Picking Safe Holiday Dog Toys and Treats

In most animal-loving households, holiday gift shopping includes purchasing presents for our four-legged friends. With so many great dog toys, treats and accessories out there, it can be difficult to know where to spend your hard-earned dollars.

Here are some criteria to consider when purchasing anything that your pet may ingest, carry, gnaw or retrieve, as well as some recommendations to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated this holiday season:

1. Durability and Texture

Not many toys will stand up to the bite of a pittie or shepherd. Look for toys that have reinforced seams and no small pieces like plastic eyes or stuffing that can be swallowed. Bonus points for anything that squeaks, makes a fun crunching sound or can be carried in your pet’s mouth. A few toys that stood up to the durability and texture test are the ZippyPaws – Holiday Z-Stitch Extra Tough No Stuffing Plush Dog Toy with Squeaker and the Goughnut Stick. The stick floats, is made of natural rubber and comes with a replacement guarantee if your dog penetrates the outer layer.

2. Hardness

Even though some breeds may still resemble their wolf ancestors, it’s important to avoid dog toys that don’t pass the thumbnail test (pressing into the object leaves an impression with your thumbnail). This means avoiding bones, antlers or even hooves, which can lead to tooth fractures, pain, infection and splintering in the gastrointestinal system causing rupture, blockage or even death. Likewise, rawhides can be unsafe as they may deteriorate into chunks that are too big to digest and harbor bacterial pathogens.

A safe dog toy that meets my criteria for durability, texture and hardness is the Nylabone Dura Chew Plus; it’s got a pleasing ribbed texture, is chicken flavored, comes in multiple sizes and dogs are able to shave off satisfying, rice-grain sized bits that are safe to ingest.

3. Coating

Beware the treated pig ear or coated bully stick. Not only do the coatings stain fabric and carpeting but they can also cause digestive upset in your dog and promote bacterial growth on the surface of the chew. Many are not sourced in the United States and may be a by-product of the inhumane international fur trade. It’s important to consider the impact your purchase has on other species and the environment; a great dog toy shouldn’t harm any other critters during production. One veterinarian-recommended chew that is coated with a dual-enzyme system to prevent tartar formation is the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs. Not only is it flavorful but it also provides the benefit of good oral health too!

4. Size & Shape

It’s important to consider the “anatomy” of the dog toys you purchase and always supervise your pet when they’re playing or chewing on the new holiday gift. Toys and treats should not be small enough that they can become a choking hazard, nor should they be too large that jaw strain is a sequelae of chewing. Avoid toys that have a ring or bend that can become stuck over the dog’s jaw causing injury. My recommendation is the Wisdom Dog Treat Ball; it has a variety of treat-dispensing options, has an unpredictable and engaging bounce due to its unique three-armed design and is made of a softer rubber with plenty of give to avoid injury. Another safe toy that comes in multiple sizes is the PetSafe Busy Buddy Calming Toys.

5. Washability

Myth: a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Make sure your gift is machine or dishwasher safe! Kong brand products are not only sturdy but come in multiple sizes, have features that allow them to be stuffed with treats and are top-rack dishwasher friendly. Kong brand soft toys can also be thrown in the washing machine. Be on the lookout for anything that is easily washable!

6. Engaging

The best dog toys are mentally engaging, provide an outlet for chewing, help reinforce positive behavior, relieve stress and provide physical exercise and entertainment. Most food-motivated dogs love a treat that’s bacon, chicken, beef or cheese flavored. Kong stuff’n easy treat bacon and cheese is made to be used in toys with a dispensing hole, and dogs find it irresistible! Pet owners use this treat-filled toy to relieve separation anxiety and allow safe, long-lasting chewing.

At Pet Butler, we want your dog to enjoy the holidays just as much as their backyard. We’ll pick up your pet’s waste weekly, twice per week, every other week, monthly or on occasion throughout all the seasons. Learn about our poop scooping services today.

Happy Howlidays!