Here are some important tips for selecting the right dog toy
so you can have Safe Dog Play:
Important Information
• Always supervise your dog’s play. They need your watchful eye in order to stay safe. Your pet’s safety is your responsibility (and interactive play is healthy for your dog and for you, too).
• If a toy is damaged and pieces are torn off the toy, take it away from your dog.
• Do NOT let your dog eat toys (or any non-food materials).
• Know your dog’s chewing habits. If your dog has a tendency to eat non-food items and toys, then you must supervise your dog’s toy play at all times. This is the only way to prevent toy eating or swallowing.
Size Matters
• The size of the toy you purchase is dependent upon the size of your dog.
• Always buy a toy that is larger than your dog’s mouth, as this will help prevent your dog from accidentally swallowing it.
• If your dog has chewed up a toy quickly, buy a larger and stronger toy. That is an indication that the size of the toy was too small and not the right match for your dog’s size.
The Chew Factor
• If your dog is an aggressive chewer, select a larger sized dog toy than normal, or an “Extra Strength” dog toy. “Extra Strength” dog toys are made with aggressive chewers in mind to help prevent them from chewing off pieces as easily as a normal strength dog toy.
• With disc or retriever toys, only give your dog the toy during interactive play. Those toys are not intended for chewing, only throwing and fetching.
• Be sure to give your tough-chewing dog at least 30 min of exercise every day. This will help reduce your dog’s energy level and they won’t be as likely to look for toys to chew.