Stuffed dog toys are popular with Bichon Frises of all ages. But, just because a toy is labeled as a dog toy, does not mean that it is safe. Use these guidelines to select safe toys that are fun to play with.
Use these guidelines to select safe toys that are fun to play with.
The best dog toys always put safety first!
Your Bichon appreciates interactive toys.
In fact, you can keep your dog from getting bored, and encourage good habits, by having various durable dog toys to keep her busy and active.
Unfortunately some toys are unsafe and even potentially dangerous for your pup.
So it’s important to “know before you go” – using some basic guidelines for shopping.
Stuffed dog toys often become best friends.
This popular dog plush toy is challenging, as well as fun!
Durable Dog Toys
Durability is a key factor in dog toys.
Depending on your dog’s overall energy level, size and age, soft toys or plush dog toys are bound to be ripped apart. Even dogs who soft mouth their toys will eventually have some tears or rips in their soft toys.
Dog squeaky toys have a squeaker inside that can be a choking hazard if your dog opens the toy and chews on it.
Since most dogs love toys that make noise, plush toys are often their favorites. To keep your dog safe, machine wash and dry his toys often (to keep them free from harmful bacteria), and examine them frequently for rips, tears and loose threads.
Simple surgery, or repairing the broken parts by hand sewing with a needle and heavy thread, should put your dog back in business. You don’t have to have great sewing skills—this is a crude repair job to make the toy safe again!
Puppies can be protective of their stuffed toys.
Some of the best and safest dog toys on the market are those made from hard rubber, heavy rope and “dog treat toys” like the Kong. By rotating different toys, you neatly extend the life of each item while keeping your dog amused. It’s the same principle that parents use with their children, so that toys seem “new”.
Bichon Frises want to play WITH you most of the time. Their eagerness to be with their pack means that you’ll find them underfoot with a toy, ready to play, quite frequently.
Playing with your dog keeps him healthy and happy and helps keep his weight in check, avoiding obesity. And, for more fun, Bichons can even be trained for tricks with their stuffed dog toys.
Take the time to research the toys you buy for your puppy, just as you would for any small child.
The ASPCA and Animal Poison Control Center both review puppy toys for safety. But, unfortunately there is no standard for measuring the safety of pet toys, including the potential for toxins in the stuffing.
