Top 4 Most Dangerous Toys

Certain toys pose a much higher risk of injury than others, and should be avoided or closely monitored.

Author

Thom Hart
November 29, 2023

Daily Longevity Tip: Top 4 Most Dangerous Toys

Tip Summary: Certain toys pose a much higher risk of injury than others, and should be avoided or closely monitored.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! A major aspect of ensuring a long, healthy life for our pups is making sure that we prevent injury. Today, we're highlighting the top 4 dog toys that could pose serious health risks and why being aware of these risks is incredibly important. Here are the top 4 most dangerous toys, and what risks they pose:

 1. Marrow Bones:

  • Pancreatitis Risk: The fatty marrow can cause pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. It's safer to scoop most of the marrow out before giving it to your pet.

  • Choking Hazard: Shorter-cut marrow bones can get stuck behind the lower canine teeth, sometimes requiring surgical removal. Opt for bones that are longer than your dog's snout.

  • Splinter Danger: Never give your dog cooked bones, as cooking changes their composition and can cause them to splinter when chewed.

 2. Rubber Balls with One Hole:

  • Suction Hazard: Balls with only one hole can create extreme suction on the dog’s mouth, leading to tissue damage. Choose balls with multiple holes or no holes to prevent this.

 3. Small Toys:

  • Choking and Intestinal Blockages: Toys small enough to be swallowed can choke your dog or cause intestinal blockages. Avoid cat toys and small parts of larger toys that your dog could tear apart and swallow. Internal stuffing can also cause choking and internal blockages.

 4. Rawhides:

  • Intestinal Obstruction: Large pieces of rawhide can swell in the stomach and cause obstructions. If your dog tends to chew off and swallow large pieces, avoid traditional rawhides. Pressed rawhide chews that dissolve are safer, but always supervise your dog during chew time.

 Injury Prevention is Key:

  • Choose Safe Toys: Always select toys appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits.

  • Supervise Playtime: Keep an eye on your dog while they play with toys, especially new ones.

  • Regular Checks: Regularly inspect toys for damage and potential hazards.

Announcement: We’ll be doing a (free) weekly Facebook Live longevity discussion + Q&A with Dr. Helen Stortz, DVM, on Friday, 1 December at 8PM EST. This will be held in the Dog Longevity Facebook community. The link to join the community is below: