What Are Safe Chew Toys?

Topic: Chew Bones are they Safe

Filed under Dogs

Tags: Choke, Toys, Bones

 

Many owners make the mistake that any toy sold in a pet store, department store in the pet section or over the internet as a dog toy is safe and appropriate for your pet. In reality there is almost no regulation about safety issues with pet toys and it really is a buyer beware market. Many of the pet stores, especially the larger chain stores will self-regulate, at least to some degree, about what toys they will have on their shelves, however this doesn't mean that they will be safe for all dogs. Smaller pet stores may also be very careful about what they stock on their shelves, but it is still up to the owner to use good judgment and common sense in making the selection.

Children's Toys

Children's toys of any kind are not safe for dogs period. This is because children's toys are designed for kids that may pull things apart and play rough with toys, but not for dogs that have incredibly strong jaws and very sharp teeth. Any type of dog from a tiny toy breed to a huge giant breed is going to chew, especially as a puppy. Human toys are not designed to withstand the puncturing ability and sheer force that can be exerted by a dog on a plastic or fabric item. Wooden toys will splinter and metal toys will result in broken teeth, which in turn will lead to dental problems and digestive issues that can be very serious and lifelong.

The one advantage to children's toys is that the materials used to make and stuff the toys are usually non-toxic, at least to humans. Since dogs and humans are often similar in responses to toxins, this is sometimes used as a validation for giving children's toys to a dog. While it may be true that children's toys are made of mostly non-toxic paints and materials, there have been many toys recalled in the recent past due to contamination with lead and other harmful and deadly materials.

The biggest issue with providing children's toys for dogs is the number of parts that most toys have. Kids like realistic looking toys and dolls that have many different features and functions. These features or accessories are often loosely attached at best and can easily be chewed off and swallowed by a dog or puppy. Think of a typical child's stuffed animal, it may have buttons, plastic or glass eyes, clothing items and possibly even a collar as well as ears, legs and a tail, all which can be chewed off. These items then pose a serious choking hazard for the dog or puppy once they are off the toy.

Some mature dogs may not chew at all and may even have a stuffed toy they carry around and seem to "mother" rather that using it is a play toy or a chew toy. Many owners actually encourage this as a cute trick or personality trait of the dog. While the dog may never actually decide to chew off and try to swallow a button or a glass eye, do you really want to take the chance that he or she might?

Safe Dog Toys

There are a great number of very safe, very well made dog toys on the market, some which are relatively inexpensive and some that are definitely more costly. Despite what consumers may think, the lower to mid priced toys may be just as good of a quality item, they may be just lesser known brands or newer products on the market. It is always better to go with an item you know is safe and as indestructible as possible, rather that a higher priced item that doesn't seem to be as well made.

Stuffed dog toys are only recommended for those dogs that either don't chew or don't find that the object of having a toy is to see how fast they can rip it to pieces. Even good quality, well stitched dog specific stuffed toys are usually not a match for a Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd or even a determined Jack Russell. The more that your dog is likely to tear at toys the less likely it will be that a stuffed toy will make a good play item. One option is to use the well made stuffed toy as a special treat and only allow the dog to play with it when you are there to supervise and interact with the dog. That way if he or she does manage to pull or chew off parts or pieces you can quickly remove the toy and avoid any possible dangers. Try to avoid stuffed toys with squeakers, these are usually a challenge to the dog to see how fast they can determine what is making that weird sound.

Rubber toys are usually very safe and are also good for massaging the gums, helping with teething pains as well as standing up to all kinds of stress and pressure. Solid rubber or hollow rubber toys are very popular and come in a variety of sizes for different types of dogs. The only caution with rubber toys is to remove it at the slightest signs of damage as rubber pieces will not be digested in the body and can lead to intestinal blockages. Of course it is also important to make sure the dog cannot accidentally swallow the toy, so use caution when buying any small toys for large breeds. Durable rubber toys such as Kongs, rubber bones, rubber chew rings or even rubber rings with rope segments for easy throwing are all safe toy options. Rubber dog toys can also be sterilized whenever necessary, which makes them a safe choice as well.

Nylabone makes a huge line of safe, sturdy dog toy products. These range from the consumable Nylabones that make good chew toys all the way through to toys of different shapes and sizes. As with any type of toy be sure to select the right size and watch the toys for any signs or damage that may indicate the toy is becoming unsafe.

Heavy rope toys are a favorite of many dogs, just be sure to constantly watch for fraying or damage to the rope itself. The rope fibers or fringe can be both a choking hazard as well as a potential source of blockage in the intestines if the dog consumes enough of the material.

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