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The Joys of Toys
By Lynn Whittaker
Owner, Bow Wow U
Choosing the right toys for your pet can be a daunting task. There are so many varieties, materials, shapes and colors. Some are designed for tossing, some for chewing, and others for playing tug. We purchase toys for our pets to help keep them stimulated and entertained.
Pulling something right off the shelf is easy, but will your dog like the toys you select for them? When shopping for your pet, there are a few things to consider. Choose toys that are size/breed appropriate, it is best to find something you know your dog won’t be able to swallow or choke on. This is probably one of the biggest concerns we have with respect to toy choice. This is the reason that I only give my dogs things like pig ears and rawhide when I can closely supervise them, and I throw them away before they become to small.
Soft vinyl toys are generally softer than most toys. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, great for fetching and generally have squeakers, the highlight of most toys. Be careful as to how these toys are painted, as they may contain lead based paints.
Rubber toys are great for dogs who love to chew, as the toy naturally exercises the mouth and jaw. These kinds of toys can keep a dog entertained for hours. They are good for dogs that are not necessarily into fetching, though they can be tossed. Many of the rubber toys are made with small holes, nooks and crannies that can be stuffed with treats for foraging. Most are dishwasher safe, and also come in a variety of sizes and shapes for different sized mouths and chewing abilities. They range from puppy sized up to those for aggressive chewers.
Rope toys are great for those who like to fetch or tug. They are made from durable threads twisted into rope. They promote good dental health, and some are even flavored for fresh breath.
Another toy selection to look into is soft or plush toys. These are generally stuffed with fluff and the exterior of the toy is either fleece or something like it; and of course, most come with a squeaker. These make great snuggle toys for those dogs who are not aggressive chewers or hearty toy attackers. My Boston prefers these toys as she likes to suck on them. The other dogs in the house usually make it their mission to seek the squeaker and kill it, thereby rendering the toy lifeless and the remains are tossed in the garbage after just a few minutes.
Lastly on our list are the nylon toys, great for aggressive chewers. Many are shaped into bones and will last a very long time. These toys can relieve boredom in dogs, and also help remove plaque from their teeth. Some toys may look like they are nylon, but are actually starch. They are designed to be digestible, but they do not generally last as long as the nylon toys.
It’s important to consider the size of your dog as well as their chewing abilities in addition to the purpose of the toy. Although Pekoe (our Boston Terrier) is gentle with her soft toys, she is not allowed to have any nylon bones that are made for her size, because she is a very aggressive chewer and I am concerned about her swallowing pieces. I purchase bones suitable for 100 lb. dogs and she can have hours of contentment.
So when you go to the pet store and grab anything off the shelf because you feel overwhelmed, think of your pet’s needs, what do they like to do, chew, play fetch? Is the toy safe? How long will it last? Selecting the right toy will provide your pet and you with hours of fun.
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