Our canine companions are very playful, which is one reason they’re just so much fun to have around. Playing is actually great for Fido mentally, physically, and emotionally. Buying dog toys isn’t difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind when picking up your furry buddy’s playthings. An Aurora CO vet discusses a few of them below.
What Are The Best Dog Toys?
There’s no one answer here: it varies from pooch to pooch! Size is one of the most important things to look at. Fido’s toys are definitely not one-size-fits-all. A larger breed could choke on something made for smaller dogs. You’ll also need to consider Fido’s age, temperament, breed, personality, and chewing habits. If your canine buddy is still a puppy, he’ll need rugged toys that can hold up to all that gnawing. A larger, more active dog may want lots of things like tennis balls and other toys you can toss. A dog that stays home alone during the day will likely benefit from puzzle toys, while a timid one may prefer comfort toys to snuggle with.
How Do I Care For Dog Toys?
Many of your furry pal’s playthings are machine washable. Most stuffed animals can be tossed into the washer. Use a gentle, unscented detergent and tumble dry on low. Rope toys can be cleaned in the microwave. Remove any metal bits, soak it in water, and then nuke it for a minute. Be sure to let it cool before giving it back to your canine friend! As for plastic and rubber toys, those can usually go in the dishwasher. Don’t use soap: steam and hot water should do the trick. Always check label instructions to be sure, though.
What Are The Safest Dog Toys?
If there is a safety issue with a specific dog toy, it’s usually because of one of two things. The first is choking/ingestion possibilities. Choose durable playthings that won’t break into small pieces. Be careful with squeaker toys! Some pups will go for that squeaky bit, which is definitely not safe for them to chew or swallow. The other concern is toxicity. Unfortunately, many dog toys have been found to contain harmful products, such as BPAs. Check the label, and find out where it was manufactured. Items from overseas can be risky here, as not all countries have strict standards on this.
Do you have questions about choosing dog toys? Contact us, your local Aurora CO, pet hospital, today!
