As a dog owner, you surely want to provide the best for your pet: stimulation, joy, and safe chewables. However, when faced with the shelves of a pet supply store, the selection can feel overwhelming. How do you know which dog toys are truly safe?<\/p>\n
At Tassu & Tassu pet hotel, we encounter dozens of dogs of various breeds and sizes every day. Experience has taught us which toys can withstand heavy use and which end up in the bin \u2013 or worse, on the veterinarian’s table. Safety is our top priority, both in care and playtime. That\u2019s why we are now sharing professional insights on toys that should be left on the shop shelf.<\/p>\n
Low prices and bright colours are tempting, but it\u2019s a trap you should avoid.<\/p>\n
Cheap, hard plastic toys can break into sharp pieces when a dog chews on them. These shards can easily cause serious injuries to the mouth and throat, and if swallowed, they can lead to internal damage. A strong-jawed dog, such as a staffy or German shepherd, can destroy such a toy in minutes. Even softer vinyl toys often contain phthalates and other chemicals that are harmful to a dog’s health.<\/p>\n
What to choose instead?<\/strong> Invest in high-quality toys made from natural rubber. They are flexible, durable, and won\u2019t break into dangerous pieces. They may cost more, but they last significantly longer in use and, most importantly, are safe.<\/p>\n This surprises many. The tennis ball is a classic dog toy, but it is not designed for dogs at all.<\/p>\n The rough felt surface of a tennis ball wears down a dog’s teeth like sandpaper. Continuous chewing and fetching can erode tooth enamel and expose the dog to painful dental issues later in life. Additionally, a ball that is too small poses a clear choking hazard if it gets lodged in the dog’s throat. We know of numerous near-miss situations.<\/p>\n What to choose instead?<\/strong> Get dog-specific, smooth rubber balls. They are safer for teeth and more durable. Always ensure that the ball is large enough that your dog cannot swallow it.<\/p>\n Rawhide is one of the most controversial chew products. While dogs love them, the risks are significant.<\/p>\n Firstly, some rawhide products are made using harsh chemicals for bleaching and preserving the bones. Secondly, as a dog chews, the bone softens and can break off into chewy pieces. If swallowed, these pieces can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Our staff, trained in animal care, never strongly recommend rawhide for heavy chewers.<\/p>\n What to choose instead?<\/strong> Fortunately, there are many safer alternatives. For example, dried animal parts, such as pig or beef ears, or sticks made from coffee wood provide natural and safer chew options.<\/p>\n Soft toys with plastic eyes or noses, and squeaky toys from which the squeaker can easily be extracted, are an obvious risk.<\/p>\n A dog’s instinct drives it to tear its ”prey” into pieces. Practically, this means that plastic eyes, noses, and other protruding parts are the first to come off. If swallowed, they can cause choking or intestinal blockage. For safety reasons, we do not allow toys that can shed small parts in the communal play areas at Tassu & Tassu hotel.<\/p>\n What to choose instead?<\/strong> Opt for soft toys where the eyes and other details are embroidered with thread. Look for durable squeaky toys where the squeaker mechanism is embedded deep within the toy so that the dog cannot easily remove it.<\/p>\n This is an absolute no. Never give your dog cooked bones \u2013 whether they are chicken, pork, or beef bones.<\/p>\n Cooking makes bones brittle and glass-like. When chewed, they can splinter into sharp shards that can puncture a dog’s mouth, oesophagus, stomach, or intestines. The damage is often life-threatening and requires expensive emergency surgery.<\/p>\n What to choose instead?<\/strong> If you want to give your dog bones, only offer raw, meaty bones and always supervise the chewing session. A raw bone is more flexible and won\u2019t splinter dangerously. Consult your veterinarian or a raw feeding expert for advice on selecting the right type of bone.<\/p>\n Choosing safe toys is an easy and important way to care for your dog’s wellbeing. The same uncompromising principle of safety and wellbeing guides all our actions at Tassu & Tassu pet hotel.<\/p>\n When you bring your dog to us for care, whether for daycare or a longer holiday stay, you can trust that it will be in capable and caring hands. We ensure safe playtimes, proper nutrition, and peaceful rest periods. Our location in Helsinki, with good transport links \u2013 close to the train station and the Raide-Jokeri stop \u2013 makes bringing and picking up your pet effortless, even if you are on your way to the airport or the harbour.<\/p>\n Are you planning a holiday or need reliable daycare for your dog? Book an appointment<\/a> or contact us<\/a>, and we will gladly tell you more about our services.<\/p>\n A durable toy is often heavy and firm. Look for toys made from thick, solid natural rubber or other extremely durable materials. Many manufacturers classify toys according to chewing strength \u2013 so look for an option suitable for your dog. If your dog is a true destruction machine, look for products marked as \u201cextreme chewer\u201d.<\/p>\n Never leave a dog unattended with a new toy until you know how it holds up to handling. No toy is completely indestructible. Once you are confident in the toy’s durability, you can leave it more safely available to your dog. Chew bones, however, should never be left with a dog without supervision.<\/p>\n Replace a toy as soon as you notice cracks, loose pieces, or tears. It\u2019s good to check toys regularly, for example during washing. Rotating toys \u2013 that is, putting some away for a while \u2013 also helps keep your dog\u2019s interest alive.<\/p>\n Yes, when supervised, they are an excellent way to provide your dog with mental stimulation and prevent boredom. The idea of the games is not to be chewed to bits, but for the dog to solve a puzzle to get treats. Always supervise playtime, teach your dog to use the toy correctly, and put it away after play.<\/p>\n Yes, absolutely! Familiar toys provide comfort and a sense of home for your dog. For safety reasons, however, we check all toys brought for care. For example, we do not allow rope toys in unsupervised play or easily breakable squeaky toys in communal play sessions due to choking hazards. This ensures the safety of all our four-legged guests.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a dog owner, you surely want to provide the best for your pet: stimulation, joy, and safe chewables. However, when faced with the shelves of a pet supply store, the selection can feel overwhelming. How do you know which dog toys are truly safe? 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Tennis balls<\/h2>\n
3. Many rawhide chews<\/h2>\n
4. Toys with small detachable parts<\/h2>\n
5. Cooked bones<\/h2>\n
Safe play and professional care<\/h3>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
How can I identify a durable dog toy?<\/h3>\n
Can I leave my dog alone with any safe toy?<\/h3>\n
How often should dog toys be replaced?<\/h3>\n
Are puzzle toys and interactive toys safe?<\/h3>\n
Can I bring my dog’s own toys to Tassu & Tassu hotel?<\/h3>\n