Dog chew toys can do a lot for your pet. They help your dog to grow teeth and gum, avoid getting bored, and prevent him from swallow harmful objects. However, all dogs are not the same, and you need to choose the chew toys that are right for your pet.
The Size Is Important
The sizes of dogs vary and therefore the sizes of chew toys vary. If the toy is too big, your dog may not like to play with it at all. Otherwise, if the toy is too small, he might accidentally swallow it and choke on it. You really should know about your dog’s breed and size well to get the correct toy size. Many reputable manufacturers will have clear warnings on their labels to help you decide on whether a toy is appropriate for your pet.
Safety First And Foremost
Talking about the safety side, you need to first make sure that the toy you select is neither too hard (which is likely to damage your dog’s teeth) nor too soft (which may result in accidental ingestion of torn or chipped parts). Second, you should definitely avoid smaller subjects such as beads, buttons, strings, wire and bells. You puppy is likely to swallow these pieces by accident, which will lead to him choking, having mouth wounds and may even cause damage to his intestine or constipation.
Reserve A Variety Of Toys
Puppies can easily get bored, and it is always a good idea to keep a few varieties of the toys for rotation. From time to time, you may also like to give your dog toys with edible treats in them. This way, your pet will be encouraged to play with them.
Be Watchful While Your Dog is Playing With His Toy
Chew toys are not pet nannies so you should at least keep an occasional eye at your dog while he is at play. This will help you respond faster in case your dog is about to ingest a non-edible part.
You also have to keep an eye at the toys. Even the sturdiest toys have a limit to their lifespan. Periodically inspect your dog’s toys and look for signs of wear and tear. Damages to the toy might already be a sign that you may have to replace it. Otherwise you could put your dog’s health and life at risk.
Ask Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian should be the first person you turn to for advice in case you are not certain about the choice of a dog toy. In fact, many veterinarian can give you very good recommendations about brands or retailers.
All dog owners would like to see their dogs happy and healthy. Giving your dog chew toys is one of the best ways to show him your love and affection. You just need to make sure, with the tips in this article, that the toys you choose are not just entertaining but are safe as well.
