Choosing the Right Toy for your Dog

Toys are important for all dogs, both to alleviate boredom and provide entertainment and exercise. They also help to curb unwanted behaviors and habits. Choosing the right toy though can be overwhelming. With a market full of choices how do you know which one is right?

·         Be sure you choose toys that are size, strength and age appropriate. Smaller dogs need toys that are small enough they can easily fit them in their mouth, big dogs need toys that are large enough that they won't risk choking. It is also important to be sure that toys for large dogs are tough enough to withstand vigorous play. 

·         Toys need to be safe. Before giving your dog a toy be sure that there aren't any pieces that could come off easily and be swallowed. It is also important to be sure that toys are non-toxic. Even dogs that aren't prone to destroying toys can sometimes swallow little bits of the toy. Toys should be made of cotton if at all possible because other materials may not break down in your dogs systems.

·         Avoid giving plastic toys. Toys made from plastic can break easily and leave a sharp edge. This can lead to cut gums or even broken teeth. Instead choose toys that made or hard rubber and be sure to check them often to make sure they aren't cracked and that pieces aren't breaking off. 

·         Avoid giving rawhide toys. Rawhide chews or toys quickly become soft when the dog starts chewing and can easily get lodged in a dogs throat. It is also possible that the if the dog swallows a large piece it could become stuck somewhere in their digestive system.

·         Make the most out of the toys you have. Be sure to rotate a couple toys at a time to keep your dog interested. Keep one or two toys out constantly that your dog is attached to but keep the other ones rotating so they always seem new. Also try to provide a variety toys so that your dog has toys that satisfy his instincts to "carry", "kill", "find" and one just to cuddle with.

No matter which toys you decide to purchase you should always inspect them for signs of wear and tear. Never punish a dog for destroying a toy. It's in most dogs nature to chew things up and the important thing is to focus that instinct on something other than your personal belongings!

Canine Blood Donors - How dogs can give blood

In much the same way humans donate blood to save lives, dogs now can as well. If pets suffer trauma, lose too much blood during surgery or struggle with an immune disease they may need a transfusion from a fellow canine to save them.  In the past ten to 20 years donation centers for pets have cropped up to collect blood and save lives.

There are two types of donation centers for pets. The first is a clinic where pet owners bring their pets in to donate blood. These clinics typically offer incentives to their volunteers which may include free health screenings and blood tests as well treats or toys for the dog. The second is a facility that uses shelter animals that might otherwise have been euthanized as donors and then helps to get them adopted once they have donated.  Animals in these facilities are given training, love and attention from volunteers while they are there. 

One single donation from a dog can save up to four lives, which is a great incentive to bring your dog in. There are several things to consider before taking in your dog to donate. Dogs must be between one and six years old and weigh at least 50 pounds. Dogs must also not be on any medications and be current on health screenings and shots. The dog also needs to be calm enough in a veterinary setting to be able to lie still for the 10 minutes that it takes to collect the blood. 

The first thing that happens when you bring your dog in is that they are screen for any blood-borne diseases and their blood is typed. A dog’s blood type can be one of six major blood types (there are actually up to 13 blood types but most are minor differences). The most sought after blood type for donations is called DEA 1.1 negative. This blood type is the “universal” blood type for dogs and can safely be given to any dog. If all of the criteria is met and your dog is a good candidate they will be able to donate every two to three months. 

If you are interested in donating contact your veterinarian and find a center close to you. Many schools offering veterinary programs will accept donations and are a good place to start if you live close to one.