Buying your pet toys to play with is among the few ways people can show their love and appreciation towards their most adorable and loyal friend. It goes especially true if that pet is a dog, as one cannot ever have enough time or strength to match their energy or playfulness at all times. But, while you may be ecstatic when buying your dog a chew toy he will undoubtedly love, have you ever considered the possibility that the toy may be harmful to his health? There are many unsafe and potentially life-threatening toys in the market one might end up buying without proper knowledge. Unlike children’s toys, these toys do not have safety labels or warnings on them, and if your dog is left unsupervised as he plays with them, it can result in a severe health hazard. Read the article to the end and note the eight worst dog toys you must avoid buying at all costs.
Squeaky Toys
Do you know those toys that create a squeaking sound whenever someone presses or shakes them around? The sound in these types of rubber toys is due to a plastic mechanism fitted inside, and dogs are instinctively attracted to this source, doing everything in their power to hunt it down. The squeaker won’t come out in some high-quality toys unless your dog decides to rip the toy apart. However, many other toys have it loosely floating inside the rubber toy and can pose a severe choking hazard for your pet if they swallow it. Though the toy may be harmless for your dog under supervision, the risk of choking on the noisemaker while no one is around is not worth it. The same goes for toys with a bell or any small mechanical equipment inside of them.
Tug Ropes
Most people love to have a match of tug of war with their competitive furry friend. There are several reasons to suggest why you should avoid playing it, even if it is with a tug toy specifically made for dogs. First, tug toys can cause damage to the teeth of your dog due to the competitive nature of the game and the continuous and vigorous pulling from both sides. Dogs usually use their front and side teeth to pull the rope, increasing the risk of pain while chewing on the food or toothaches, among other serious gum injuries. The possibility of the rope splintering off and getting stuck in the mouth of your dog is another aspect that you should not overlook, especially if the rope isn’t of high-quality material. What’s more, if the material is such that the shards are sharp or penetrative, when swallowed by your pet, it can significantly cause internal damages with tender tissues at the most risk.
Stuffed Toys
Everyone loves to snuggle with a stuffed plush toy, and dogs are no different. While your dog may love this new friend, carry and even sleep beside the toy, it is only a matter of time before he starts chewing on it, tearing it into shards. The stuffed toys on the market often come with a poly-fil or other harmful kinds of stuffing, resulting in a choking hazard if your dog decides to dissect the toy and eat the filling up. If your dog cannot swallow the filling or even if a string out of the filling is tangled in your dog’s teeth, the possibility of it blocking the throat and choking your dog is not impossible. On the other hand, if somehow your dog gulps the whole thing down, other serious issues like intestinal blockages or digestive glitches can even result in a need for extensive surgery or treatment.
