It’s the season of giving…and don’t forget the pets!
But…safety first! Make sure the toy you choose is nontoxic, the right size for your pet, digestible and has all chock hazards removed. Toy stuffing, raw hides and small items can become a trip to the emergency room!
There so many toys out there to choose from, or if you are one who lets your pet decide, or do you craft your own…what are the best options?
Let’s talk dog toys:
The Classic Kong and treat dispensing toys are great to keep them occupied.
Widely used now is interactive toys, such as puzzles to get treats are very popular. The puzzle keeps them busy, while they slowly get treats or food, but can also be a learning tool.
Plush toys are great for the dog who loves to carry or cuddle a “friend” around, although these are not best for heavy chewers. Plush toys need to be watch with your pet, as most of them had a squeaker inside that can be hazardous if swallowed. Most stuffing in plush toys is not digestible.
Metro Balls from Metropaws are non-toxic and petrochemical free with all the bright colors your pup will chase after!
The wishbone shaped chews (comes in flavors) and Nylabones are taking over raw hide chews. Pieces will come off of these chews, but in very small pieces. If your pup prefers a raw hide, be sure to toss it when it gets smaller and wet, as it can become a hazard.
The floss type tug rope is a popular toy. Be sure to supervise your pup while playing with a floss rope tug toy. Also, a danger if you have cats, as they can ingest the floss.
If you want to add a little sprinkle to your pups holiday cheer, check out the Pawty Box at www.metropaws.com, it has everything needed for a pup paw-ty.
Let’s talk cat toys:
They like to hunt, so one thing I love to do is drop treats or kibble all around the house, behind furniture and under things. They think they have been on a scavenger hunt.
A must try… Metro Bliss Nip or Stix Organic Silver Vine Catnip from Metropaws.
Cats love a toy on the move, so a battery-operated toy is always a pleaser for cats.
Lasers have become very popular. These must be used with caution; limit the time used, as you do not want to over excite your cat. Have a physical reward available at the end of laser time for a reward for all the “hunting” your cat has done. Never shine the laser in your cat’s eyes!
If you like to think out of the “litter” box and DYI then try… non-toxic bubbles, a cardboard box filled with leaves, aluminum foil formed into a medium sized ball, boot laces tied together, toilet paper roll, tree stump scratch pad.
***There is NO truly indestructible pet toy, so please supervise your pet and throw away toys as they become damaged to prevent a safety hazard!
Metropaws can be found in Columbia at: www.lizziandroccos.com
and www.treats-unleashed.com or online at www.metropaws.com
Black Paw 101: Be safe and have fun!
Bobbi Wilson, CPPC since 2018