Picking Suitable Toys for Your Dog: Safe Play Tips

Gone are the days when a simple stick or a makeshift slipper would be your dog’s plaything. Today, the market offers a wide array of specialised dog toys designed to enrich your pet's playtime safely and enjoyably. But what’s truly best for your dog? This guide helps you sift through popular options and busts some common myths.

Playing with sticks

While free and natural, sticks can pose serious risks. Depending on the tree and environment, sticks may carry toxins, thorns, or harbour mites. More critically, splinters can injure your dog's mouth or cause internal damage. The sharp end of a stick, especially when thrown, risks puncture wounds if caught awkwardly or if the dog falls onto it. For these reasons, it's safest to avoid playing fetch with sticks altogether.

Playing with tennis balls

Tennis balls are a popular affordable fetch toy; however, concerns about ingestion and chemicals often worry owners. Modern tennis balls are dyed with safe non-toxic colours and pressurised with harmless nitrogen gas, making them generally safe. The main issue remains chewing: if your dog tends to shred toys, ingestion of fragments can be harmful. Supervise playtime and remove damaged balls promptly, or opt for dog-specific balls designed for durability.

Slippers, shoes and children’s soft toys

Dogs are often attracted to household items like slippers or children’s soft toys. While these items are safe from toxins if made to UK standards, vigorous chewing can cause ingestion of stuffing, buttons, or fabric pieces, which pose choking or digestive risks. It's better to provide your dog with alternatives and discourage chewing on household belongings.

Squeaky toys and balls with bells

Squeaky toys are favourites for many dogs, offering engaging sounds that encourage play. Quality matters: well-made toys designed for pets should be sturdy and free of small detachable parts. Poor quality toys may break apart easily, risking ingestion of bells or squeakers. Regular inspection of your dog’s toys for wear and replacing worn items will keep play safe.

Frisbees and flying discs

Frisbees and rings can provide energetic games of chase and fetch. UK-manufactured discs are generally made of non-toxic materials safe for dogs. Due to their hard plastic construction, they are hard to destroy, but care must be taken when throwing to avoid hitting your dog. These toys suit active dogs that enjoy high-energy play.

Alternative toys for dogs

If you’re seeking safer or more durable alternatives for a dog that loves to chew or fetch, consider rubber balls, Kong-style chew toys, dental chews, or sturdy nylabones. Investing a little more in good quality toys pays dividends in safety, longevity, and enjoyment. Avoid cheap toys that quickly fall apart and might harm your pet.

Choosing the Right Toy for Your Dog

Selecting the best toy depends on your dog’s size, breed, chewing behaviour, and play style. For example, breeds like Labrador Retriever puppies often enjoy retrieving balls or frisbees, while heavy chewers may need robust, durable toys. Always choose toys that are too large to swallow and free from small detachable parts.

Safety Tips for Toy Play

• Supervise your dog during play, especially with new toys.
• Regularly check toys for damage and replace when worn.
• Rotate toys to maintain interest and reduce wear.
• Avoid toys with small, easily swallowed parts like beads or strings.
• Provide a variety of toy types to meet different mental and physical stimulation needs.

Conclusion

Picking suitable toys for your dog involves balancing fun, safety, durability, and your dog’s unique preferences. Steering clear of unsafe items like sticks and worn tennis balls, investing in quality toys, and monitoring playtime ensures your dog stays happy and healthy while enjoying enriching play sessions. Remember, responsible ownership means choosing toys that protect and stimulate your beloved canine companion.