New toy day is the best. Even if your dog has a giant basket of playthings, they act as if it\u2019s the very first time they\u2019ve ever seen something bounce, squeak, or roll. But part of being a pet parent is doing the homework that lets playtime be so fun. Here\u2019s how to make the right choices when it comes to pet toys.<\/p>\n
PICK THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR PET<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Great Dane and Yorkies can be best buds, but they shouldn\u2019t share toys. Little dog toys have small parts that a big dog could choke on or swallow. And big dog toys could hurt a small dog\u2019s jaw or break their teeth.<\/p>\n KID TOYS ARE NOT DOG TOYS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Sorry doggos. Kid toys weren\u2019t designed to be chewed on heavily (or at all). Plus, they might have small parts that your dog can chew off and swallow.<\/p>\n KNOW WHEN TO LET GO <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n We know the idea of throwing away their beloved squeaky pig or favorite chew toy is hard, but they aren\u2019t meant to last forever. The more toys get worn out, the more likely that a part will come off in your pet\u2019s mouth while playing.<\/p>\n TOY DESTROYER<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n For these tough customers, ripping out a toy\u2019s noisemaker and chewing off arms and legs is half the fun. But unfortunately, it also means they can end up swallowing these parts and having a painful blockage.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T <\/strong>give them squeaky toys or standard plush toys.<\/p>\n DO <\/strong>try heavy-duty toys made of out of natural, non-toxic rubber or a plush toy with extra stitching and mesh barriers that are hard to rip. Just be aware, there\u2019s no such thing as an indestructible toy.<\/p>\n STUFFED ANIMAL HUNTER<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Is your dog more into the thrill of the chase than tearing toys apart? Then you can feel good letting them stalk some plush indoor prey.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T <\/strong>let your pet eat the stuffing if they do manage to rip a toy apart. If their tendencies are to do that, there are also soft toys without stuffing.<\/p>\n DO<\/strong> try plush toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> for little dogs whose jaws are too small for bulkier toys.<\/p>\n FETCH FANATIC<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing more classic than throwing a ball for your dog in the yard. But since fetching often leads to chewing, be careful about what kind of ball you choose.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T <\/strong>let them chew tennis balls and rip them apart \u2014 they\u2019re a big choking hazard<\/u><\/strong><\/a> and bad for your dog\u2019s teeth.<\/p>\n DO <\/strong>mix things up with lots of other kinds of fun outdoor toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> for tossing around.<\/p>\n TUG-OF-WAR CHAMPION<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n You always let your dog win but playing with pull toys can sometimes test your dog\u2019s strength. It\u2019s important to be aware of just how hard they\u2019re straining so they don\u2019t hurt themselves.<\/p>\nWHICH TOY IS BEST FOR YOUR DOG?<\/strong><\/h5>\n