As a dog owner, you’ve likely perused the toy aisles of your local Pets at Home store countless times, wondering which item will spark the most joy to your beloved companion. Toys provide a much-needed source of stimulation and entertainment and encourage dogs to be active. There are, however, hidden risks that you may not be aware of.
How to play safely with your dog?
Choosing the appropriate toy for your dog is essential for safe play. Make sure you choose a toy suitable for the breed of dog you have. Smaller dogs need different sized toy to their giant counterparts. Voracious chewers will need more robust toys.
Always supervise your dog when they are playing. Remove any damaged toys immediately to avoid any part being swallowed by your dog.
Choose appropriate play. Do not allow your dog to become overstimulated or display undesired behaviours such as chasing or biting. Choose lower impact play types for young or older dogs to protect their joints from harm. For example you could swap chasing games for training or search games.
Ensure you are playing on a suitable surface. Slippery surfaces increase the risk of injury. A softer surface such as grass may be more appropriate for some play that requires moving at speed as it is softer in the case of a tumble and provides good grip for your pups feet.
How to pick the right toys for my dog?
To avoid any choking incidents during playtime, we highly recommend buying chewable toys and balls that are proportionate to the size of your beloved pet. They should be small enough to comfortably hold in their mouth, but big enough that they cannot close their mouth around them. This will help ensure that choking hazards are ruled out. Avoid toys that have solid loops as these can get caught around your dog’s jaw and head. Choose ones that will not get stuck.
Match your chosen toy to your dogs age and temperament. Do they prefer to play fetch with their ball or are they a chewer and likely to swallow parts? If it’s the latter, perhaps a ball isn’t the right toy for them. Puppies will need softer toys until their adult teeth come through. You’ll find toys specifically for puppies in store! Puppies and older dogs may also need more gentle exercise so balls and chasing toys may be better avoided.
What balls are safe for dogs?
When picking out a ball for your dog, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the size and shape of your pet’s jaw. Some dogs have wider mouths than others. Always check the sizing and dimensions for each toy you’re considering, especially when buying online – things can often appear bigger than they are in person, and you may end up disappointed with the size of your dog’s new ball. Always select a ball which is wider than your dog’s throat. Look at the width of the base of a muzzle suited to your dog’s size for a rough guide.
Take care if your dog is a ball chewer. This can lead to teeth wearing down over time and can cause painful dental problems.