"Dog Toys Can Reduce Stress"
Choosing The Right Toys For Your Dog
You may love the very cute toy that you see on-line or in a pet goods store, but is it really the right toy for your dog. If you have ever made a wrong choice about a toy – and most pet owners have – you probably have a drawer, box or basket with stuff about which your dog could care less.
Toys have value, but only if your dog or dogs love to play with them. The purpose of toys is to safely keep your dog’s paws, jaws and mind occupied, to channel both physical and mental energy in constructive ways, to distract the dog from “illegal” items that you do not want chewed, to act as a stress reducer, to discourage separation anxiety, to provide enrichment when the dog is confined or left alone, and to act as rewards for good behavior when you don’t always want to use treats.
Remember that toys must suit the dog in terms of appeal and interest, size, safe construction, and durability (although nothing should be expected to last forever.
Here are some toy selection criteria that can help both you and your pet:
- One size does not fit all dogs. If a toy is too big for the dog, he or she will have trouble handling it with mouth or paws. Toys that are too small might be swallowed or become lodged in the throat. Be realistic about what you buy.
- Your dog’s temperament or instinctive behaviors can help you pick the right toys. Is your dog a gentle soul who likes to carry around or cuddle objects? Does he or she like to bury things? Does your pet have a strong prey instinct that makes it aggressive with toys or an inquisitive nature that leads him or her to tear things apart? Remember that preferences and behaviors can change and that you should evaluate the toys regularly.
- Puppies need teething toys and adolescent dogs need to chew. Others thrive on the challenge of mind benders that dispense food. Variety is the spice of life for dogs, too. Keep new versions of toys around, as well as a new identical item of something your dog loves. Rotate toys when your dog seems bored or disinterested with them.
- Toys that are safe for one dog may not be safe for another. If you dog has a hankering for squeakers, you want to make sure that he or she doesn’t also love to dig for them since they can present a choke hazard when extracted from an otherwise safe item. If a dog is a chewer and stuffing comes out from a soft toy, be careful that you make sure the remaining innards can’t also come out and cause gastro problems or choking. Access to some toys might be best supervised so keep that in mind.
- Children’s toys are for children – dog’s toys are for dogs. If there are children in a household their toys are sure to look inviting -- make sure that the toys that you get the dog look, feel and taste different to keep everyone happy. Remember also that toys made for children might not be safe for an animal that actively chews.
- To dog-proof toys, remove ribbons, strings, buttons and other things that might be chewed or swallowed. Try to give only toys that are cleanable. Only give stuffed toys that can be machine washed.
