Does your canine pal like stuffed animals? If so, you’ll want to mark your calendars for October 28th: it’s Plush Animal Lovers Day! Fido can be extra adorable when he’s playing with a new plushie. Read on as a Carolina Forest, SC vet offers some advice on giving your furry best buddy a stuffed animal.
Be Cautious Of Squeakers
Squeakers are often part of the appeal of plush toys. They sound quite a bit like the smaller animals that Fido would hunt in the wild. However, those squeakers can present serious choking risks. They can also cause severe—and potentially fatal—internal injuries if swallowed.
Only Offer Dog Toys
Fido is often quite interested in kids’ stuffed animals. However, things made for kids aren’t usually as durable as products made for our canine buddies. Their material may rip more easily, which increases the risk of choking or accidental ingestion. Plus, childrens’ toys often have small parts, such as glasses, eyes, or buttons, which can be choking risks.
Batteries
That cute singing teddy bear may have been an adorable anniversary or birthday gift, but it can be very dangerous to Fido. Anything with a cord or battery is unsafe for your furry pal.
Know When To Replace Them
Fido’s plushies can really take a beating. Some pups basically destroy their new toys within a few minutes of getting them! Keep an eye on your furry friend’s toys, and watch for rips and tears. A small hole can be sewn up, but if your canine friend’s favorite rabbit plushie is now just a few strips of crusty material, it’s probably best to just toss it and get a new one. Just wait until your pooch is asleep or distracted.
Keep Them Clean
Dog toys can get grimy pretty fast. Fido does use his mouth to play, and he does have a habit of, well, drooling on everything. Most stuffed animals are machine washable. Use a gentle, unscented detergent, and hang or tumble dry on low.
Consider Fido’s Needs
Some dogs use plush toys as comfort pieces to snuggle up with. Others see them as prey. Some pups will get a bit too worked up over them. Pay attention to Fido’s behavior as he’s playing with his plushie. If your four-legged friend gets aggressive or defensive, ask your vet for advice.
Please reach out with questions about your furry friend’s health or care? Feel free to contact us, your local Carolina Forest, SC animal hospital, today!
