Pet Toys: How to Pick the Best and Safest

Pets are like little kids, and they love to play with toys. Playing with toys makes them active and engaged. Toys also make their playtime more enjoyable.

But there are a few things that you need to remember before giving toys to your four-legged friend:

• The toy should be safe for your pet and not cause any harm to it.
• The size of the toy should be appropriate and match the size of your pet so that they can play with it without any issue or discomfort.
• You must keep regularly checking if the toys are in good condition, cleanliness, and safety standards before allowing your pets to play with them again after every day’s use for extended periods such as months or years at a stretch because when it becomes old or worn out due to regular use over time, then there is a high possibility that it might break into pieces. They can swallow them accidentally while playing, leading them to serious health problems later on.
  

Pet Toy Hazards to Steer Clear Of

• Choose toys made of non-toxic materials.
• Ensure the toy is easy to clean, mainly if you live where it snows or gets damp.
• Avoid giving your pet anything that could be swallowed whole, leading to blockages and choking.
• Avoid toys with sharp edges.

Harmful Chemicals
The most common hazardous chemicals in toys are glues, paints, and dyes. Adhesives used to hold an object together can accumulate in a pet's stomach and cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and even death. Paints and stains contain lead, cadmium, and other toxins that may cause organ damage if ingested. Some toys are made of plastic materials that may release small amounts of a chemical called BPA when chewed on by pets.

Decorations
The best thing that you can do for your pet avoids toys with decorations. They are often comprised of small pieces, such as bells, buttons, bows, ribbons, and beads. These items can become choking hazards if swallowed by your pet and cause serious injury.

Ensure that any toy you choose does not have hard eyes or noses because these items may be swallowed or cause intestinal damage if they get lodged in their throats or digestive tract. Also, make sure that there are no squeakers inside the toy as they can also be swallowed, leading to intestinal blockage.

Fillings

• Fillings should be soft and small. Avoid toys with complex fillings.
• Avoid toys with sharp edges and corners.
• Don't buy toys that are too small or too large for your pet to play with safely.

Strings or Yarns

• Strings or yarns can be dangerous to pets if they swallow them.
• If your pet swallows a string toy, it can cause a life-threatening condition called intestinal obstruction.

Rawhide
Rawhide is a popular chew toy for dogs, but it can be dangerous if you ingest it. Rawhide toys are often treated with harsh chemicals to make them more durable and long-lasting, and when ingested by a dog, rawhide can cause blockages in the intestines.

Recommended Toys for Pets for a Safe Playtime

• Made of soft material
• Durable, non-toxic, and washable
• It can be used for fetching, chewing, and tugging

There are several toys you can purchase to play with your pets. A few examples include:

Rubber Dog Balls
Rubber Balls are great for dogs that like to play fetch. These durable toys are made of rubber and can bounce high enough to be used as a flying disc. They're also very easy to clean since they're water-resistant.

They come in various sizes, ranging from small up to extra large. If you want something more exciting than just throwing the ball around on its own, try filling it with treats instead! This will encourage your pet's natural hunting instincts while ensuring he gets plenty of exercise at the same time.

Stuffed Toys
Stuffed toys are an excellent option for your pet, as they can be found in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. It's important to note that any stuffed toy should only be used with supervision and should never be given to a dog unsupervised.

Stuffed animals come in two main varieties: natural fibers and synthetic materials. Natural fiber stuffed animals are made from cotton, buffalo hair, or wool. These toys tend to feel softer than their synthetic counterparts and may last longer than the latter due to their durability (they're also available at a lower price point).

Synthetic stuffed toys are made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or acrylic; these toys tend to be less expensive than their natural counterparts and often have more vibrant colors that dogs seem drawn to (especially true for puppies).

Interactive Toys
When choosing a safe toy for your pet, interactive toys are an excellent choice. These games require your pet to think and work for their food or treats. They come in various shapes and sizes and are often made of plastic or wood. Generally safe, these toys are great for stimulating your beloved pet!

Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys that can be filled with treats are a great way to keep your dog occupied while you're busy. You can give them a puzzle toy filled with their favorite treats when they need some mental stimulation or leave it out on the floor in your home so they can have fun figuring out how to get at the food inside. Some dogs may even enjoy being able to dispense their treats from these types of toys—a win-win for everyone!

Nylabones
Nylabones are chew toys made of hard plastic and are designed to be durable and robust. Dogs get bored with regular toys quickly, so you must keep them occupied. Chewing is an integral part of your dog's dental health, and Nylabones will help keep their teeth clean and provide some exercise for the jaws.

Nylabones come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors (some are edible!). The company makes several different types based on your dog’s needs:

• Regular Nylabone: Available in three textures for puppies or small dogs; medium or large dogs can chew on this one too!
• Dura Chew: Durable chew toy made from nylon resin that helps clean teeth while giving your pup something fun to do that also helps prevent tartar buildup (and no stuffing means no mess when they bite down).

Fetch Toys
Fetch toys are great to keep your dog active and entertained, but they can be a considerable hazard if they get their mouths around the plastic eyes or noses. Always supervise your pet while playing with toys, and make sure there are no plastic eyes or noses that could come off. If your pet does manage to get one of these parts in its mouth, take it out immediately and inspect for damage!

Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the safest dog toys?

• Firm Rubber Toys.
• Rope Toys.
  
• Durable Stuffed Toys.
• Tennis Balls.

How Safe are Nylabones for dogs?
Nylabone's products are made from non-toxic, pet-safe materials and are designed for your dog's specific chewing style and size. Nylabone has a safe, healthy chew for every dog, from gentle teething puppies to extreme power chew.