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Vinyl Toys With Phthalate
We’ve all felt that heavy and annoying smell that comes out of vinyl toys while playing. This scent is due to a compound found in vinyl known as phthalate, whose percentage can be guessed depending on how strong the scent is. Dogs tend to chew and sniff the toys they play with, making vinyl toys all the more dangerous. Phthalate can harm the liver, kidneys, and other cell structures in all pets and not just your dog. The fumes that run out of the toys when inhaled by the dog over a long period can increase phthalate concentration in the bloodstream, resulting in severe health conditions, not to mention the harm it will do when swallowed. Therefore, one must avoid vinyl toys in general, and not just for the sake of their dogs.
Tennis Ball
You will be surprised to know that one of the most classy and popular dog toy options, i.e., a tennis ball, is sadly not the safest one out there. Many people even donate tennis balls to dog shelters as toys, given the excellent grip and fun they offer. Unfortunately, though they might be an ideal toy to play with under supervision, dogs tend to chew on the ball, especially large dogs, increasing the risk of a potential choking hazard when left on their own. The top layer of the tennis ball can be easily chewed off into pieces by the strong jaws of a dog, which not only is a threat if swallowed but can also wear down a dog’s teeth resulting in dental issues like difficulty chewing and exposed tooth pulp. So instead of using tennis balls, you can buy balls that are specifically for dogs.
Rawhide Toys
A variety of earlier dog toys in the market, such as chew bones and sticks, were made up of rawhide. Though initially considered a safe material, the number of cases of digestive complications in dogs due to consumption of a rawhide toy piece has been on the rise, resulting in surgeries, among other serious health issues. The damage caused is due to formaldehyde, ethoxyquin, arsenic, etc. These are harmful chemicals that are used to treat leather. What’s more, BHT and BHA, known as the cancer-causing agents, are often used as preservatives for such rawhide toys. Acute pancreatitis and cancers are a few of the most common diseases in dogs who habitually chew rawhide toys for an extended period.
Bumpy Chew Toys For Dogs
While toys that have a bumpy texture are considered suitable for massaging and stimulating gums, among other dental aids, they are not a good option for dogs who are aggressive chewers. The bumps can easily and quickly be chewed off from the base of the toy as your dog plays with it, which, if swallowed, can lead to yet another choking hazard or digestive blockage. While some dogs may be able to process shards if the toy consists of the right material, there is no certainty you will not have to check in with the vet, which under no circumstance is worth the risk.
Random Sticks
You might have caught your dog several times carrying a random stick in their mouth and paying with it in your yard, and though it may seem harmless, is it really? The sticks your dog finds lying around can easily splinter into tiny but very sharp and penetrative shards. Which, when swallowed, can cut into your dog’s mouth or throat, resulting in bleeding and infection. Moreover, even if your dog can get the pieces down their throat safely, the risk of it damaging the internal organs and, in worst cases leading to internal bleeding is yet not something to be overlooked. So get your dog a super tough, smooth, and certified playing stick instead. As an extra precaution, make sure you regularly check the yard for all random sticks and other potentially harmful stuff.
Conclusion
Dogs are certainly a man’s best friend, but one does not always have enough time to play with their dogs or tag along and supervise. While dog chew toys are an excellent way to keep the dogs occupied and entertained, neglecting the kind of toy they play with and how they play with it can lead to an unexpected and unwelcome turn of events. Make sure you read all the instructions and reviews before buying anything for your dog, whether it is a toy or a food item like peanut butter, for any potentially harmful factor.
