Things to Consider When Getting Your Pets Presents

One of the ways to help ensure that your pet is not only healthy, but happy, is playtime. Whether the playtime is while you are at home or when you are at work, giving your pets an outlet with which to exercise their natural prey-chasing behaviors alleviates boredom and curbs destructive behaviors. When choosing what toys to give to your pet, it's helpful to keep in mind that the process is much like choosing which toys your children play with.

While cats tend to be somewhat particular with what they like to play with, dogs tend to want to play with anything and everything that captures their interest. Cats generally prefer to interact with a toy that has movement, as this triggers their prey-chasing behavior. Laser lights and feathers tied on strings make great toys, but do require your participation. Playing with your cat will help keep your cat in good physical condition and help prevent obesity. Dogs are basically interested in toys that have a taste or smell that appeals to them (for the most part, the stronger the scent, the more intense the interest).

Sometimes the most common household item is the most dangerous for your pet. Everyday items such as string, ribbon, rubber bands, plastic milk jug rings, paper clips, pins, needles, coins, erasers, pens, even dental floss are easily ingested by your pets. A simple suggestion is to pet-proof your home just as you would child-proof your home.

To occupy your pets while you are at work or even while you are at home, be sure to make toys available to them. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when considering which toys to give to your pets:

• Toys should be appropriate for your pet's size. Toys which are too small for your pet can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your pet's throat.
• If a toy has parts that can be chewed and/or ingested, it is best to avoid it. Adornments such as ribbons, strings, doll eyes, buttons, or other removable parts can choke your pet or lead to stomach upset or possibly internal blockage or lacerations.
• If a well-loved toy becomes well-worn, throw it away. Broken or torn toys present the same dangers as toys with removable parts.
• A good rule of thumb, base your purchase by reading child safety labels. If the toy is labeled as being safe for children ages three and under and doesn't contain a dangerous filling, then it is safe to give to your pet. Dangerous fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but be cautious with so-called safe fillings as well. Anything that can be swallowed may choke or otherwise injure your pet. Stuffed toys should be played with while under your supervision.
• When it comes to chewable toys, such as rawhides, always check with your veterinarian as to which ones are safe for your pet. As with stuffed or soft toys, chewable toys should also only be played with under your supervision. A safer alternative are very hard rubber toys. They will last longer as well. Just remember that cats generally do not like hard toys and may ignore them.
• For the “squeaky” toys, always remember that when alone and bored, the noisemaker at the center may be an unavoidable challenge. A determined pet may destroy the squeaky toy just to get at the noisemaker and your pet may wind up ingesting it. Squeaky toys are another play thing that should be used under your supervision.

Choosing the right toy for your pet can not only give them a good source of entertainment while you are at work, but can also offer a fantastic bonding experience for you and your pet. For the most enjoyable playtime experience, be sure to choose a new present for your pet carefully.