7 Toys Not Recommended for Dogs

Playing with your dog can be a source of endless joy, but if there are objects involved, then it’s very important for you to know that you know which toys aren’t recommended for dogs. Many of them can cause really serious accidents in the short and long term. Find out 7 toys not recommended for dogs in this article.

To choose a toy for your dog, you have to take into account several important aspects. If you follow these tips, you can ensure the well-being of your dog when they’re playing.

Why dogs need toys

Play is very important to ensure that dogs are active. There’s even sensory enrichment in the form of scented toys or cognitive challenges.

There are times when your dog needs to play on their own, simply because you’re busy or for them to learn to be independent. It’s important for every dog to have at least a couple of toys to entertain themselves.

Toys are also useful for dogs that get bored easily or suffer from anxiety, as they’ll have a point of reference to release that emotional tension. This is really useful in order to avoid the destruction of household furniture that owners fear so much.

Considerations when choosing a toy for your dog

Every dog has its preferences when it comes to toys. Once you know what tastes they have, you should take into account the following points:

• Toys have to be easily disinfected. Bear in mind that dogs tend to play with their mouths, and so it’s important for their toys to be clean.
• The toy must be made of suitable and non-toxic materials. Each dog has a different level of activity, according to their habits and age. For example, rubber toys may be too harsh for a puppy that doesn’t have its adult teeth, and a soft toy isn’t suitable for dogs that are quite rough.
• Its size must correspond to that of your dog. Toys that are too small are at risk of being ingested, with emergency costs that this will incur.
• Dog entertainment items mustn’t contain small, sharp, or easily detachable parts.
• Some toys are only suitable under supervision, such as those made with braided rope.
• Look on the labels to see if the toys were made specifically for dogs. This will guarantee that all of the above is true.

7 toys not recommended for dogs

Once you have found out the safest toys for your dog, you also need to know what shouldn’t be used as a toy. If you want to know what they are, keep reading.

1. Damaged toys

Many dogs develop a preference for certain toys, causing them to wear out much faster. Although it may be a bit embarrassing to take away a pet’s favorite object, you need to bear in mind the risk that these toys may break over time and the pieces could be swallowed or inhaled.

Try to console your dog if you have to take their toy from them. You’ll surely find other much safer options that your dog will love. After all, dogs can usually adapt pretty well to change.

2. Painted toys

Dogs see in color and this factor is taken into account when making toys for dogs. However, those that are correctly manufactured shouldn’t be painted. The paint can end up being ingested by the dog and can be highly toxic, possibly containing harmful substances such as lead.

Unfortunately, there are often no regulations when it comes to making toys for dogs, so you must be very careful when choosing them.

3. Frisbees

There are pros and cons in using frisbees. Using a plastic frisbee involves certain risks; the dog can hurt itself, or break it and ingest pieces of plastic.

However, there are frisbees made specifically for dogs, made of flexible materials that are difficult to break. In any case, it’s a toy that should always be used under supervision.

4. Tennis balls

These balls may seem suitable for dogs because of their flexibility and vivid colors, as well as being a cheaper option. However, the fiberglass they’re made of can severely damage the enamel on your dog’s teeth.

In addition to this, they’re easily broken if the dog is quite destructive. You’d be surprised how many pieces from tennis balls are removed in surgery at veterinary hospitals.

5. Toys not recommended for dogs: household objects

Many dogs are more curious about objects like stuffed animals, slippers, or socks than about toys. Some people are resigned to having their dog appropriate some of their belongings, but this can pose a serious risk.

Not only is it a bad option due to the danger of ingestion or intoxication, but you’ll also be promoting destructive and possessive behavior in your dog.

6. Stones, sticks and other objects on the ground

Viral images of dogs carrying a giant stick and getting stuck in an opening are really hilarious, but, in real life, letting these be their usual type of toy can be very risky. In the case of sticks, the greatest dangers are ingestion of splinters, or splinters digging into their gums.

Stones and other objects, on the other hand, are susceptible to being ingested, with all that this entails. Can you imagine chewing on a stone?! Your teeth would end up in pretty bad shape!

7. Bones

Bones are commonly associated with dogs. It’s part of a dog’s instinct of the animal, as canids chew animal bones in the wild to clean their teeth and eat the bone marrow.

However, in the case of domestic dogs, giving them bones to entertain them has more dangers than benefits. Dogs that are a bit too eager to eat them can choke on the splinters, which can cause injury as they pass through the digestive tract.

Choosing a suitable toy for your dog may seem like a nightmare after reading all this, but don’t worry. As long as you know your dog and know their preferences and weaknesses, you just need to take a trip to a specialized store and get some advice from an expert.