Finding Safe Dog Toys

As a dog owner, it is important to provide your dog with a variety of toys. The toys will help to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated while keeping him out of trouble. But it is also important to keep in mind that not just any toy is a safe option for your dog. Take the time to investigate different toys to find the ones best suited for your specific dog.

First of all, it is usually best to look for toys made especially for dogs. While it may be tempting to throw your dog a toy made for children, the truth of the matter is that children’s toys are not always safe for dogs. They may be made out of materials that should not be held in the mouth, or of materials that are relatively easy to break. Your dog will have better luck with a toy designed for a dog’s way of playing.

Next, choose a toy that is size appropriate for your dog. This is especially important when providing toys for big dogs. If a larger dog gets a toy that is made for a lap dog, he may end up breaking the toy, or even swallowing all or part of the toy and choking. Find a toy that was designed specifically for your size dog to ensure safety and durability.

Avoid toys with decorative embellishments. Though these elements may be pleasing to look at, often times they are easy to break off of the toy. Your dog could get them into his mouth, potentially choking on the pieces. Additionally, when they do break off of the toy, they create more of a mess around your home. The same thing goes for soft toys filled with stuffing. Your dog can easily rip the toy open, tearing out the insides. Again, he may potentially choke on the insides of the toy. If you do provide these types of toys for your dog, be sure to only give them to him when you are around to supervise the situation. Never leave him alone with these toys.

As a general rule of thumb, find toys that are size appropriate for your dog. Be sure that the toy is made out of a non-toxic, durable material that your dog will not be able to easily break apart. Stay way from toys with pieces that may become choking hazards. And when in doubt, always supervise your dog with the toys.