NaturalPet
swallow. Either stay away from squeak toys, or only let your pooch play with them under supervision. Discard the toy as soon as it shows signs of coming apart. Hard rubber is a good material for dog toys. It’s a tough, natural, durable substance that can’t easily be destroyed, even by the most persistent chewer. A perennial favorite is the Kong; it comes in all sizes and can be stuffed with treats for hours of entertainment. Rubber toys in the shape of bones are also suitable. Another good option for canines is a thick, stout rope toy with knotted ends. It’s ideal for tug-of-war games, but shouldn’t be left for the dog to chew on, as the rope can fray and shred over time.
Are Your Pet’s Toys Safe? by Ann Brightman
T
he holidays just wouldn’t be the holidays without some brandnew toys for your four-legged friend. Before heading to the pet store to stock up on playthings for your favorite pooch or kitty, however, keep in mind that not all toys are created equal. Many poor quality toys just aren’t made to withstand a dog’s teeth or a cat’s claws and may come apart easily, causing a swallowing or choking hazard. Others are made from toxic materials that can be equally dangerous if chewed and ingested. Similarly, many household items that you think might make good playthings for your animal can also be hazardous. By learning what to look for when shopping for (or making) toys, you not only ensure your best friend hours of fun and entertainment, but also his health and safety. Many toys that are ideal for cats aren’t safe or suitable for pooches. Take balls, for example. Golf or ping-pong balls may be ideal for frisky felines to bat about, but are too small for most dogs and could get swallowed or caught in his throat.
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What’s the toy made from? For dogs, anything made of plastic should be avoided, since most canines like to chew and sharpen their teeth, and can shred most plastics. Steer clear of all toys made from PVC, for both dogs and cats. This type of plastic leaches toxic chemicals which can cause a variety of health problems when chewed, licked or mouthed. Also stay away from painted toys, unless you are absolutely certain the paint is non-toxic. Wooden toys are another no-no, since wood can easily splinter when chewed.
Tennis balls are a popular dog toy, and perfect for fetch games. Again, though, chewing shouldn’t be encouraged; the fuzz on tennis balls is quite abrasive and can actually cause wear to your dog’s teeth. Discard tennis balls as soon as they show signs of being split or punctured. Soft toys for young children are usually made from non-toxic materials and are free of small parts, such as eyes, which can be swallowed. For the same reason, they can also make good toys for some animals. Most dogs, however, should be supervised when playing with stuffed toys, since these products are easily torn apart. Fillers are often made from nutshells or polystyrene particles, which won’t do your animal any good if eaten. Replace soft toys as soon as they tear.
Rawhide treats and toys of various shapes and sizes are widely sold in many pet stores, but they’re an unwise choice for your canine companion. Not only are they often treated with toxic chemicals, but broken chunks can damage a dog’s GI tract. Larger pieces can even cause intestinal blockages.
String, elastic bands, ribbons, yarn, cords, and similar items should be kept well out of reach of both dogs and cats. If you buy a cat toy with a string or wire attached, be sure to supervise your kitty when she’s playing with it, and put it away the rest of the time.
Squeak toys are usually fine for cats, but they don’t make the best dog toys, especially for larger breeds. A lot of dogs will try to tear these toys apart in an effort to extract the squeaker, which they might then
If you’re playing Santa to your pet this year, take the time to make sure his new toys are both safe and non-toxic. That way, you’ll both have a happy and healthy holiday season!
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