What Toys Are Safe for my Dog?

Appropriate toys are toys that cannot harm the dog or teach /reinforce any undesirable behaviors. Make sure the toy or bone is an appropriate size for your dog. It should not be small enough to fit completely in the dog's mouth, making it possible for him to swallow it and choke. Do not overwhelm the dog with toys. Rotate them to keep his interest. The dog should always have something to chew. Keep in mind anything new to a dogs' system may cause diarrhea.

Appropriate Bones

Processed marrow bone: this is a real bone that has been sterilized. It is white and shaped like a tube. Stuff it with canned dog food (this is less likely to affect the dogs stomach or housebreaking routine). Keep a few of them in a zip lock bag in the freezer to have them on hand. As the dog gets older you can stuff them with peanut butter or cheese (use the canned "easy cheese" with the whipped cream like nozzle). To clean, use a bottle brush, the hose on your sink or, the dishwasher. You can also boil these in bouillon for added flavor.

Compressed rawhide: this is safer than regular rawhide. It is less likely to cause choking.

Pig Twists: these are shaped like a retriever stick but are safer since they are made from pig skin instead of rawhide.

Nylabones: these come in an edible variety or hard, plain and flavored nylon.

Knuckle bones: these are real bones that are very messy and should be restricted to a crate or washable floor to avoid any remaining residue.

There are a variety of animal by products on the market such as pig ears and cow hooves. These products can stimulate the dogs "prey/killer" instincts which lays dormant and cause some dogs to display aggression or guard the item. These are not appropriate for dogs that exhibit this behavior.

Inappropriate Bones

Rawhide: most rawhide is processed in formaldehyde. Rawhide can also cause choking.

Poultry, fish or chop bones (lamb or pork chops): these can splinter causing injury.

Appropriate toys

Kong: this is a hard, hollow rubber toy shaped like a beehive. It can be filled with food or treats. The Kong manufacturer has a variety of hard rubber toys including a treat ball.

Crazy Ball and Buster Cube: are activity toys that dispense treats as the dog plays.

Hard rubber balls or donut shapes and sticks

Inappropriate Toys

Rope toys, clothing such as shoes and socks or anything fabric Stuffed animals- Exception: If you have a dog that likes to carry something soft in his mouth but does not chew it, you can provide him with a nondescript lamb's wool stuffed animal made specifically for dogs.

Toys with squeakers; if the dog chews and is left unsupervised, the squeaker can get lodged in the dog's throat.