Does your canine buddy absolutely love his plush toys? Mark your calendars! Oct. 28th is Plush Animal Lovers’ Day! Fido is adorable when he’s running after his favorite plaything! However, there are some things to consider when it comes to giving your dog squeaky toys. A local veterinarian offers some tips on choosing your pet’s toys below.
Discarding Old Toys
Generally speaking, squeaky toys are not going to be the most long-lasting dog toys. In fact, some pooches make pretty short work of them! Pay attention to the condition of your canine companion’s toys, and repair or toss old ones. It’s probably a good idea to distract your playful pet by giving him a new toy while you do this.
Rotate
As the old saying says, variety is the spice of life. Rotate your furry pal’s toys out regularly to keep things fun and fresh. You may want to do this when Fido is napping or outdoors.
Cleaning
Squeaky toys get crusty and gross pretty quickly. Wash your furry pal’s things often. Those that are in good condition can usually be machine-washed. However, you’ll need to check the label instructions to be sure.
Prey Drive
There are some concerns about squeaking toys and prey drive. Some dogs are more or less hardwired to go after small critters. That squeak, to Fido, sounds like something he or his wolven ancestors would hunt in the wild. If you know or suspect your canine buddy has a strong prey drive, ask your vet for specific tips on suitable toys and play strategies.
Material
Material is also something for you to consider. Get into the habit of looking at labels. Opt for products that use non-toxic materials. Ask your vet for more information on materials.
Squeakers
One of the big things about squeaker toys is the fact that some dogs will eat the squeakers. This can actually be very dangerous for Fido! Squeakers can cause severe, and potentially fatal, intestinal blockages. If your canine pal ever does this, you may be better off getting him a different type of toy. If you aren’t sure just how your pooch will react, supervise all play sessions carefully.
Benefits
Squeaky toys can be very useful at times. For instance, they come in very handy if you’re trying to get Fido’s attention for a picture! Many can also be great for older dogs, because they’re soft on the mouth.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your vet clinic!
!Social Media Icons