The Best Toys for Big Dogs and Small Dogs
How to Select the Safest, Most Durable Dog Toys Available
Sep 29, 2009
Dogs love to chew--that's a fact. It's important for dog owners to recognize this need and to take steps to provide their dogs with appropriate dog toys that are as safe as possible. It's important to keep in mind that not all dog toys are created equal--some are, in fact, quite dangerous and pose a threat to your dog's health and life. Further, some toys that may be perfectly safe for toy and small breeds of dog may be hazardous to larger breeds with strong jaws and enormous chewing power.
Discuss Which Dog Toys to Buy with a Veterinarian
With the exception of very experienced dog owners, before purchasing dog toys it's a good idea to consult a veterinarian about which toys are appropriate. The size, activity level, temperament and "chewing style" of the dog are important considerations when deciding which dog toys to purchase. However, veterinarian recommendations, even from the most qualified veterinarians, are based on broad knowledge of dog breeds. No two dogs, even within the same breed, are alike. The ultimate responsibility for a dog's safety lies with his person, not his veterinarian. For example, "chewing style" can differ between two dogs of the same breed. While Mastiff #1 may enjoy perfectly safe play time with a hard rubber toy, Mastiff #2 may choose to pull off tiny pieces and eat them, making the toy inappropriate and dangerous for him.
Purchase Dog Toys Durable Enough For Even the Toughest Chewers
So which dog toys are best? Again, these are general guidelines, but they're a good place to start:
- Nylabone® produces a variety of safe, durable toys for dogs of every size, age and activity level. From plush toys with "durable bellies" to the "Galileo" hard nylon bone designed for the toughest chewer, Nylabone is a good source for safe play for dogs. Kong® is another company that produces durable dog toys for rough chewers. Dogs love the bouncy, hard rubber toys for chewing and fetching.
- Choose plush toys carefully. Cheaply constructed plush dog toys that pull apart easily are a waste of money and can be dangerous for dogs. Look for plush toys with secure stitching and deeply embedded squeakers. Fairly new to the dog toy market are several lines of "unstuffed" plush toys, which afford dogs all the fun of a soft chew without the worry of piles of white fluff littering the floor. Tuffy's dog toys by VIP Products are probably the toughest plush dog toy on the market--perfect for the roughest, toughest chewers. True, they cost a bit more, but they are so durable and long-lasting that they are well worth the price.
- Rope toys are generally safe choices and dogs love them. Just be sure to choose rope toys that are tightly wound and contain no artificial colors or flavors.
- The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends interactive "busy box" type toys, i.e., rubber or plastic cubes in which treats may be inserted. Dogs are extremely food-motivated, and get a kick out of pawing, pushing, tossing and nosing the cube around until the treats fall out.
Dogs Love Rawhide...But is It Safe?
Just because a dog enjoys chewing on something doesn't mean that it should be permitted. Although some dogs chew on rawhide their whole lives without incident, there are risks worth considering, especially since there are an abundance of much safer dog toys available. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends that dogs chew on rawhide only under direct supervision. Consider the following risks before purchasing rawhide:
- Rawhide is an unregulated industry, which means that there are NO safety requirements in place. Rawhide manufactured in foreign countries, especially, is vulnerable to contamination. Not to mention, according to the HSUS, that rawhide very often is a product of the very cruel and inhumane international fur trade.
- Rawhide presents a choking hazard, especially to small dogs or big dogs who have a tendency to bite off huge chunks. Some experts recommend that rawhide never be given to toy or small breeds.
- Cheap rawhide, when swallowed, can cause gastrointestinal distress and even blockage.
No Matter How Safe the Dog Toy, Always Watch Dogs Closely
Finally, no matter how safe and durable certain toys may be, playtime should always be monitored closely and toys should be checked daily for excessive wear. Follow the instructions that come with each individual toy. Even the toughest dog toy can become helpless in the jaws of a determined canine. For example, if a dog begins to bite off large chunks of a toy or uncovers that elusive squeaker, the toy (or offending squeaker) should be taken from him immediately. Remember, every dog is different and has his own specific play requirements.
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