Pet toy options are endless, and many owners make a choice based on texture, color, or even sound, but not every toy is a compatible match for each pet. Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares some insights on the potential risks brought by everyday pet toys and gives advice on choosing the best options to match a pet’s size, strength, and overall health needs. “A good fit for a toy is one that is not small enough to swallow or fit whole into the mouth,” Ray said. “On the other hand, the toy should also not be so large that they can’t comfortably chew on it.” Because this precaution can be a challenge in multi-pet households, in a home filled with pets of all shapes and sizes, Ray advises storing toys safely away when not in use.
While different types of dog toys have different benefits, they also have unique dangers associated with each: Chew toys can be either very hard, potentially damaging the teeth, or soft enough to be easily broken apart and swallowed. Rope toys are often shredded, and the pieces may be ingested or can get stuck in teeth. Squeakers in toys can be swallowed and cause gastrointestinal (GI) obstructions. Cooked bones can splin-ter and cause perforation along the GI tract, while hard, rawhide bones can break teeth or potentially lead to obstructions in the GI tract. Stuffing in soft toys can also lead to an obstruction in the GI tract.
Cat toys share many of these same dangers, with string toys presenting an additional risk of developing into a linear foreign body that can lead to intestinal perforations if swallowed. Beyond mindless chewing, toys also offer pets mental stimulation. Puzzles and motion-activated treat dispensers are great options to engage a pet’s mind as long as pieces can’t be broken off and made of non-toxic materials. Even the safest toys can break down with the right amount of playfilled pressure, so owners should inspect toys regularly for signs of extreme wear and tear.
The best defense against toy related emergencies is to learn the pet’s specific behavior and needs.
“If your pet is one who lives to destroy their toys, then avoid soft, plush, or squeaker toys,” Ray said. “A general rule is to make sure the toy is durable.”
Soft rubber toys are often safer than hard toys for senior dogs, puppies, or pets with dental disease, as extremely firm toys may cause further trauma or fractures.
It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if suspecting a pet has ingested any portion of a toy.