Choose wisely when it comes to pet toys

Toys are essential to the well-being of your pet. Toys are useful for a variety of reasons: they can help fight boredom when you’re away at work, they can provide comfort when your pet is nervous, and they can prevent your pet from developing certain behavioral problems, such as chewing on furniture and nipping house guests. While cats can be picky when it comes to choosing a toy, dogs are more than willing to play with most objects.

When choosing a safe toy for your pet, make sure to take into consideration their size, activity level, preferences, and the environment where they spend the most time. One of the first things to remember is to buy toys that are appropriate for your animal’s size. Toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become stuck in your pet’s throat. Also, avoid or alter any toys that aren’t “dog proof” by removing any strings, ribbons, eyes, or other small parts that can be ingested. It’s important to remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others.

Here are some recommended toys for your pet:
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• Active toys: hard rubber toys that come in many shapes and sizes and are fun for chewing and carrying around. Example: Nylabone or Kong-like toys
• Distraction toys: toys that can be filled with treats. Many dogs that eat their food too quickly can benefit from feeder-style toys. Example: Kong filled with treats or peanut butter
• Comfort toys: soft, stuffed toys aren’t appropriate for all dogs, so choose wisely! Find a toy sturdy enough to withstand a dog’s “attack”

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