Dog Toy Safety: Choosing The Right Toys for Your Fido

by Caroline Ruddy, guest contributor

© Carrie Boyko
30 Minutes of Treat Ball Work
Equals One Pooped Pup

Sadly, many dogs are injured every year because they are given the wrong kinds of toys. Some even require surgery to remove swallowed toy parts. It's not always easy to choose a safe toy. Many people think if a toy is for sale, it must be safe, but this isn't always true. Taking some time to learn about choosing the right toys for your dog can go a long way to keeping him healthy and happy.

Choose The Right Size

Usually, it's just a matter of looking at toys to know whether they're too small or too big for your dog. If you're in doubt, check the toy's packaging for weight or breed guidelines. Just remember weight guidelines alone may not always be enough to determine the right size toy for your dog. Some dogs, like Basset Hounds, carry more weight because of how they're built, but don't have large, strong jaws, so they may do well with a smaller toy. Giving your dog a toy that's too big can hurt his jaws, while a large dog may swallow pieces of a small toy and end up with intestinal blockage. Choosing the right size toy will help avoid injury, as well as a big vet bill.

Consider Durability

Buying a toy that your dog destroys in a matter of hours is no fun for either of you, not to mention a waste of money. If your dog tears apart a toy and swallows pieces of it, he can become ill or even need surgery if his intestines become blocked. Some dogs just chew more vigorously than others, regardless of size. It may take a few tries before you discover what kind of chewer your dog is. While you're trying different toys out, you'll want to stay away from cheap toys, but you don't have to spend a lot. Look for discounts. For example, Petco coupon codes can help you save on toys. That way, you'll be able to take some time to find the right toys for your dog, not to mention get your your money's worth.

Offer Challenging Toys

To keep your dog busy, get him a challenging toy, like one in which you hide small treats, and your dog has to figure out how to get the treats out. A company called Premier has an entire line of toys for just this purpose (available at stores like Petco and Petsmart), and they make the treats that go inside as well. These are also good if your dog is left alone for long periods, like when you're at work. Giving him something to occupy his mind will help keep him from chewing things he's not supposed to, like your furniture, shoes, or plants, which may be poisonous to dogs. Giving him challenging toys will help keep him safe while also keeping him engaged.

Above all, make some time to play with your dog. Toys are good, but nothing is better for your dog than getting attention and love from you.

Caroline Ruddy is a freelance writer finally pursuing her dream of being published. She loves books and movies, especially when they include a furry friend napping on her lap.

Note: Articles written by guest contributors may or may not necessarily reflect the beliefs or recommendations of All Things Dog Blog or its regular writers.

All Things Dog Blog's Weekly Preview

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© ? Who Took this Picture?
Family Times--Good Times

I just rolled back into town from a family reunion and what a great time--short and sweet, so many new faces, fun conversations, and dog lovers. Who knew? Retrievers were common in this bunch; I counted 2 Goldens and 3 Labs without even asking any questions. I was trying to hard to bite my tongue and have a dog-free weekend. It just wasn't meant to be.


As hard as I tried to allow myself to be truly on vacation, someone was always bringing up the blog--husband, cousins, kid, new-found family member. It was hard to avoid All Things Dog Blog, even on a brief vacation where I promised myself I would not write a single post. In all fairness, however, I did achieve that goal. The problem came in not being able to avoid the topic in conversation. I suppose I'm as my kids and husband describe me--living, eating, and breathing this blog. Ahhhhh....no complaints here! Yet it was good to take a couple of days to rest the dog side of my brain. Would that be the left or right side?


On to the purpose of this post--your weekly "What's new?"

• In addition to the awarding of some busy ongoing giveaways at the end of the week, there will be more announced on Thursday.
• Be sure to join us on Friday for our Fido's Freebie Friday, when Doggies and Stuff and I bring together a collection of giveaways for you enter. Linkups open every Thursday afternoon so bloggers can be sure to get connected for viewing by visitors all day on Friday.
• Watch for some interesting guest posts this week on Dog Toy Safety and more Pupsicles recipes--summer fun for the furry friends at your house.
• Our Saturday Pet Blogger Hop thoughts will turn to fosters and rescues this week. Check in for some ramblings on this topic.
• For those who enjoy watching our Tour of States, we'll be sticking to the midwest as we head for Minnesota this week, but changing course next week to visit the deep South. Check in each Sunday for our highlight of another states' rescue pets from Petfinder.