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Oct. 28th is a big day for Fido. It’s Plush Animal Lovers’ Day! Many of our canine buddies absolutely love plush toys. Man’s BFF is pretty adorable when he’s running after his favorite plaything! However, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to giving your dog squeaky toys. A local veterinarian offers some tips on choosing your pup’s toys below.

Discard Old Toys

Squeaky toys are not the most long-lasting dog toys. Some of our furry pals will make pretty short work of them! Pay close attention to the condition of your canine buddy’s toys. Regularly repair or toss old ones. Of course, you’ll need to be discreet about this. It’s a good idea to distract your playful pet by giving him a new toy before removing the old one.

Rotate

Be sure to rotate your dog’s toys out regularly. You may want to do this when Fido is napping or outdoors. As the saying says, variety is the spice of life.

Cleaning

Squeaky toys get crusty and gross pretty quickly. Dogs play with their mouths, so this is only to be expected. Wash your pup’s things regularly. Plush toys that are in good condition can usually be machine-washed. Just check the label instructions to be sure.

Prey Drive

There are some valid concerns about squeaking toys and dogs with strong prey drive. Some pooches are just hardwired to go after small critters. That squeak, to Fido, often sounds like something he or his ancestors would hunt in the wild. If you know or suspect that your pet has a strong prey drive, ask your vet for tips on suitable toys and play strategies.

Material

Material is also something to consider. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of looking at labels. Choose products that use non-toxic materials.

Squeakers

One big concern about squeaker toys is the fact that dogs sometimes eat the squeakers. This can actually be very dangerous! Squeakers are not digestible, and they can cause severe, and potentially fatal, intestinal blockages. If Fido does this, contact your vet immediately. Going forward, you may be better off getting him a different type of toy. If you aren’t sure how your pooch will react, supervise all play sessions carefully.

Benefits

Squeaky toys can come in very handy if you’re trying to get Fido’s attention for a photograph! Many of them can also be great for older dogs, because they’re so soft on the mouth. Many pups also find them comforting.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your vet clinic!