Does Fido absolutely love his plush toys? Oct. 28th is Plush Animal Lovers’ Day! Man’s Best Friend is pretty adorable when he’s running after his favorite plaything! However, there are some things to keep in mind when giving your dog squeaky toys. A local veterinarian offers some tips on choosing plush toys below.

Discarding Old Toys

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

Rotate

Variety is the spice of life! Rotate your furry pal’s toys out regularly. A word to the wise: do this when Fido is napping or outdoors.

Cleaning

Squeaky toys get crusty and gross pretty quickly. Wash Fido’s things regularly. Toys that are in good condition can usually be machine-washed. However, you’ll want to check the label instructions to be sure.

Prey Drive

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

Material

Material is also something you’ll need to consider. Get into the habit of looking at labels. Get products that use non-toxic materials.

Squeakers

One big concern about squeaker toys is the fact that some dogs eat the squeakers. This can actually be very dangerous! Squeakers can cause severe, and potentially fatal, intestinal blockages. If your dog does this, you may be better off getting him a different type of toy. If you aren’t sure how your pet will react, supervise all play sessions carefully.

Benefits

Squeaky toys can be quite useful at times. For instance, they come in handy when you want to get Fido’s attention for a photograph! Many of them are great for older dogs, because they’re so soft on the mouth.

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