Most of us are a pushover for dog toys. The most attractive dog toys we find are cute, with cool colors, squeakers and have a texture we think our dog will like.
“A good fit for a dog toy is one that is not small enough to swallow or fit whole into the mouth,” according to Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
“On the other hand, the toy should also not be so large that they can’t comfortably chew on it.”
Let’s start with types of dog toys that we definitely should not buy. Dog toys that are very low-cost are typically made cheaply from cheap materials.
Plush, soft, inexpensive toys have seams that are poorly sewn, and they are made of very thin fabric, so they tear very easily. These toys often have synthetic stuffing, including beads and/or plastic pellets.
Dogs can chew a hole easily in these toys and may choke on the stuffing or get an intestinal blockage.
Squeakers inside these toys can be swallowed and also can cause a GI blockage, which may require surgery.
Bargain vinyl or PVC toys may contain lead or phthalates that, if ingested, can lead to endocrine issues, organ failure or even death.
Rope toys that are poorly made will shred and cause problems.
When you buy a dog toy, check to see that the manufacturer lists safety information, and that the toy has a label listing where and by whom it was made.
Dogs often vigorously shake their toys. This mimics how they subdued their prey in the wild.
A toy labeled “made for aggressive chewers” is an excellent choice if your dog does a lot of shaking and chewing of its toys.
Safe toys, according to Ray, are “nontoxic, properly sized for your dog’s breed and weight, durable construction to prevent shedding, and sourced from reputable brands.”
Energetic dogs may enjoy Nylabones or KONG toys, which come in many shapes and sizes.
KONG toys can be filled with crushed-up treats or even Xylitol-free peanut butter. Dogs push the KONG toy for hours using their feet, nose and mouth to get to the treats.
Dogs may also enjoy just carrying it around.
Lively dogs may have fun playing tug-of-war with rope toys. Watch that your dog’s rope toy does not start to shred as your pal could ingest pieces or even get them stuck between its teeth.
Tennis balls are great for playing fetch but can easily be damaged by excessive chewing. When your tennis ball looks worse for wear, it is time to replace it, because a worn-out tennis ball is easily chewed into pieces.
These pieces can cause choking or even GI obstruction if swallowed.
Senior dogs may like soft plush toys more because they are more prone to having arthritis in their necks and/or jaw and may also have dental disease.
Soft rubber toys are often safer than hard toys for senior dogs, puppies or pets with dental disease, as extremely firm toys may injure their teeth and cause them pain.
Dogs that are blind have heightened other senses, including smell, taste, hearing and touch. Therefore, blind dogs are likely to be able to smell and find their own toys.
They may also like tug of war and can usually follow the scent of a toy dragged along the floor.
Some blind dogs adapt so well with their other senses that they play much like sighted dogs.
Alternate your dog’s toys each week. Keep several types of toys within reach, such as plush toys for comfort, ropes for tug-of-war, or KONG toys for chewing and carrying around.
Throw away damaged toys, keep your eye on your dog when it is playing with a new toy, and be sure size of toy matches size of your dog.
Cheap dog toys can have a negative effect on both your dog’s health and your wallet.
