Pet-safe toys should entertain your pet, provide stimulation and enrichment, and keep your pet happy and healthy. When you’re choosing a toy for your pet, you should consider their needs as well as their age, temperament, habits, and size. Take a look at our tips for choosing safe toys for your pet, so you can avoid a trip to the emergency veterinary hospital.
Consider Your Pet’s Habits and Personality
If your pet quickly destroys any toy you give him, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing durable toys for tough chewers. Active pets should have toys that encourage physical activity and quieter, low-energy pets should have toys that provide comfort and enrichment.
The Size of the Toy Matters
If your pet is small, you don’t want to choose toys that are too hard and will damage his teeth or gums, or too large for him to play with safely. You never want to choose toys that are small enough for your pet to fit inside his mouth, or that contain small parts your pet could chew off and ingest.
Choose a Toy Appropriate for Your Pet’s Age
Puppies and kittens should have toys that stimulate chewing, while adults should have toys that stimulate play and engagement. Senior pets should have gentle toys that are soft and lightweight.
Inspect Toys Regularly for Safety
Choose toys that are made from non-toxic materials and are durable enough to withstand your pet’s level of play. The toys shouldn’t be so tough that they risk damage to your pet’s teeth or gums, however. Don’t pick toys with small parts that come off easily, or that contain stuffing or small squeakers. Before giving your pet a toy and after playtime, inspect the toys for signs of damage, wear and tear, and missing parts.
Remove or Rotate Toys
Remove toys that have any signs of damage, as they are no longer safe for your pet to play with. You can introduce new toys or rotate toys to keep your pet engaged and interested.
Unfortunately, not all pet toys that are sold in stores are safe for pets. If your pet has sustained an injury or become ill after encountering an unsafe toy or treat, don’t hesitate to visit your emergency veterinary clinic.
