Did you know that December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month? Seems appropriate given that it is the gift giving season. But safe toys don’t just apply to people. Because toys and gifts are a great way to show your pet you care about them too. Not only are they enjoyable for your dog, but they also provide mental stimulation, exercise, and entertainment. When selecting toys and gifts, it is important to consider the weight and breed of your dog to help determine the best option for your furry friend. To make things easier, we have an awesome curated section of toys in all of our Central Bark Retail Markets and all you have to do is talk to any of our staff and they will help you pick out the best toy to fit your dog and lifestyle.
When selecting a toy for your dog, remember the following.
- Make sure the toy or gift is appropriate for your dog’s weight and breed. Whether it be fetching or chewing, each dog will have different interests so their toy preferences should be based on how they like to play.
- Check toys for small parts that could be easy to swallow such as strings, buttons, or plastic eyes.
Remember, for dogs, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity.
Toys are important to your dog’s well-being. Toys help fight boredom when you must leave your dog at home and provide comfort when they’re feeling nervous. Toys can even help prevent your dog from developing certain problem behaviors.
Many factors contribute to the safety or danger of a toy, and several of them depend upon your dog’s size, activity level and partialities. Another thing to consider is the environment where your dog spends their time. Although we can’t guarantee the safety of any specific toy, we can offer the following guidelines.
The things that are usually most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Dog-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands, children’s toys, and other inedible items that could be swallowed. Be sure to buy toys of appropriate size for your dog. Toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog’s throat. Also, always try to supervise your dog’s play, especially with squeaky toys. Dogs sometimes feel that they must find and destroy the source of the squeaking, which means they could ingest it if left unwatched.
One active type of toy we absolutely love and carry in our Central Bark Retail Markets are Kong® products, which come in many shapes and sizes and are fun for chewing and carrying around. Kong-type toys, especially when filled with broken-up treats, can keep a puppy or dog busy for hours. And if your vet says its ok for your dog to have peanut butter, put some into a Kong and you will have created a tasty and even busier snack.
If you have questions about the best and safest toys for your dog, visit or call any of our Central Bark locations and speak directly with our highly trained staff.
