Hello everyone, Nathan Derry here with JohnHart Real Estate. While my primary focus is on helping you find the perfect home, today I want to discuss an important topic that ensures the safety and well-being of our furry friends: pet toy safety. Choosing the right toys for your pets is crucial to their health and happiness. In this blog, we’ll explore what toys to avoid and provide tips on how to select the perfect toys for your individual pets.

What Toys to Avoid

Not all toys are created equal, and some can pose serious risks to your pets. Here are some toys to be cautious about:

1. Small Toys and Parts: Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard, especially for larger pets. Ensure that the toys are appropriately sized for your pet.

2. Toys with Strings or Ribbons: These can easily be ingested, leading to intestinal blockages or choking hazards. Supervise your pets if they are playing with string-like toys.

3. Squeaky Toys: While these can be entertaining, pets may chew them aggressively to get to the squeaker, which can lead to choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed.

4. Toys with Bells: Similar to squeaky toys, bells can be swallowed, causing choking or internal injuries.

5. Rawhide Chews: These can be problematic as they can splinter and cause digestive issues or choking. They can also be difficult to digest.

6. Plastic Toys: Low-quality plastic toys can break easily, leading to sharp edges that can injure your pet's mouth or digestive tract.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Toys

Selecting the right toys can keep your pets entertained, healthy, and safe. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Size Appropriateness: Choose toys that are suitable for the size of your pet. A toy that’s too small can be swallowed, and one that’s too large may not be enjoyable for your pet.

2. Durability: Look for toys made of high-quality, durable materials. For dogs, rubber or hard nylon toys can withstand heavy chewing. For cats, sturdy fabric toys filled with catnip can be very engaging.

3. Safety Certifications: Select toys that meet safety standards. Look for labels that indicate non-toxic materials and safety testing.

4. Interactive Toys: Toys that require interaction can be great for mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive play toys can keep your pet engaged and mentally sharp.

5. Natural Materials: Opt for toys made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or hemp. These are generally safer if ingested compared to synthetic materials.

6. Washable Toys: Choose toys that are easy to clean. Hygiene is important to prevent bacterial buildup, especially if your pet tends to slobber on their toys.

7. Pet’s Preferences: Pay attention to what types of toys your pet enjoys. Some pets prefer soft toys to cuddle, while others enjoy toys they can chew or chase.

8. Avoid Human Toys: Don’t give your pets toys meant for humans, like old socks or shoes, as they can associate these items with acceptable chew toys, leading to destructive behavior.

9. Rotating Toys: Keep a variety of toys and rotate them regularly to keep your pet engaged. This can prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior.

10. Supervision: Always supervise your pet’s playtime with new toys until you are confident that the toy is safe for unsupervised use.

Ensuring the safety of your pet’s toys is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. By being mindful of the potential hazards and choosing the right toys, you can keep your pets safe, healthy, and entertained. If you have any questions or need further advice on pet safety or real estate, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!

All the best,

Nathan Derry, JohnHart Real Estate

Sources:

1. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Pet Toy Safety
2. Humane Society: Choosing Safe Pet Toys
3. PetMD: The Best and Worst Toys for Pets