Choosing Safe Supplies: Pet Toys

Of all the different pet supplies, pet toys have got to be the most fun to pick out.

Cats and dogs a few generations ago may have had only bones and balls of yarn to play with, but todays pets have nearly the variety todays kids do.

Part of the problem with that variety, though, is that some manufactures are more interested in attracting human buyers with unusual designs than they are in pet safety. Before you choose toys for your pet, there are a few things you'll want to check for.

Part of the problem with that variety, though, is that some manufactures are more interested in attracting human buyers with unusual designs than they are in pet safety. Before you choose toys for your pet, there are a few things you'll want to check for.

Consider your pet's needs
The first thing to consider is your pet’s size. A German Shepherd is going to need some seriously tough chew toys, while a tiny Maltese will be better off with something lightweight. Next think about the individual animal's play habits.

For instance, most cats just bat their toys around, but some can give them a real thrashing. If you have a cat that loves to beat up its toys, tougher toys meant for small dogs will be safer and last longer.

Choking hazards
When it comes to pet supplies, pet toys are the most likely of any to pose choking hazards. Avoid toys with plastic eyes, buttons, beads, or other small parts. These may be cute, but they also tend to be attractive features for pets to chew on.

They're just too easy for your pet to chew off and end up choking on. Dangling parts like tassels and ribbons, often found on poorly designed cat toys, are also something to steer clear of.

Tangling hazards
There are some great toys out there that involve long strings, such as fishing-pole style cat toys. These are fine as long as you're with your pet, but never leave a dog or cat unsupervised with one. Your pet's liable to get its paw or, worse, its neck tangled in the string. If the string breaks, your pet might decide it's something fun to chew on and swallow.

Swallowed string and rubber strips from toys can cause internal problems that require surgery to correct. (We have personal experiences from this...at the tune of $3000.) Just be careful!

Although they may not be the most critical of supplies, pet toys are important for keeping your dog or cat entertained (and out of mischief) and for bonding with your pet through playtime.

Choose toys that are right for your pet's size and habits and watch out for any choking or tangling hazards, and you and your cat or dog can have hours of safe fun.