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!