When you decide to buy a dog toy, you probably consider this to be an easy process. You can go to the store, whether it’s the pet department of a supermarket or a pet store, find a cute toy, and make your purchase. Pretty simple, right?
Have you ever thought about the consequences of buying an inappropriate dog toy? Rather than buying just one cute toy, there are many other factors to consider when making your purchase.
The first and most important thing to consider is your dog’s safety when playing with his new toy. Avoid buying a toy that could endanger your dog by splintering; indigest any stuffing, attached strings, eyes, or buttons that can be easily chewed and swallowed; or anything that has sharp edges.
Even when you would like your dog to play on its own, you should also keep its safety in mind. Anything from a little supervision to constant supervision is recommended when he plays with a toy. Any dog can destroy a toy with a rough chew. If a toy begins to crack, break into pieces, shred or chew so much that your dog can put the entire toy/bone in his mouth, that is the time to dispose of the toy immediately. Place it in a container strong enough to resist your desire to retrieve it.
Another factor in becoming an educated dog toy shopper is knowing your dog’s personality. If your dog is a puppy, he may not know his personality for a couple of days or weeks, but we do know that puppies like to chew. If you are getting your new dog from a previous owner, get some advice from them. If you get a rescue dog, keep a close eye on it. Some dog personalities to consider are: the chewer, the aggressive chewer, the possessor, the energetic, or the snuggle. The breed of dog you select may also have some inborn characteristics that should alert you to general personality traits as well.
Knowing your dog’s breed, age, and personality will help you make a good dog toy decision. A lot of shopping can be done before you find the right toy that your dog likes to play with.
Toys are not just for fun and entertainment; they may also have other redeemable values. Dog toys can:
* Helps strengthen your dog’s gums and teeth
* relieve stress
* be interactive with you or someone else
* be a bonding time with you
* keep a dog physically and mentally healthy
* prevent separation anxiety
* helps prevent your dog from destroying the family’s personal possessions
* fills the moments of your boredom
Listed below are some general descriptions of dog toys with possible advantages and disadvantages:
Size – Make sure the toy is appropriate for the size of the dog. A large toy for a small dog is not easy for the dog to play with. On the other hand, a small toy for a large dog can be swallowed.
Squeakers – Some toys have squeakers and some dogs love to squeak. However, a word of caution. As fun as it is for your dog, he might chew on it until the squeaker comes off the toy, then swallow it. Examine the toy frequently and supervision is recommended. If a hole develops, sew up the toy to keep the squeaker in, or while the squeaker is out, sew up the toy so that the stuffing doesn’t come out, in case there is stuffing in the toy. Closing the hole allows the dog to continue playing with the toy.
Durability: Durable toys can cost more, but they can also last longer. If you have aggressive chewing, you may need to buy dog toys more often.
Ease of Cleaning: If the toys can be cleaned, you have made a good choice. Toys can generally be washed with soap and water, making sure to thoroughly rinse the toy. Soap residue can make your dog sick.
Rubber: Solid, thick rubber toys can sometimes be filled with flavored pastes or kibble. This is a combination of a toy and a treat, and develop your brain power by figuring out how to get the treat out of the center of the toy. This is a good choice for an aggressive chewer.
Inflexible: Toys made of nylon, resins, or compact rubber are strong and resilient. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Probably the most common shape is a dog bone. If your dog has teeth or gum problems, these toys are not recommended. If your dog likes to chew and play games like hide and seek, these are good options. However, they can still be crushed by chewing, and the synthetic material is indigestible. When it wears out, it’s a good time to replace it before a visit to the vet is necessary.
Dental: Some toys are good at fighting dental plaque.
Balls: Dogs love to play ball. The balls are versatile, coming in multiple designs, easy to clean, and fun to play fetch. Tennis balls are always a good choice due to their size, texture, and cleaning ability.
Bones: Dog bones made from natural ingredients are a good choice, but they will get sticky and need to be cleaned. They are often made of plant matter. Natural dog bones need caution. Make sure they don’t splinter, like chicken and ribs, and cooked bones soften and splinter easily.
Rawhide: Rawhide is a popular choice and is a natural product, but make sure they are made in the US because not all countries have good regulations. They could contain dangerous chemicals. They may cause stomach upset and internal blockage. Layered rawhide is stronger and safer. They will last longer and eventually disintegrate.
Have enough toys that you can rotate them often so your dog doesn’t get bored. The more you interact with your dog, the more he will like the toy and the more physical activity he will get. Don’t exercise it only on weekends. He needs daily physical activity just like you.
If you discover you’ve purchased a toy your dog won’t play with, clean it up and donate it to a local pet shelter or humane society. They will be very grateful!
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article does not replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your vet.