Take a walk down the toy aisle in any pet store and you’ll see dozens and dozens of options of bright, colorful squeaky toys, chew toys, balls, and stuffed animals. Toys are more than just a fun diversion for your pet, they are important to their mental and physical well-being! But the sad truth is that not all toys are safe for your pet and it’s important to know that what you are providing is not a danger:
1. Bones
While most people have heard that you shouldn’t let a dog eat chicken bones because they are brittle, few realize that this applies to all bones. Bones, especially the smoked bones that are marketing as dog treats, can be prone to splintering and cracking. A dog will try to eat these bones and they may cause damage to their throat or intestines and they provide a choking hazard.
2. Pig’s ears
Pig’s ears are often given to dogs as a chew toy, but they can be a risky choice. In 2019, an outbreak of multiple strains of salmonella were linked to pig’s ears dog treats and caused illness in both pets and children. While no further outbreaks have been reported since mid-2019, it’s better to be on the safe side and avoid the potential risk.
3. Ice cubes
Ice cubes are thought of as a good summer time treat for a dog that has the benefit of avoiding calorie dense dog treats or potentially dangerous human food. However, ice cubes are a choking hazard. A dog’s canines are not designed to chew up something like ice into small, safe pieces and many will try to swallow them whole.
4. Sticks
It is a universally known fact that dogs love sticks. A good stick is usually central to a fun game of fetch! But a dog should not be allowed to chew on the stick once the game is over. Wood splinters and sharp pieces can cause damage to their gums, throat, or intestines.
5. Rubber bands
Rubber bands might seem harmless, but they pose several major risks and they should be kept out of a pet’s reach. Other than the choking risk a rubber band presents, they can also cause blockages in the intestines. An additional danger to cats is the possibility of causing an accordion effect in their intestines, causing extensive damage to the digestive tract.
6. Plastic bags
While plastic bags make a fun, satisfying noise when they are rustled, plastic bags are a real threat to the well-being of any pet. Plastic can become lodged in the throat and cause choking. Also a pet that gets caught up in the bag itself can suffocate if they aren’t able to free themselves.
