Choosing Safe Dog Toys

Beware of Pet Toys With Parts That Can Break off and Choke a Dog

Jul 14, 2009 Terry McNamee

Today, dog owners have a huge choice of toys for their dog. Toys all look appealing, but some are safer than others, and some are actually dangerous, so shop carefully.

Dogs, like toddlers, need watching! Some toys can be safe if played with while the owner is present, but could become a danger if no one is around and the dog chokes or gets the toy caught in his mouth. If there is any chance a toy could be unsafe when the dog is alone with it, remove the toy after playtime and only allow the dog to play with it when supervised.

Buy the Right Size Dog Toy

Small-dog toys are for small dogs, and don’t suit breeds with bigger mouths. What is safe for a small dog or young puppy can be a choking hazard for a bigger dog. The toy a puppy played with may not be suitable later on as he grows larger, so monitor a dog’s toys as he matures. During teething, a hard artificial bone is good. These are made especially for dogs and last a long time.

The size of the dog is important, but so is jaw strength. A toy that may be safe for a breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be dangerous for a smaller terrier whose jaws are much stronger. Some small dogs, especially terriers, have more power in their jaws than breeds that are twice their size, so they may need “big-dog” toys like Kongs™.

Toys With Moving Parts Are Unsafe

One of the first things to look for in a toy is whether it has moving parts that can come off or break off and become a serious choking hazard. An example is a ball with a bell inside. If the dog manages to break the ball open, he could try to swallow the bell or get it caught in his teeth. Openings in a toy are also dangerous. Some hard rubber balls are hollow and have a hole on the side. A dog can get a tooth caught in the hole, essentially locking the dog’s mouth open.

If the dog likes toys that squeak, look for a toy that has the squeaker made as part of the mold. Separate squeakers often have metal pieces inside, and both the squeaker and the metal bits are dangerous once the dog gets them off the toy — and he will!

Cheap painted toys may have lead paint. Pay extra for a well-known brand, or buy a toy that is certified safe for babies. Even so, check it over and make sure it is safe for a dog to play with.

Hard plastic toys can shatter when the dog chews them, creating sharp edges that can cut paws, mouths and throats. Soft latex or plastic toys may end up destroyed by the dog, but any swallowed pieces will pass harmlessly through his digestive tract and do nothing more than create some colourful “stoop and scoop” experiences a day or so later.

Stuffies: Some Dogs Love Them

Plush dog toys, or stuffies, come in many sizes and both with and without squeakers or noisemakers. Generally, bigger is better. Tiny toys are always a choking hazard. Some dogs will try to dismember stuffies, so generally playtime needs to be supervised, at least until the owner can be sure the toy will not be shredded.

Sometimes dogs are driven to find out where the squeaker is, and will perform surgery on the toy until the piece is extricated. Then it may be the dog that needs surgery if he swallows the squeaker.

Rawhide Chew Toys

The jury is sill out on rawhides. Some dog owners and breeders swear by them. Some refuse to buy them, insisting they are hazardous. The safest thing to do is avoid them unless absolutely sure they are safe. Talk to a veterinarian about them before deciding what to do.

The copyright of the article Choosing Safe Dog Toys in Dogs is owned by Terry McNamee. Permission to republish Choosing Safe Dog Toys in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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