How do we choose the right toys for our quadrupeds?

How do we select toys for our pets? Have we thought about this question before purchasing a toy? It is very essential when choosing toys for our four-legged friends, whether it’s a dog or a cat, to make sure they are safe for them. Pets, especially dogs, are the most likely to swallow something they’re not supposed to, and often that something is their «favorite toy.»

First of all, when it comes to toys for our pets, we should keep a few things in mind:

– have a specific number of toys to easily notice when one is missing;
– the choice of toy should fit the age of the animal;
– the type of toy should match the pet’s personality;
– toys should be cleaned regularly, especially those made from fabric;
– Carefully selected toys can help us with various issues (e.g. obesity, fast eating)

Let’s remember something crucial; unfortunately, if our pet is determined to chew on an object, it doesn’t matter how careful we are.

While some toys can pose risks, the right ones can provide benefits for our pets. Besides promoting mental engagement, toys can help boost activity levels, encourage social interactions with other animals and people, help release energy, and decrease the chances of destruction in the house or speed at which they eat food which can cause health issues. Additionally, toys can help some pets learn basic commands related to giving up food rewards that might affect our pets negatively.

Toxoplasmosis – between myth and truth

One happy story is of a 5-year-old puppy who swallowed his favorite ball made of soft silicone with spikes. In this case, they were able to induce vomiting and remove the foreign object, but there are times when this does not work, and the animal cannot vomit the object.

There can be cases where the object that was swallowed goes into the intestines and causes problems, like blockage in that section. In such instances, surgery is the only answer. So, it is best to ensure that our pets have safe toys.

What are the signs we might notice in our pets?

Signs usually show up as vomiting, lethargy, lack of energy, and stomach pain. These signs are quite general and can vary significantly based on the material, shape, and size of the foreign object.

What do we do if we suspect that our Quadruped has swallowed an object in the house or a toy?
– We present ourselves as soon as possible in a veterinary/hospital office, because previously the possibility we will reduce complications or a decrease in surgery;

Guide: how we take care of the chicks of the newborn cat

– We check at home if the toys are missing or we have an indication of the nature of the foreign body;
– helps to have an image with the object or describe it correctly;

Watch a list of 5 toys that are not recommended for our fur:

● Silicone or soft material spheres that deform;
● strings of components that can break;
● Toys with feathers and/or bells that are outside and can be easily swallowed;
● Wooden toys that can damage their tooth or leave chips;
● Inappropriate toys for the life of the animal.

And below we selected 5 toys suitable for dogs and cats:

● It is recommended for spheres or toys for the release of reward for lusty animals to combine pleasure with interactive activity. It is important that they are chosen taking into account the dimension of fur and the power of the bite;
● The intertwined rope toys, in the case of cats, a recommendation would not be to have slightly removable feathers or components that can ingest;
● In addition, toys can be used for comfort, with the mention of the removal of removable parts (e.g. eyes, buttons);
● Toys containing another toy inside to arouse their curiosity, for example: sphere circuit for cats,
● In the case of cats the most loved is the laser and for dogs the launcher (attention: the ball should be tennis or a strong silicone that does not deform), recommended to stimulate the animal’s interest in moving.

How do you choose the veterinary clinic suitable for your pet?

In conclusion, toys are important for our pet, even if it represents a risk, it is important before buying a toy, document ourselves and recommending with the vet to choose the correct toy.