choking Hazard 2) Fun, Safe Toys For Dogs - Kera's Top Picks!
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