TOYLAND FOR POOCHES

Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

by Karen Shaw Becker

Most healthy dogs retain their love of play throughout their lives. Because canine family members can be loosely compared to perpetual human toddlers, it makes sense that they enjoy playtime no matter their age.

Most dogs are also fascinated, at least temporarily, with toys made just for them. Some love to chase a ball or Frisbee and others like a good game of tug or stuff ed toys. Most dogs seem to enjoy playthings that squeak when they bite them, possibly because the noise brings to mind the sound of captured prey, or perhaps because pet parents give their dogs extra attention when they “get their squeak on”.

Most dogs in the U.S. have lots of toys, and many pet parents practice trial-anderror to determine what type their dog prefers—and which are safest—from a mind-blowing selection of tugs, balls, discs, chews, puzzles, squeaky or stuff ed toys and more. Because many pet stores welcome dogs, some pet parents even bring their four-legged family members along and allow them to sniff out their favorites.

It’s important to select a dog’s toys carefully, because not every option is a good choice. For example, some dogs, especially large breeds, tend to rip soft toys apart within seconds to taste-test the stuffi ng. Th ere are also dogs that can swallow small soft toys whole. A pup’s temperament, size and age all play a role in determining which toys are safe, and there are also considerations based on the toy itself, such as materials used, size, shape and more.

Potentially Toxic Toys

Pet toys are not regulated, so they can be made with virtually any material. Plastic toys, in particular, can be dangerous, because many contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). Old or weathered toys such as those left outside leach higher concentrations of harmful chemicals.

While BPA-free toys are available, the toxin may have been replaced with similar—or even more toxic—chemicals, including bisphenol-S (BPS), so “BPAfree” unfortunately isn’t a reliable indicator of toy safety. Other adulterants found in dog toys include heavy metals like lead and formaldehyde. When looking for new

toys, choose those made in the U.S. out of 100 percent natural rubber, organic cotton or other eco-friendly and contaminant-free materials. Try the sniff test. If a toy being considered smells strongly of chemicals, put it back. Testing shows that some tennis balls made for pets contain more contaminants than those made for sports.

The best toys for pets are usually hand- made by individuals or very small companies and can be found at local farmers’ markets or sold regionally in small, independent pet stores. There’s no plethora of companies that produce 100 percent organic toys, but some great, allnatural toys can be found online.

What Dogs Seem to Prefer

Researchers have discovered that regardless of the type of toy, once a dog is completely familiar with the sight, sound, smell and feel of it, boredom can set in. In addition, we may want to avoid “indestructible” toys the dog can’t make a dent in, because they enjoy toys they can pull apart and destroy, or those that are edible.

Offering a dog easily destroyed toys isn’t ideal, either, as they may accidently or intentionally ingest some of the non-edible pieces. A good alternative is recreational bones (large, raw chunks of beef and bison femur bones), which are quite enjoyable to most dogs, even though they’re not technically toys. Lick mats that hold a soft food treat are also a great environmental enrichment choice for dogs that tend to destroy toys quickly.

Treat-release puzzle toys, toys meant to be chewed and those that make noise or are edible (like a nontoxic dental bone) can also be good options, while toys that are hard, unyielding and silent will probably not be a big hit.

Don’t underestimate our human ability to stimulate a dog’s interests. A session of playtime—playing fetch, tug-of-war or hide-and-seek—will be far more stimulating to the pup than any toy could be.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

Tips for Selecting Safe Dog Toys

These guidelines compiled by VetStreet.com are recommended by veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker to help in choosing toys that will keep a dog not only happy, but safe.

n Choose toys that are the right size for your dog. Giving a small toy to a large dog poses a risk of inhalation and choking. Small balls are especially dangerous, as they can easily become lodged in your dog’s trachea. Generally speaking, you should choose large toys for large dogs and smaller toys only for smaller dogs. n Avoid toys that have small parts that can be chewed or pulled off and those with sharp edges or that can be chewed into sharp points. n When playing fetch, avoid toys that are heavy or hard enough to damage your dog’s teeth or injure him. n If your dog likes to de-stuff toys, be sure he’s not eating the stuffing. Some dogs really enjoy stuffing-free toys.

Toys That Require Close Supervision

n Long, rope-like or tug toys, since they can become wrapped around your dog’s neck n Squeaky toys if your dog likes to play “rip out the squeaker” n Battery-operated toys, because if your dog manages to get the batteries out and swallows them, it can result in battery toxicosis n Tennis balls, which can be a choking hazard for large dogs, and the abrasive fuzz may wear down the teeth of an aggressive or persistent chewer n Frisbees and similar flying discs that may cause your dog to jump up and twist simultaneously, which can lead to leg and back injuries

Toys to Avoid

n String, ribbon, pantyhose, socks and rubber bands, all of which can be swallowed and cause life-threatening complications in the digestive tract n Children’s toys (such as stuffed animals); they’re not designed to withstand the type of play dogs engage in n Toys stuffed with beads or beans n Rocks and sticks n Containers (including bags) large enough for your dog to put his head in; if it becomes stuck, he can suffocate n Tug toys for dogs with neck or back problems, such as herniated disks n Rubber toys with a hole in only one end, as they can form a vacuum that catches your dog’s tongue n Rawhide chews aren’t recommended for several reasons, including that they pose a high risk of choking and intestinal obstruction

JANUARY

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FeBRUARY

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Evidential Intuitive Mediumship Readings – 10am. Richard La Rocco, Evidential Intuitive Medium, brings forth messages of healing with your loved ones. 1-hr readings. $150 cash only. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

The Galactic Federation of Worlds and the Seven

Sacred Rays – 7-9:30 pm. With Dottie Woodward. Who are they? Where are they? What is our relationship with them? Also, receive a Star Fire Energies Transmission. $30. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@ Gracefull-Heart.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3

Restorative Yoga with Reiki – 6-7:30pm. Rejuvenate body, mind and spirit in restful poses using props, and enjoy the healing benefits of reiki. No yoga experience needed. $25. Mella Luna Studios, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. 717-486-7823. Register: MellaLunaStudios.simpletix.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Language of Light – 7-9pm. With Linda GarehApplegate. Do you want to switch on your light language? Experience the Language of Light in different formats. Receive “Galactic Alignment” which may activate your own Language of Light. $22. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@ Gracefull-Heart.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

Stone Wire Wrapping – 6pm. Choose from 3 stones, learn basic wire wrapping techniques and wrap one natural stone. All supplies provided. Makes a great gift. $15. The Center of Balance, LLC, 29 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. Pre-registration required: 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

Psychic Readings – 10am. Psychic William Stillman connects to the spirit realm to bring forth messages in private, 1-hr sessions. $150. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com. Finding Inner Peace in an Age of Anxiety – 10am4pm. Join Mindfulness Teacher Sensei Tony Stultz for a very special winter retreat. $50 suggested donation. Allenberry Resort, 1559 Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs. AskSenseiTony.com/registration. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

Gem Talks with Jess – 11am-12pm. 2nd Sat. Learn how to work with, identify, cleanse and talk to your crystals. With over 30 years’ experience working with gemstones, Jess wants to share her wisdom and guidance with you. Connect with fellow gem lovers for this oneof-a-kind event. Free. Ascension Holistics, 1004 E Walnut St, Palmyra. Register: 717856-7367 or AscensionHolistics.com.

Teatime with Tigerlily: The 12 Days of Christmas – 1-4pm. Enjoy an afternoon of tea and light snacks learning an astrological perspective of the 12 days of Christmas presented by Susan Aughinbaugh. $45. Mella Luna Studios, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. 717-486-7823. Register by Dec 8: MellaLunaStudios.simpletix.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Tarot Readings – 10am. Reader John Tucker answers questions through the tarot in these private sessions. Hr or half-hr options. $75. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com. Satsang – 2-5pm. Nigel Taylor will share insights and wisdom to assist in embracing the Golden Age awakening within humanity. Questions will also be addressed during this gathering of spiritual sharing.$65. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Preregister: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Guided Animal Journey: Buffalo Medicine – 4pm. Shamanic Practitioner Angie Yingst leads this guided shamanic animal medicine journey: Exploring the North with Buffalo. Zoom or inperson available. $40. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13

Harp and Handbells Holiday Concert – 7pm. Louis Lynch (harpist) and the First UMC Handbell Choir, will delight your senses and transport you from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with a variety of music to soothe and rest your soul. Free. Fredricksen Library, 100 N 19th St, Camp Hill. 717-761-3900. FredricksenLibrary.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Psychic Readings – 12pm. Psychic William Stillman connects to the spirit realm to bring forth messages in private, 1-hr sessions. $150. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15

Shamanic Journey for Clarity and Healing – 6-7pm. Experience a journey with your guides and helpers. No previous journeying experience needed. $10. Mella Luna Studios, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. 717-486-7823. Register: MellaLunaStudios.simpletix.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

Shamanic Journey and Sound Healing Around the Stargate – 7-9pm. With Linda Gareh-Applegate, Holly Blyler, Sharon Askey.Relax, rejuvenate and rebalance with potent sound healing. Sound can

provide an opportunity to breakdown patterns no longer serving you. $20. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

Glass Fusing Class – 11am. Create a 2-inch x 1.5-inch one-of-a-kind glass art piece, which can be made into jewelry. Learn basic art and glass fusing techniques, design piece; pick up fi red piece by 4pm or by next day. All supplies provided. $15. The Center of Balance, LLC, 29 N Jeff erson St, Greencastle. Pre-registration required: 717-6431404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com. Full Moon Guided Meditation Ceremony – 7-8pm. Learn how to work with the moon phases in your meditation practice. Ceremony features sage smudging, gemstone cleansing and intention setting meditation. Will make moon water to take home; bring a mason jar with a lid. $20. Ascension Holistics, 1004 E Walnut St, Palmyra. Register: 717-856-7367 or AscensionHolistics.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21

Winter Solstice Ceremony – 7-8pm. Connect and honor your sacred self with a winter solstice ceremony which includes smudge and gemstone cleansing and cord cutting. Take time to honor the year with a season themed meditation and an intention setting ceremony. $20. Ascension Holistics, 1004 E Walnut St, Palmyra. Register: 717-856-7367 or AscensionHolistics.com.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

savethedate

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Raindrop Essential Oil Process – 10am3:30pm. Class provides everything you need to perform a Raindrop Process on family, friends and clients. Topics include history of raindrop, background of essential oils and techniques for applying, plus hands-on training. Receive a complete set of 9 properly diluted essential oils for personal use if registered and paid by Jan 2. $225. Health Quest Holistics, 1517 N 7th St, Lebanon. 717-228-0612. Healthquest4Life.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

savethedate

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

Foot Refl exology Certifi cation Class – 10am4pm. Learn basic knowledge and understanding in anatomy and physiology to better know where to work the foot for healing. Wonderful entry level course for those wanting more knowledge and skill. The second part of the class is completely hands-on, so you feel comfortable doing a foot refl exology session on friends, family, and even starting own refl exology business. After completing the class, those who wish to become certifi ed will submit a case study assignment and complete a practical exam. 10 CEUs with the NCBTMB. $325 course; $50 certifi cation. Health Quest Holistics, 1517 N 7th St, Lebanon. 717-228-0612. Healthquest4Life.com.

ongoing events

tuesday

Meditative Yoga – 10-11am. With Nancy Bie. Suitable for all levels. In this class move through gentle yoga poses, use breath work, and relax in the stillness of yin poses to create a meditative state. $10. Mella Luna Studios, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. Register: 717-486-7823. Align & Unwind Yoga – 6-7pm. All levels welcome; small group class. This style focuses on your body alignment and relaxation. Give your body some TLC, bring your mat and come fl ow with us. $20/drop-in; discounted multi-class passes available. Ascension Holistics, 1004 E Walnut St, Palmyra. Register: 717-856-7367 or AscensionHolistics.com.

saturday

Gem Talks with Jess – 11am-12pm. 2nd Sat. Learn how to work with, identify, cleanse and talk to your crystals. With over 30 years’ experience working with gemstones, Jess wants to share her wisdom and guidance with you. Connect with fellow gem lovers for this one-of-a-kind event. Free. Ascension Holistics, 1004 E Walnut St, Palmyra. Register: 717856-7367 or AscensionHolistics.com. NOTE: For guidelines and to submit a classified listing, email Publisher@ NaturalCentralPA.com. Listings are $25 for up to 25 words, or $1 per word over 25 words. Deadline is the 1st, for the next month. BOOKS

The True School Is Life – Books for conscious living such as: Recognize and Heal Yourself through the Power of the Spirit; Living and Dying to Keep on Living; Cause and Development of All Illness; The Life I Chose Myself… and much more. 20% off with coupon code: OFF20. 1-844576-0937. Gabriele-Publishing-House.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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ENERGY WORK

BRENNAN HEALING SCIENCE – Create a bridge to your health through your vital energy system. Understand your energy fi eld, understand yourself. Experience transformational healing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Visit EnergyBodyWorks.com and Tinyurl.com/Asha-HER-Summit. Asha Scatchard, 717-843-5672.

HELP WANTED

SALESPERSON/COMMUNITY LIAISON –

Natural Awakenings is looking for experienced people with a passion for healthy, holistic and sustainable living to earn a generous commission working to grow the print and digital services of Natural Awakenings South Central PA as an independent contractor. Relationship-oriented sales, part-time or full-time, overachievers welcome! Email your resume to Publisher@NaturalCentralPA.com. SONNEWALD NATURAL FOODS – Are you passionate about healthy and regenerative living? We are looking for individuals who are highly motivated, self-managing and team oriented! Applications available at Sonnewald.org. See ad, back cover.

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