How do I know what kind of toys to get for my dog?

How do I know what kind of toys to get for my dog?

I hear questions like this all the time. It's not really a question of what Fido or Fluffy would like, so much as an issue of safety. Dangerous toys abound on the market today. So, how do you, the consumer, know what's safe?

We'll start with size. Can your dog choke on the toy? If it's small enough to choke on, it's too small for your dog, period. If it won't even fit in Fido's mouth, well, then it's not, is it?

If your dog is an aggressive chewer, make sure the toy will withstand some serious chewing! Anything filled with air is generally a no-no.

"Aggressive chewers should have only durable, hard rubber or nylon toys," according to pets.com,"Semi-aggressive chewers may not tear toys apart, but will chew enough to cause wear on a toy. Toys made of canvas or rope are softer yet won't come apart easily, making them ideal for semi-aggressive chewers. Non-aggressive or very light chewers are less destructive and can have plush, vinyl or latex toys."

Make sure the toys for aggressive chewers are hard rubber or nylon and be sure they don't play with their toys unattended!  All dogs need constant supervision when playing with their toys, but chewers need more. If a toy becomes worn or the dog starts to tear it apart, take it away! It's a choking hazard. My dogs' toys don't have time to get worn. They get ripped to shreds before that!!!

If this doesn't answer your questions, please visit:

http://www.pets.com/petcare/articles/new-dog-know-how-toys-treats for more information.  They have all kinds of juicy tidbits that can help you an Rover enjoy your long, healthy and happy lives together!