Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Ask Amy: Choosing Safe Dog Toys

by | Dec 18, 2013 | Dog Training & Care | 13 comments

MagicBug

Magic surgically removes squeakers, so I have to diligently supervise playtime. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

With the holiday season upon us, many dog lovers look forward to “gifting” their dogs with fun toys. But what’s safe, and what isn’t? How do you make sure your pets’ playtime doesn’t turn into tragedy?

Today’s Ask Amy addresses the issue of choking, and I want to also include a link to first aid tips for pet choking. You’ll find lots of other life saving tips in the book The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (hope you’ll never need it!

Has your pet ever choked on something? What did you do? How do you check out toys for your dogs (and cats) before gifting? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly PUPPY CARE must knows, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

13 Comments

  1. Kimberly Gauthier

    No choking here, but Rodrigo has swallowed squeakers and we gave him 2 tablespoons full of hydrogen peroxide to get them back up. Now he plays with these toys under supervision. He understands to drop the squeaker, but if left on his own, he’d swallow it.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      That’s a great command to train. Magic also knows “drop it” but like Rodrigo, if I’m not there all bets are off. I learned to pick up all of Seren’s sparkle-balls because he eats them…I find sparkly poop, but one time he vomited a couple, too when he was a pup and it scared me to death he’d get blocked. Probably yet another reason Seren is not a fan of “the dawg.”

      Reply
      • Wayne Borean

        Just curious – does Magic eat Catnip? Both Rose and Kleo do. I think they are jealous, because the cats get it and they don’t!

        Wayne

        Reply
        • Amy Shojai

          Last night got Seren drunk on some prime ‘nip. Magic was intrigued by her antics but no, he didn’t offer to eat any although he did sniff thoroughly. And got this puzzled expression like, “What’s the big deal?”

          Reply
          • Wayne Borean

            The dogs may not get high, but if the cats are into the catnip, the dogs will join them. Gets rather funny, watching everybody try to take up the same spot on the floor…

            Wayne

  2. Patricia

    You know several years ago I was sound asleep one night and my cat woke me up and I heard a gagging noise, turned the light on and he was in the process of swallowing my shoe string. Scared me to death and I immediately just started pulling it out of his throat. Thank goodness it didn’t cause any damage. The other day I had laid a filled insulin needle on the able, turned my back and my newest cat Termite knocked it off the table, grabbed it up with his mouth and off he went. Thank God I was able to get it back before he bit into it. He is a mess!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Oh my heavens! Yes, those string things can be really trouble. Once the pet starts swallowing they can’t seem to stop. Good you got it out. Once it goes all the way through, though, it’s best NOT to pull from the other end because it could be “caught” on the inside and cause more damage. *shudder*

      That Termite–swiped a syringe? Holy moly, that’s a first. 🙂

      Reply
      • Patricia

        Yes, he did swipe a syringe! I perish the thought of what would have happened had he took a bite out of it and ingested any of that insulin. He has a case of nosiness! He’s constantly knocking stuff in the floor or if he hears anyone else drop something he is Johnny on the spot to the rescue to try and see if it’s something small enough for him to put his mouth on and take off.

        Reply
        • Amy Shojai

          Sounds like he’s invented a fun “chase me” game. *s* Maybe you could find some noisy-drop-able toys and then play “chase” with him, a legal/safe toy. If he’d do it. But then, part of the allure probably is the danger angle and getting you excited, LOL!

          Reply
  3. Wayne Borean

    Ah, squeakers. Magic and Rose should get together, and have a squeaker removal contest. I’ve bought Rose the toughest rated dog toys, and the longest they last is two hours. At which point Rose forgets about the toy.

    Kleo is different. She’ll continually carry her toy everywhere, even after the squeaker is out. If she can’t find her toy, she’ll carry soda cans, potatoes, shoes, or anything else she can find. One toy lasted six months (and is probably still around somewhere – I should look behind the couch).

    Each dog has their own definition of what makes a good toy. Anything Rose has, Kleo will try to steal. If Kleo has something, Rose will ignore it, unless it makes noise.

    Wayne

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      I’ve only found a few “tuff” toys that foil Magic’s teeth for any length of time. But then he amputates the toy’s ear or tail, and tears it up eventually. I need to clean out his kennel. He’s got toys (some terribly maimed and on their last stuffings) that should be permanently retired. *s* Seems the more tattered, the better he likes them.

      Reply
      • Wayne Borean

        Hey, just like us humans. The older the toy, the more it sticks with us 🙂

        Wayne

        Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Spoil Your Dog Every Day: 8 Ways How to Show Dogs You Love Them

August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day. So how do you spoil your canine companion? Or do you pamper your pet too much?

Our dogs give us unconditional love, and never care that we have a bad hair day, forget to change our socks or brush our teeth—actually, they might like that! They greet us at the door like heroes bearing treasures and always offer a happy wag and eager smooch. Whether dogs snuggle to share our joy or pester us out of a blue mood with a game of fetch, they love us 24/7/365.

That’s one of the many reasons dog lovers consider them part of the family. It’s only natural for us to return the affection by spoiling dogs. Dog lovers don’t need a Spoil Your Dog holiday, either–we love them every day of the year. Here are some ways to return the furry favor for your dog.

Recently, I’ve received a boatload of emails with product suggestions for spoiling dogs with healthy fun. So check out some of the offerings–and in the comments, add suggestions of your own! Then share the blog far and wide to spread the puppy love!

Catnip: More Than A Treat for National Cat Day

Tomorrow is NATIONAL CAT DAY! Why not celebrate with kewl schtuff for the cat…like a catnip treat?

I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat’s grin. My cat Seren used to wear the same expression when she indulged. NATIONAL CAT DAY is the perfect time to indulge your furry friend.

But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?

What Is Catnip?

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturation as low as one part per billion.

Karma-Kat #Reviews the Uahpet Wireless Cat Water Fountain

Cats evolved as desert creatures able to conserve water, but often don’t drink enough to stay healthy. Karma-Kat increased his drinking habit after he got the Uahpet Wireless Water Fountain!

Even better, you can get 15% off ANYTHING in the Uahpet store . . .

Water equals life for our cats. Did you know that water makes up 84 percent of a kitten’s body weight, and 60 percent of an adult cat’s body weight? Water lubricates the tissue and helps distribute electrolytes like salt throughout the body. Water fuels digestion and elimination, and helps regulate the cat’s body temperature. Without enough water, dehydration can cause severe illness. Even a 15 percent loss of body water results in death.

Yet cats get really picky about drinking enough water. We’ve had several pet water fountains here, and Karma-Kat and the doggos enjoyed them. When water sits for a long time, it tastes funny, sometimes taking on the smell or taste of the container. Static water encourages growth of mildew, mold, or bacteria that can make pets snub the bowl. While we hate the idea of pets drinking from toilets, the commode appeals to dogs–AND cats–because each flush fills the cool porcelain with fresh water that churning fills with air (aerates) for improved taste.

A pet water fountain offers a better option. But most cat water fountains require the pump to plug into an electrical outlet. Pets often chew cords and that poses electrocution risks. A wired fountain also limits the places where you can locate the fountain. So when Uahpet reached out offering to send us the Wireless Cat Water Fountain to test and review, Karma meowed with excitement! Well…not really, but I couldn’t wait to try it out. It also works great for small dogs. Learn more . . . and get the discount code!

10 People Food Treats Dogs Can Eat

Oh, those puppy dog eyes begging for people food…It doesn’t have to be a holiday for us to want to give treats to our dogs. Our cats love people food, too. We love to indulge ourselves—and them—with safe people food and holiday dog treats.

These days, we’re not going out to eat so much but are cooking at home more, so there are additional yummies available. Both Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat think they deserve some of the table food. We offer only in moderation, and that the choices are safe for pets.

Pet poisons can make our dogs and cats sick and we need to know what to do. Learn more about first aid for common pet poisons here. In fact, there are many high-risk foods for our pets. You probably know about chocolate, but did you know that macadamia nuts, avocados, or raisins/grapes can cause toxicity? Artificial sweeteners keep owners lean but any goodies sweetened with Xylitol could cause canine liver failure…

The Holistic Cat Conference – REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only

Many of y’all know I wrote a book about holistic pet care and interviewed nearly 70 veterinarians while researching the material. Boy, did I learn a lot–and changed my mind about many things! These veterinarians also shared how holistic care had changed the way they practice vet care.

So I want you to meet a friend of mine, veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet, an advocate for cats and holistic care. He notes that forty years ago, veterinarians typically promoted dry kibble as the best cat food. And, we vaccinated every year. My, how times change!

“Now, we know better. But, there are many other things we need to look at and change our thinking on,” he says. So he created The Holistic Cat Conference. He asked me to speak (SQUEE!) and hosts a REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only…

Why Does My Dog Eat Cat Poop? Stop Litter Box Grazing

Do you often ask, Why does my dog eat poop? This disgusting habit drives humans nuts, and even cats get upset with dogs eating cat poop. So when you ask, How can I stop my dog from eating poop?” you’ll find the answers here.

Puppy antics delight most new owners, but dogs eating poop prompts anything but smiles. My own darling Magic indulged when he turned six months old. He’d make a beeline to visit his horse buddy next door and find the nifty treats she left on the ground. Or he’d sniff out “bunny eggs” and indulge! After these nasty snacks Magic always tried to kiss everybody on the lips, yuck! Thank doG, he finally outgrew the behavior…

But many dogs indulge, and when access to the cat box provides yummy opportunities, pet lovers need answers. Urk! That’s why I’m offering some insight into the behavior…and thrilled to review The Door Buddy to give pet parents some help.

2023 American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Conference: Early Bird Registration Now Available

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), holds its annual conference (which doubles as the 7th World Feline Veterinary Conference) October 12-15, 2023 in Memphis, TN. The event features both in-person and virtual sessions focussed on The Ins and Outs of Feline Nutrition and Gastroenterology.

Last year, I attended the *virtual* AAFP sessions and came away with new, great insight helpful to me as a cat lover and behavior consultant (although I’m NOT a veterinarian). Veterinary professionals and others can learn and earn continuing education hours. I particularly liked having access to the digital proceedings, because often you can’t attend everything because of conflicts. I’m pleased to see AAFP again offers this opportunity.

If you have a special interest in cat care and/or know a veterinarian who would benefit, read on! And share this information with those who need it.

Cat to Cat Introductions: Introducing Cats

Whenever a new cat arrives, cat to cat introductions take over. We base cat training on kitten behavior to get the most out of the learning process. Each spring heralds that lovely time of the year for happy surprises, and that may mean a new kitten in your holiday plans. If that’s you, and you already have a feline, prepare in advance for cat introductions of the resident feline to the new baby. Many times, shelters and rescue groups recommend adopting PAIRS of kitties. That way, if the cats already know each other — or the kittens are littermates — they help entertain and soothe each other. Instead of chasing and attacking your feet, they target each other.

But what if you have a resident cat and a new kitty shows up? How do cat to cat introductions work when introducing cats to kittens, or adult cats to cats?

It can be heartbreaking when the cats you love don’t get along. Proper introductions help enormously to soothe the angst.

Pet Smell? 7 Pet Smell & Stain Removers for Pet Potty Accidents

Anyone who lives with pets benefits from an effective pet smell eliminator. With hot weather keeping pets indoors for longer periods, pet potty accidents may increase. But be careful your pet accident cleaner doesn’t cause more problems. A pet smelly carpet where the cat sprayed urine or the dog leg lifted could draw the culprit back to the scene of the accident. Switching litter too fast may also prompt the cat to “go” in the wrong place. I’ve updated the list to stay current.

It can be tough to potty train dogs. You may wonder why your dog won’t go on grass.

Recently a friend complained about a horrible pet smell with her dogs, and ask about an effective pet smell remover for her home. In her case, the dogs found a skunk, and I referred her to this page with 3 home remedies for de-skunking pets. De-skunking formulations also work well for dogs that roll in poop or other aromatic fun.

Cats and dogs can detect minute chemical scents humans can’t fathom. That’s one reason dogs love underwear! Simply mopping up the mess may satisfy your nose, but the smell lures pets back to the scene of the crime to repeat the dirty deed, time after time. Here are my top go-to products to get rid of the stink!

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships

Privacy Preference Center