Just because dog toys are marketed for our canine friends, it does not necessarily mean that they are safe. In fact, there is a vast array of toys that can be very dangerous to your dog, and you may even have some of them in your home!
Dangerous Dog Toys
Here, we are going to take a look at some of the hidden dangers of various toys meant for dogs.
Dangerous Dog Toys: Tennis Balls
Although many dogs love to play with tennis balls, they can be quite dangerous to your pet, especially if they are under-sized balls. This is because under-sized tennis balls can be easily swallowed causing your dog to choke. In fact, dog choking is also possible if a large dog happens to swallow a regular-sized tennis ball. What to do if your dog is choking?
However, this is not the only danger associated with tennis balls. The glue that manufacturers use to make these balls can be extremely harmful to your pet’s tooth enamel. Finally, many dogs can chew through a tennis ball rather quickly and if they swallow the pieces, they could choke.
Dangerous Dog Toys: Plush and Plastic Squeak Toys
Plush and plastic squeak dog toys may look cute, and your pet may love them, but they pose two serious dangers to your dog. First of all, these types of toys can be easily torn to shreds with just a minimum of dog chewing. If your pet swallows these pieces or the squeaker, they could cause digestive obstructions or choking.
If you want to give your pet squeaky toys, make sure that they are made of latex and the squeaker is not a separate piece attached to the toy. Latex is a tough material that can take much more abuse than plastic. However, it is still a good idea to inspect your dog’s latex toys regularly and replace them if they become worn out.
Dangerous Dog Toys: Rawhide Chews and Toys
Rawhide chews and dog toys are very popular, and dogs love them. Unfortunately, they can be extremely dangerous. Dogs love rawhide so much that they will spend hours chewing away on them. This can result in splinters breaking off or the rawhide becoming slick with saliva. If splinters break off, it could cause dog coughing, choking or intestinal hazards.
Furthermore, if the rawhide becomes slippery and rubber-like, it can easily slip down your dog’s throat and block its air flow. To make it worse, many rawhide chews and toys that are made outside of the U.S. often contain toxic chemicals. Some good alternatives to rawhide chews and toys are indestructible dog toys.
If you are a pet owner, you probably want your pet to be happy and healthy. Choosing dog toys that will be safe for your dog should be a top priority. It does not have to be difficult to keep a safe collection of dog toys for your dog if you look out for the above hidden dangers.
