What to Look for in Dog Chew Toys
Dog chew toys are some of the best gifts you can get yourself and your dog. Dogs have the natural inclination to chew. Toys for chewing are the best solution to stop them from gnawing on your shoe, sofa, bags and clothes. At the same time, chew toys can help decrease pet anxiety and prevent accidental swallowing of foreign objects. Your dog’s enjoyment, safety and satisfaction, however, depend on finding the right toys.
Select the Proper Size
Dogs do not come in one size. The chew toy that you pick should be just right for the size of your dog. If the toy is too big, your dog may not like to play with it at all. On the other hand, if the toy is too small, he might accidentally swallow it and choke on it. You really should know about your dog’s breed and size well to get the appropriate toy size. Many reputable chew toy manufacturers will have clear warnings on their labels to help you decide on whether a toy is appropriate for your pet.
Make Sure the Toy is Safe
Your dog’s safety should always be your number one concern. Dependent on your dog’s breed, a chew toy that is too hard can damage his teeth. If the toy is too soft, it could lead to accidental ingestion of torn or chipped parts. As a general rule, you should avoid chew toys with small beads, buttons, strings, wire, bells and fake fur. Even if your dog is mild mannered, he could rip off small parts and swallow them. Such accident will in turn result in choking, mouth wounds, and damage to the intestines and constipation.
Appropriate Variety
You do not want to have a full box of chew toys for your dog, but you should at least prepare several. If a dog plays with only one toy, he can easily get bored. To keep him interested in toys, you should have some variety to rotate. Chew toys with edible treat are also smart choices, as they encourage dogs to play with them.
Keep an Eye on the Dog and Toys
it always helps if you monitor your dog when he plays chew toys. Even very durable toys could come apart due to a factory defect or an extremely aggressive dog. Bring your dog to the vet if you notice vomiting, weakness or unusual behavior after chew time.
You also have to keep an eye at the toys. Even the sturdiest toys have a limit to their lifespan. Periodically inspect your dog’s toys and look for signs of wear and tear. Damages to the toy might already be a sign that you may have to replace it. Otherwise you could put your dog’s health and life at risk.
Your Veterinarian Counts
Whenever you want a second opinion, your veterinarian should be the first person you ask about. He might even be able to recommend good toy brands and retailers.
As said, dog chew toys can bring enormous benefits to a dog’s physical and psychological health. With all the tips discussed in this article, you are certainly able to pick up toys that are not just enjoyable but also safe to your pet.
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