Are There Any Toys That You Should Avoid With Your Dog?

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Are There Any Toys That You Should Avoid With Your Dog?

It seems like every day, there is a new dog toy on the market. Flooded with novel dog toys, the pet market presents a ch...

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It seems like every day, there is a new dog toy on the market. Flooded with novel dog toys, the pet market presents a challenge for owners. Pet parents have a huge pool of toys you can buy, making the decision both exciting and confusing.

On one hand, the variety makes it easier to find a well-rounded toy for your furry friend. But with so many options, how can you make the difference between safe toys and dangerous dog toys?

Does Your Dog Need Toys?

Dog toys are a necessity for dog owners. They keep your pup occupied and provide mental stimulation at the same time. Think of toys as tools that help you prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Sadly, not all dog toys are safe and secure. If you have a dog that can rip the squeaker out of a toy quicker than you say “Hey”, you have a problem. Some dogs can turn small balls and chewable dog toys into a pile of mash within seconds.

Dogs love toys, and your job as a pet parent is to find one that is safe, secure, and durable. Playing with toys is fun and engaging and keeps your furry friend active.

Types of Dangerous Dog Toys

Many toys on the market should never be part of your dog’s playtime. Look around and see whether you have some of them in the toy boy. If you do, make sure to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Small Toys

We will talk later on about the appropriate size, but generally speaking, you want a size perfect for your dog. The good news is that dog toys come in different sizes. The bad news is pet parents continue to buy toys that are too small. Small toys pose a choking hazard for dogs and can cause intestinal blockage.

Rawhides

Rawhides are some of the most popular dog toys. Dogs love them and spend hours chewing them. Yet, the problem is that dogs can swallow large chunks of rawhides which disrupts digestion. Those large chunks of rawhides will linger in the stomach or intestines. Additionally, rawhides are filled with chemicals.

Toys with Synthetic Stuffing and Squeakers

Squeaker toys, some of the most popular ones on the market, simulate prey, and dogs love them for it.

But not all squeaker toys are safe for dogs. Stay away from synthetic stuffing that can get stuck in your dog’s teeth or throat.

Squeakers, on the other hand, are usually so small that dogs can swallow them, causing choking and intestinal obstructions.

If you want toys that make noise, make sure to get durable toys, made from natural rubber. The safety of these toys depend on your dog’s chewing and play style, but also on the quality of the toy itself.

Hard Toys

As a responsible pet parent, you are better off staying away from antlers and plastic chew bones. Marketed as long-lasting, these toys can pose an even greater risk. The harder the material, the more dangerous it is for dogs. Hard materials can crack your dog’s teeth.

It is one thing to get hard rubber that is durable. But hard plastic? That is a recipe for disaster. Aggressive chewers can break hard toys and splinter them, leaving a sharp and unsafe mess for chewing behind.

Toys Made of Toxic Materials

If you can, always read the toy's label. Most manufacturers will put the materials. Common toxins in pet products include PVC, also known as vinyl, phthalates, and formaldehyde.

Toys with Small Attachments

Think of toys with small pieces like buttons, ribbons, strings, or tags. Any toy with small attachments is dangerous to canines. Your dog can easily tear apart the attachments and probably ingest them.

If you are buying plush toys, make sure they feature embroidery, not buttons.

Are Rope Toys Dangerous for Dogs?

The big challenge with rope toys is they can fray over time. And once they unravel, individual strands can cause chocking.
Additionally, rope toys can harbor bacteria in your dog’s mouth. To be safe, look for a heavy-duty rope made with materials built to last.

Are Chew Toys Dangerous?

As most pet parents know, dogs love to chew, and chew toys provide a healthy outlet for normal canine behavior. But if a chew toy is too hard, it can crack your dog’s teeth.

Always choose a thicker, heavy-duty toy that can handle your dog’s chewing.

How To Be Sure Your Dog’s Toy is Safe?

The simple saying is, “If it’s not durable, it’s not safe”. When you are looking for a great toy for your pup, two of the most important factors are durability and strength.

Brittle toys and toys prone to breaking apart can pose a choking hazard. Arguably the best material is natural rubber.

For example, one of the best and most durable toys, the KONG classic, is made of heavy-duty rubber. Be vigilant and look for companies that manufacture toys made from high-quality rubber.

There are three more factors you need to pay attention to:

· Your dog’s chewing style – heavy chewers and destructive chewers against dogs that do not chew at all. Dogs that chew gently, or only mouth the toy, can do well with a plush toy. Aggressive chewers, on the other hand, need heavy-duty rubber toys.
· Your dog’s preference – do they like toys and use them for chewing, or just for ripping them apart? Toys should provide mental stimulation first and foremost.
· Size – The most dangerous dog toys are small toys in the mouth of a large dog. Pet product manufacturers always list the size of the toy on the packaging to help you decide whether the toy is suitable for your dog.

Final Words

Dogs love squeaker toys and stuffed toys because they stimulate prey. Yet, while your dog may enjoy squeaker toys, it is your job as a pet parent to provide safety and security.

When looking for the next toy for your furry friend, pay attention to size, materials, and durability of the toy. Only when you find one that checks all safety boxes, buy it.

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