What should I avoid when buying pet toys?

As you shop for your pet's toys, look for any parts that your pet can remove and swallow. Many quality pet toys won't have removable parts that could end up as choking hazards. If your pet is in the habit of tearing up toys, you may want to choose something your dog or cat can't take apart easily. Avoid toys that are not designed for animals. Stuffed animals come apart easily during play, and your pet could get the stuffing lodged in its teeth, throat, or intestinal tract. Be cautious with rope toys for the same reason. Toys with bells or squeakers may be fun for your dog or cat. However, your pet may try aggressively to get to the root of the sound. Once your pet finally removes the squeaker or bell, your pet could swallow it. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}

Should I buy toys appropriate for my pet's age?

You may find some toys designed for younger animals, especially dogs. Many toys designed for young pets are focused on teething. If you have a puppy or kitten that likes to chew on its toys, consider purchasing a toy with softer rubber or fabric. Be sure to monitor your pet to ensure it's not tearing softer toys apart. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}

What should I do If my pet swallows a piece of a toy?

The answer to this question depends on your pet's size and the size or material of the toy. When in doubt, call your veterinarian for advice immediately after you notice your pet swallows the piece or if your pet begins to show signs that it has swallowed something. If the piece is small, the item may pass through your pet's digestive system, but it's better to act out of an abundance of caution. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}

Should I rotate toys?

If you want to keep your pets interested in their toys, you can keep the toys fresh by rotating their access to certain toys. Try limiting the number of toys your pet has access to at one time and switching these toys once every week or so. This rotation might make your pet more excited to see the toy again and treat it like you just brought it home from the store. However, if your pet has a comfort toy, you might consider leaving this toy out at all times. A comfort toy is any toy your pet sleeps with or carries around with it throughout the day. These comfort toys can help your animals with stressful situations, such as separation anxiety. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}