How do we choose the right toys for our quadrupeds?

Author: DVM Mădntine Bobe

Source: Purina.co.uk

How do we choose toys for our fur? Did we ask this question before deciding the toy we will buy?
It is very important when we choose toys for our quadruns, whether it is dog or cat, choose them so that they are not a danger to them. Pets, in particular dogs are the most predisposed to ingest a foreign body and usually that foreign body is its «favorite toy».

First of all, when it comes to our quadruped toys, we must have some things in mind:

– have an exact number of toys, in order to be able to easily identify the lack;
– the toy will be chosen according to the life of the animal;
– the type of toy should be suitable for fur personality;
– toys must be washed periodically, in particular those of the textile material;
– The toys chosen with care can help us in various problems (e.g. obesity, quick swallowing food)

Let’s not forget an important thing, unfortunately, if our animal is sufficient It is generously an object, it does not matter how attentive we are.

Although some toys can be dangerous, those chosen correctly can bring benefits for our pet. In addition to cognitive stimulation, toys can help increase the level of activity, socializing with other animals and human beings, can help consume energy and reduce events to destroy objects at home or to reduce the speed of swallowing food that can lead to health problems. In addition, with the help of toys, some animals can benefit from a basic training in giving up food prizes that may have negative effects on our quadrupeds.

An example with a happy ending is this 5 -year -old puppy, who ingested his favorite ball, made of soft silicone with peaks. In this situation it was possible to induce vomiting and the foreign body has been eliminated, but there are situations in which the induced work does not work and the animal does not vomit the foreign body. There are situations in which that object swallowed by the animal reaches the intestine and the complications appear, that is to say the obstruction of the respective segment. In this case the only solution is surgery. So better we make sure that our animal has the right toys.

.

Proper

What are the clinical signs that we can see to our Quadruped?

Clinical signs generally manifest themselves by vomiting, inadequacy, apathy and abdominal discomfort. These signs are rather vague and differ considerably according to the material, shape and size of the foreign body.

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;
– 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.

Fig. 1 – Toy with release of prizes for sources of cats/dogs: 1. Pitone.ro 2. Jellyfish.ie

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.

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.