Toy Safety

[Lauren and Kona]

Hello all! Kona comes home a week from tomorrow and I've been stocking up on toys for her. However, I've read about multiple accidents where dogs have swallowed their toys (especially ones with rope) and it's made me rethink the toys that I've purchased.

I'm very picky with what I buy her and the toys I purchased don't scream "unsafe" to me, but I wanted to double check with you experienced doodle owners. Are there any toys or toy brands specifically that are known to be dangerous? I know this is a pretty vague question, but any help would be appreciated. I'm attaching a picture of the toys I've purchased so far.

[al haskins]

My students have done research on dog toys. Any toy with a squeaker is dangerous. Just one pet hospital averages four operations a week to removed these from dogs.

[Lauren and Kona]

Yikes!! Nearly all of these toys squeak...

[Rae]

The most important thing is to supervise your puppy when she has a toy with a squeaker. You'll know pretty soon whether or not she's a "squeaker hunter/destroyer"! The only other thing I would suggest is taking all the tags off the toys. You will probably want several KONGS. A stuffed frozen kong can be left with the puppy without you having to watch 100% of the time....and it will keep her busy for a well needed break for you! Congrats on the new baby! Kona is beautiful!

[Lauren and Kona]

Absolutely! I've already decided that Kona will not be allowed to play with any toys unattended (with the exception of a kong). Taking the tags off is a great idea - thank you!! I appreciate your help!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Agreed on the tags- Ragley is an expert tag remover; it is the first thing she goes for on every toy. Fortunately she doesn't swallow them, but rather just likes to remove it and then deliver it to my hand haha

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

You are so cute! Look at that! I have a squeaker seeker (2 of them actually). I just watch them with their toys and monitor the level of destruction the toy has been through. I never leave a soft toy in the kennel with them when I leave, but I will leave an antler.

[Lauren and Kona]

Thanks so much, this is helpful! I'll just keep a very close eye on Kona while she plays with the squeaker toys. Haven't purchased any antlers yet, will have to do that soon!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

The franklin farmers market has an elk antler lady. She is wonderful and has good prices on her antlers- plus I enjoy supporting a local business. She will also be able to direct you to an appropriate one for a puppy. I would buy one from there! Ragley's has lasted almost 15 weeks so far and she STILL loves chewing it! 

[Lauren and Kona]

I remember you telling me about her! I'm going to stop by there next weekend :)

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Yeah- I'm so conflicted because they recently banned dogs at the market and I haven't been back since. I love my antler lady, though! 

[Lauren and Kona]

Oh no, seriously? I was planning on taking Kona with me. Bummer :(

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Yeah, it really is a bummer. The dogs were the best part