Pet Toy Safety
Advice from Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 In the news recently, you might have read about a sizable product recall because lead paint was used to color certain children’s toys. This unfortunate situation serves as a reminder to pet owners that we should use some caution when it comes to selecting and monitoring pet toys as well.
Be Size-Wise
Similar to children’s toys, many pet toys are size (and species) specific. What's safe for one type of animal may be hazardous for another. There are large chew toys for big breeds and small ones for tiny breeds. It's important then to select size appropriate objects to reduce the risk of choking or bowel obstruction. Plus, I'm always wary of toys with small parts whether they are plush or plastic. Pets always seem to make pulling these small pieces off and munching on them a priority!
Watch for Signs of Wear
In addition, most toys have a limit to how long they are safe and useful. Once a toy has been well used, it's time to visit your pet store. For example, nyla-type toy bones are great because most dogs enjoy chewing on them. They don’t leave a mess behind and they help clean your pet’s teeth. However, once the knobby ends have been chewed away, it is time to throw away the toy and get a new one.
Toxic Tubes
Hazards can come from all sorts of unusual sources. I used to use paper towel or bathroom tissue rolls stuffed with toys or treats to amuse my pets. They were handy, disposable and free! However, a DVM friend of mine warned about some of the potentially toxic materials in these homemade “toys.” So, now I limit use of these rolls and monitor their rapid destruction. Once the tube is shredded into a few large pieces, I toss them away before my pup or parrot starts to eat the cardboard.
So as you enjoy watching your pet play with his toys, take note of anything that could be a hazard and replace it before it becomes a problem. Hope you summer continues to be a safe one for you and your pets.
Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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