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How to Find the Right and Safest Dog Toys.

Toys are not a luxury for dogs and other pets, but rather a requirement. And safe dog toys are the best way to fulfill the requirement.
Toys are important for your dog’s health. When you have to leave your dog at home, toys help them pass the time and offer comfort when they are anxious. Safe dog toys may also aid in the prevention of such problem habits in your dog.
While cats can be picky when it comes to toys, dogs will always play with everything they can get their hands on. That means you’ll have to keep a close eye on your dog’s playtime to make sure no “unscheduled” events occur.

Dog Toys and Safety:

A toy’s safety or risk is determined by a variety of variables, some of which are based on your dog’s size, activity level, and preferences. Another factor to think about is the setting in which your dog spends his or her time. While we cannot guarantee the safety of any particular toy, we can include the following recommendations.

The things that dogs find most enticing are often the things that are the most dangerous. Remove string, ribbon, rubber bands, children’s toys, pantyhose, and other inedible items from your home to make it dog-proof.

Make sure you have toys that are the right size for your dog. Smaller toys are more likely to be swallowed or stuck in your dog’s throat.
If your dog is playing with squeaky toys, keep an eye on them because they can feel compelled to find and kill the source of the squeaking, which means they may eat it if left unattended.

Remove any ribbons, strings, eyes, or other bits that could be chewed off and swallowed from any toys that aren’t “dog-proof.” Toys that begin to fall apart or are torn should be discarded. Check stuffed toys for signs stating that they are suitable for children under the age of three and that they do not contain any potentially harmful fillings. Nutshells and polystyrene beads are both problematic fillings, but even “healthy” stuffings aren’t fully digestible. Soft toys are not indestructible, but some are more durable than others. Machine-washable soft toys are recommended.

Suggested toys:

a. Active toys

Nylabone® and Kong®-style goods are hard rubber toys that come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fun to chew and carry around. Rope and woven toys in a “bone” shape with knotted ends are usually available for dogs who enjoy tug-of-war and chewing on fascinating textures.

Tennis balls are excellent fetching toys for dogs, but they don’t hold up well to chewing. Tennis balls that have been chewed on should be discarded because they can cause choking in your pet.

b. Distraction toys

Kong®-style toys can keep a puppy or dog occupied for hours, particularly when packed with broken-up treats. (If your vet says your dog should eat peanut butter, make sure it’s not sweetened with xylitol, which is poisonous to pets, and mix some in with the crushed-up treats for a tastier, and more active, snack.)

Big rubber shapes that can be filled with treats are known as “busy-box” or “feeder” toys. Your dog can get to the treats by pushing the cube around with their nose, mouth, and paws. Many dogs profit from being fed via a feeder-style toy if they consume their food too fast.

c. Toys for relaxing:

Soft stuffed toys are useful for a variety of reasons, but they are not suitable for all dogs. Here are some pointers on picking the best-stuffed animal:
• Some dogs like carrying soft toys around with them. Choose a toy that is small enough to hold if your dog sees their toy as a friend.
• Since some dogs like to shake or “destroy” their toys, choose one that is big enough to avoid unintentional swallowing while still being strong enough to withstand the dog’s attacks.

Dirty laundry, such as an old t-shirt, pillowcase, towel, or blanket, can provide a lot of comfort to a dog, particularly if it smells like you! Be aware that diligent fluffing, holding, and nosing can cause the item to be lost.

Use The Senses Before Buying:

When determining whether a dog chew or toy is clean, keep in mind that strong chemical scents indicate the presence of residual chemicals. When wet, brightly colored fabrics can contain toxic ingredients and leach dye. (Fabric dyes aren’t checked for protection before being consumed.)
Toys treated with fire retardants or stain guard should be avoided because formaldehyde and other chemicals can be present. For more details, read the labels and go to the manufacturer’s website. Companies that are ethical are open about their procedures.
Secure fun and mysterious edges and flimsy seams are always at odds in a dog’s world, where the most alluring items are made of mysterious edges and flimsy seams. As long as the toy industry is an unsupervised sandbox, it is up to concerned parents to keep an eye on the ball, ring, and squeaky toy.