SAFE DOG TOYS FOR YOUR PUPPY

 

 

 

Believe it or not there are right and wrong toys for your puppy. The dog toys should suit her to avoid injury. The first thing to know is to avoid rubber toys. Always. They are easy to pop, shred and swallow. This can be both harmful and costly. When rubber makes it to the stomach and intestine, it swells and can easily block the digestive tract and cause an obstruction which requires surgery and hospitalization for toxicity due to the inability to void. Rubber toys are always made to look clever, but unless you only give them to her while you play with supervision, they should be avoided.

Plush squeaky dog toys are probably the most harmless to any dog. They are soft and fun to mouth, they squeak which is quite delightful if you are a dog, or a kid! If they come apart it is best to throw them away, or at least discard the batting. The same is true for any ‘parts’ that may become dislodged. Plush dog toys are available at any pet store as well as dollar and discount stores.

Puppies love to chew. And again, there are good things to chew, and bad things to chew. You would probably rather she didn’t teeth on your grand piano leg or coffee table corner, so provide her with things that are appropriate and safe. Rawhide is not a good idea. They love it but it usually ends up getting eaten and can upset or even block her digestive system. Even if it passes, it will probably cause gas and diarrhea. Better would be do give her a nylon bone, one big enough for her to hold in her paws and gnaw on. They should be discarded and replaced when the ends are chewed away.
  One of the favorite things to do with any dog is to play ball! Balls should not be so big that they run over your puppy, nor should they be small enough to be a choking hazard. Dogs frequently inhale or swallow balls that are too small, and again this is hazardous to their health, and your pocket book. A word of warning, however, once the ball is broken, that is, once you can ‘pop’ it in your hand by squeezing it, throw it away. It just became a hazard. A broken ball can now easily be pulled apart and swallowed. Time for a new one.

Socks with knots tied in them still make excellent tug-o-war toys. If you tie knots in the socks and keep them in her special toy box or basket, she will quickly differentiate between what is yours and what is hers. Don’t allow her to chew on socks, they too can be swallowed and cause a blockage.

 

 

If you don’t want to encourage her to find socks to play with, heavy, rip proof rubber pull toys are available and are probably easier to grasp. For you, that is.     You should offer your puppy lots of dog toys. Some that are different shapes, and sizes. Some that make different noises. The more she has to do that is acceptable, the less trouble she will tend to get into. Make sure she has things everywhere to avoid her getting ‘bored’ and finding something ‘to do’!

I am sure you won’t like her plan much. Follow these basic strategies to help protect her from dangers. Being a puppy should be lots of fun.

 

About The Author
Laura Anderson is a veterinary technician with a 15 year history as a veterinary office manager and emergency technician. Her website is meant to help new puppy owners find a compatible lifestyle with their new friends.
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