Toys are an important component of dog care. Besides being a source of fun for your dog, chewable toys contribute to the health and wellbeing of your dog. These toys keep the dog busy, entertained, provide comfort, and prevent behavioral problems. However, not all toys are appropriate. It is essential for you to consider the quality of the toys you buy. Nylabone is safe and comes in different designs, colors, and sizes.
Is the toy safe for your dog?
It is essential for you to note that not all chewable toys are safe for your dog. Toys that have removable parts such as ribbons or strings are a health hazard and may cause your dog to choke. Your dog may also swallow some of these parts which may pose a danger to your pet and possibly result in costly health care.
Some of the chewable toys you should look out for include those with plastic eyes and bells. Your dog may enjoy the sound produced by the embedded bells or squeakers, but if the quality of the toy is poor, he may rip it and swallow these components.
Consider your dog’s breed
The size of the chewable toy should be bought with your dog in mind. Is the toy too big for your dog to enjoy himself? For example, if you have a Chihuahua, it would be irresponsible to buy him a chewable toy that is perfect for a German Shepherd. The quality of the toy is also critical based on the breed of your dog.
The bite force varies depending on the breed. For example, the Malinois is said to have one of the strongest bite force. When buying a chewable toy for dogs, it is vital to consider the strength of their jaws and the bite force they use.
Your dog’s age matters
When buying a chewable toy for your dog, it is important to consider his age. For example, a young puppy still has his baby teeth. Buying him chewable toys designed for older dogs will be a strain for this dog. Between the age of three and nine months, dogs are teething. They will be looking out for anything they can chew on. They need plenty of chewable toys, but hard rubber should be avoided at all costs.
When your dog’s jaws are stronger, he will need toys made of hard rubber. Besides the stronger jaws, your dog now has endless energy. Chewable toys with soft rubber will be ripped more frequently if they are given to dogs of this age. As your dog ages, his jaw strength starts to diminish. His energy levels are also lower. He needs softer toys, instead of the hard rubber he had enjoyed playing with for years. This dog needs to be encouraged to be physically active. If the chewable toy is too hard, he will not make an effort to play.
It is crucial for you to read the toy label before buying one. A dog’s toy may seem harmless, but it is crucial for you to confirm that no harmful chemicals were used in the manufacturing process.