Toys are crucial to Fido’s health and well-being. They not only provide your pooch with entertainment and stimulation, they also keep him active and (hopefully) out of mischief. However, there are thousands of toys on the market these days, and they are definitely not one-size-fits-all. A Chesapeake, VA vet offers some advice on choosing dog toys below.

Size

When it comes to anything pet-related, safety should always be the first priority. There are several things to consider here. Size is the first concern. Fido could potentially swallow a toy that is too small for him, or get it stuck in his throat. Choose toys that are the right size for your pooch. If the toy isn’t labeled for sizes, make sure your canine pal can’t swallow it.

Stuffing

If you’re getting a toy that has stuffing, you’ll need to make sure that the filling material is safe. Some products, such as peanut shells, hemp fiber, and polystyrene beads may be non-toxic, but that doesn’t mean they are safe for your furry friend to ingest.

Material

You’ll also want to check the type of material toys are made of. Look and see where the toy was made. It’s generally best to avoid things made overseas: some countries have very loose, vague, or even nonexistent quality control standards for pet products. Unfortunately, some toys have been found to contain things like lead, PVC, BPA, chromium, bromine, and phthalates … none of which are safe for Man’s Best Friend.

Then there’s rawhide, which is still popular despite a rising awareness of the potential dangers. Stronger dogs can break off and ingest pieces, which can cause choking and/or gastrointestinal ruptures or blockages. If you do get your canine friend rawhide, only let him use them when you can supervise him carefully.

Purpose

Different types of toys serve different purposes for dogs. A tennis ball or rope toy would be a fun, active toy, while a Kong toy may be great for occupying your canine pal. Some toys are considered comfort toys, as they’re made more for soothing Fido than keeping him occupied. Your furry buddy’s age, size, and temperament also come into play here. Puppies will need lots of teething toys to gnaw on, while a super-smart pooch may prefer puzzle toys. 

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Chesapeake, VA animal clinic, today!