Oct. 28th is a pretty big doggy holiday: it’s Plush Animal Lovers’ Day! Does your canine buddy absolutely love his stuffed animals? Fido is pretty adorable when he’s running after his favorite plaything! However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to giving him squeaky toys. A local veterinarian offers some tips on choosing your pup’s toys below.

Discarding Old Toys

Squeaky toys are not the most long-lasting dog toys. In fact, some pooches make short work of them! Pay close attention to the condition of Fido’s toys, and repair or toss old ones. You’ll want to distract your playful pet by giving him a new toy while you do this.

Rotate

As the saying says, variety is the spice of life. Rotate your furry pal’s toys out regularly. You may want to do this when your pooch is napping or outdoors.

Cleaning

Squeaky toys get crusty and gross pretty quickly. Wash them regularly. Toys that are in good condition can usually be machine-washed and tumbled dry on low. Just check the label instructions to be sure.

Prey Drive

There are some concerns about squeaking toys and dogs’ prey drive. Some pooches are just hardwired to go after small critters. That squeak, to your furry pal, sounds like something he or his ancestors would hunt in the wild. If you know or suspect that Fido has a strong prey drive, ask your vet for advice.

Material

Material is also something to consider. We suggest getting into the habit of looking at labels. Always opt for products that use non-toxic materials.

Squeakers

One concern about squeaker toys is the fact that some dogs eat the squeakers. This can cause severe, and potentially fatal, intestinal blockages. If your canine pal does this, you might be better off getting him a different type of toy. If you aren’t sure how your pup will react, supervise all play sessions carefully. 

Benefits

Squeaky toys can be very  useful at times. For instance, they come in very handy if you’re trying to get your dog’s attention for a photograph! Many of them can also be great for senior dogs, because they’re soft on the mouth. 

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