Like most things you give your dog, you have to be careful when deciding what types of toys you are giving them. Some toys can be too hard or bad to eat so it’s important to think about how destructive your dog is and the risk factor of a certain toy. In this post, I’ll walk you through a list of good and bad types of toys for your dogs.
Bad:
- Ball Toys
- Rubber ball toys can be dangerous to play with. When the pieces break off while they chew the toy, it can be a choking hazard. The ball itself can also be a choking hazard as they can become slippery when the dog gnaws on it and could slip into their throat. Something like a tennis ball is safer because the fabric covering gives the ball a better grip.
- Bones
- Some bones can cause harm to your dog. Like a ball toy, pieces of the bone can break off and be a choking hazard and the bone could potentially be swallowed and get stuck in their throat. Avoid give your dog any rib or poultry bones because those splinter very easy.
- Stuffed Toys
- These toys contain a stuffing called poly-fil. Not only can this be a choking hazard but if the dog swallows the stuffing, it can lead to intestinal problems as it is really hard for them to digest it at all.
- Rawhide Bones
- This is a very common toy that people give their dogs but it can cause a lot of problems. when the dog is chewing the bone, pieces of it break off very easily. This again can be a choking hazard and it also can block up their intestines if the pieces are too big. This type of chew is also difficult for them to digest.
Good:
- West Paw Dog Toys
- This brand makes all different shapes of chews for your dogs so it is a bit more difficult for the dog to choke on the chew itself. They also use completely safe and non-toxic materials to make the toys and they are also latex-free making it safer for your dog to eat it if they do.
- Benebone
- This is a softer bone made of nylon so it doesn’t hurt your dog’s teeth as much as other bones. Because it is a softer material, it is also harder for it to break or splinter.
- Kong Toys
- These toys are very soft for your dog to chew on and wear-down or break very slowly. This type of toy can also be a treat as you can fill most of these toys with something like treats or peanut butter to keep your dog distracted and entertained for a long time.
- References:
- https://www.westpaw.com/blogs/scoop/safest-dog-toys-0
- https://www.dog.com/dog-articles/dangerous-dog-toys/2066/
- https://www.benebone.com/safety/
April 18, 2022 at 1:32 am
My dog had a stuffed Pluto toy that lasted his whole life without bursting.
April 19, 2022 at 9:07 pm
I am pretty conscious about the toys our dog plays with, so I knew about a lot of these! This was well-researched and explained. I love to see that Kong toys are on here. Those are some of our dog’s favorite toys. They are well-made and heavy duty. I’ll have to look into West Paw. I’ve never heard of them! Great post.
April 20, 2022 at 4:11 am
This was very useful! As someone who wants to own a dog in the future, I would have bought him/her a hard bone without thinking anything of it. I didn’t realize that hard parts of the bone could hurt their intestines and could become a potential choking hazard. Rubber ball toys seem so popular so I was fascinated that they aren’t safe for dogs and will recommend against them if I see a dog using one.
May 5, 2023 at 6:52 am
While the safety of dog toys is a well-known concern for pet owners, the same level of scrutiny may not always be given to toys that are not specifically designed for dogs, such as remote control cars. It is important to consider the potential hazards posed by the toy, including its size, material, and any small parts that could be swallowed or cause injury. Additionally, the level of supervision required during play should be evaluated to ensure that the dog is not at risk of harm while playing with the remote control car. Ultimately, careful consideration and research can help pet owners determine whether a remote control car is a safe option for their furry friend to play with.