Which Dog Toys Are Safe?

by Kate Barrington

Published: October 26th, 2019

You need them to keep your dog busy and entertained. But which dog toys are safe? Here’s what you need to know.

Every dog owner has a moment of panic when you find your dog chewing on something he shouldn’t be. Dogs don’t know the difference between a shoe and a toy because they both look like fun things to play with. Though all your dog wants is to have fun, it’s your responsibility to make sure that he stays safe while he plays and that means choosing your dog toys carefully.

Not all dog toys are safe, and some can be downright dangerous. Keep reading to learn more about which dog toys are safe and which ones to avoid.

How Are Dog Toys Regulated?

This is a trick question because dog toys are not strictly regulated. When it comes to pet food, the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) oversees the production and sale of pet food products, but there is no overseeing organization for other pet supplies like toys, bedding, and clothing. If you’re concerned about the safety of a pet product, the best thing you can do is contact the manufacturer for more information.

What Should You Avoid in Dog Toys?

When it comes to safety, there are two things to be concerned about regarding dog toys. The first is, of course, hazardous materials. You don’t want to give your dog a toy made from something that could harm him. Second, you want to avoid dog toys that are designed in a way that could be harmful. For example, a dog toy with small, ingestible parts is not safe.

Here are some other things to watch out for in dog toys:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – This material is often used with chemical additives to make PVC toys more flexible.
Phthalates – These additives are often found in PVC toys and can leach into your dog’s skin and gums over time.
Formaldehyde – A preservative often used in rawhide chews, long-term exposure to this chemical can be very dangerous for dogs.
Stuffing – Plush toys that contain a lot of stuffing can be unsafe for dogs because the dog could ingest it or choke on it.
Small Parts – Any toy that has small parts which could come off poses a choking hazard.
Rawhide – All-natural raw hide can be safe for dogs, but you need to be careful because if your dog chews it down into small pieces it could be a choking hazard.
Tennis Balls – These are fine for throwing and chasing, but don’t let your dog chew on a tennis ball because he could swallow the pieces.

Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious when a dog toy is unsafe. You need to learn how to use a critical eye when shopping for pet supplies, and not just toys.

Which Dog Toys are the Safest for Dogs?

If you want what’s best for your dog but you don’t want to start scrutinizing every toy at the pet store, there are a few options that are widely recognized as safe. Here are some of the safest toys for dogs:

Rubber Toys – Hard rubber toys (like KONG) toys are a great option because they are very durable, but your dog can still chew on them.
Rope Toys – Woven rope toys are generally safe for dogs because even if he chews off some of the fibers, there’s little risk of choking.
Distraction Toys – If you’re trying to keep your dog busy, a distraction toy or interactive toy is a great option – just make sure you fill it with dog-safe treats.
Plush Toys – Many dogs like to carry plush toys around. This is fine as long as the dog doesn’t rip it apart. If your dog tends to destroy toys, just make sure the plush doesn’t have filling.
Chew Toys – Nylon and natural bone are other good materials to choose for chew toys because they are durable, non-toxic, and safe for your dog.

You are your dog’s protector and it’s your job to keep him safe. Unfortunately, many dog owners don’t realize the danger that some dog toys pose until their dogs get hurt. If you want what’s best for your dog, take what you’ve learned here and start shopping smart for dog toys.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

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Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!Daffodils

These Are the States With the Most Spoiled Doggos in 2023

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is the time for presents, cuddling, yummy meals and, to be honest, spoiling the one you love, including your four-legged bestie. But are there some pet parents that take it a bit too far, and if so, do we know in which states they live? If you are one of those owners who like to pamper their furry friend and spoil them to no end, stick around to find out who’s guilty of overindulging their doggo just like you!An interesting  Forbes Advisor survey estimates that around 22.2% of dog owners in the USA, or one in five, admit to having spent more money on  Christmas gifts for their dogs, rather than gifts for friends and family. This means that there are certainly some pampered and spoiled doggos to be found across the nation, but what is more interesting is that dog owners in certain states tend to spoil dogs more than in others. Now, after a nationwide survey, the results are in!With a score of 100 out of 100, Florida definitely wins as the state with the most spoiled dogs! The Sunshine State is reported to have around 66.5% of owners who spend more money on their dog’s health, grooming, and gifts, than on their own. They are also more likely to pamper dogs by perfuming them, pushing them in strollers, buying them clothes and gifts, or taking them to restaurants. Interestingly, the second place, and right behind Florida, is Alaska, with a score of 98.69 out of 100. Nearly half of all dog owners in this northerly state admit to regularly throwing birthday parties for their pooches, purchasing them special outfits, and even putting cologne on them. They too will spend more money on their pets than on themselves.Behind Florida and Alaska in places 1 and 2 respectively, are the following states:3. Washington - 91.82 out of 1004. Colorado - 82.04 out of 1005. California - 77.96 out of 1006. New Jersey - 77.52 out of 1007. Illinois - 77.23 out of 1008. Texas - 70.80 out of 1009. Delaware - 69.93 out of 10010. Virginia - 69.34 out of 100The survey also offered some indicators and activities that might suggest that you are spoiling your dog. If you regularly do some of these activities, you might be pampering your pooch as well!Taking family photos with the dog Ordering the dog a special treat at a restaurant Bringing the dog on vacationPushing the dog in a strollerSpending more money on the dog’s health and grooming than on their own Buying the dog outfits and accessoriesSo, what’s the result? Are you too on the list of owners who spoil their pets? Let us know!

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