Toys for Us
Toys are not a luxury for your dog. They can ease boredom, soothe and comfort, provide a distraction, challenge your dog’s intellect, create a bonding experience between you and your best friend, and have the side effect of teaching and improving communication skills.
Looking for safe toys for your pet that is free of toxins and deemed safe can be a challenge. With little to no safety testing, it is buyer beware. There are dyes, preservatives, chemicals, and toxic heavy metals to screen out, not to mention injuries and choking hazards from poor construction. Companies are not always transparent about ingredients, either. The criteria for choosing a non-toxic toy is to think about putting it in your mouth. If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, there is a good chance it shouldn’t be in your dog’s mouth either.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a toy. A puppy and a senior dog will most certainly prefer different toys; just as different breeds will have different drives. Toys must be scaled to the size of your dog and different personalities will respond to a different aspect of a toy in inexplicable ways. Some dogs love novelty while others are a bit timider and like predictability.
A note on chewables (not your shoes, but that is another topic). Rawhides often contain chemicals and should never be purchased from foreign countries. They also tend to get broken up into bits that can choke your dog. Natural materials in ropes, etc. are great as are natural bones that can be purchased from your butcher. You can serve up some variety with a shank (cut to size), knucklebones, and neck bones from different animals. Always serve them raw, and supervise so that they can be removed if they become cracked or worn to a chocking size. Deer antlers and cow hoofs are practically indestructible and also make great chew toys.
Rotate your toys so they always have a new attraction, and have one of each type in a grouping. Dogs delight in "Found" toys and find them much more attractive than toys that are obviously introduced. A game of finding toys or treats is a good rainy-day activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space. And toys are like weeds, it’s all about perception. A sock over an empty pop bottle can make you a Rock Star to your dog!
Keep in mind that mental stimulation and exercise make for a happier and more contented dog, less likely to get into trouble from boredom. But your positive attention will always be the high-value time your pet seeks and toys should not be used as a substitute for interaction.
Know the type of toy you are looking for:
A chew toy to teach acceptable items for chewing
Treat-dispenser/enrichment toys will work to fight boredom and provide mental stimulation
Interactive toys, that can be used for fetch or tug games
Self-amusement toys, that are sturdy and don’t require supervision
Comfort toys, which are usually plush and provide comfort and bonding
In your search for quality, safe toys, local shops may not be your best bet. There are many online sites where you can be sure of the content, safety, and the country of origin. Look for reputable sites and check the reviews.
Written by Johanna Denesiuk, Natural Health Enthusiast and Animal Advocate