Why dog toys are so important

Especially when your dog is a puppy, it’s important to give them access to toys, specifically teething toys. During their developmental period (for puppies, it is between 2 months to 10 months), it’s crucial to allow young dogs to chew on toys and get the relief they need from teething. Teething is very uncomfortable for them, so it is wonderful to build the relationship now with chew toys being a positive association! Do not give them toys that would resemble household objects that they are not supposed to chew on, such as a tv remote plush or a rubber shoe chew toy. This allows your pet to distinguish chewable things from non-chewable ones and will make it much easier in the future to build that better habit.

Providing them with the right things to chew on will give them the stimulation they need while creating a positive connection between the toy and whatever situation they are in.

What Characteristics Make a Chew Toy “Safe”?

Chew toys for the use of fun and stimulation are fine as long as they fit the thumbnail test. If your thumbnail can make an indent in the object, it’s okay to chew. If your thumbnail bends, it’s likely to break teeth. Rubber or silicone is usually a safe option and is pliable enough not to cause damage to your pet’s teeth. The size of a chew toy also matters. Too small and your pet can risk accidentally swallowing and choking. Another characteristic to avoid would be any toys with holes. There have been many instances in Emergency Hospitals where a pet has gotten their jaw and/or teeth stuck in a chew toy and either had to be removed by breaking the toy or even surgically.

Some pets like to chew on different textures such as fabric and rope. These we will refer to soft toys. Soft toys should not contain anything that could be ripped off or ingested, such as eyes, strings, tassels, etc. When toys start to become damaged or frayed, you should throw them away immediately. Dogs are notorious for quickly ripping something off and eating it the first chance they get! Each soft toy should be very sturdy and machine washable, so you can decontaminate it as needed. No soft toy should contain beads, packing peanuts, or anything that is not labeled as “safe” stuffing. Although it is labeled as “safe,” it does not mean they can eat it as much as they want, and every pet should be monitored when they play with soft toys.

Reasons why dog toys are so important