Every dog owner has a collection of toys for each of their dogs. Whether these toys are stored in a toybox, basket or scattered throughout the house a routine inspection of your dogs toys can help avoid some serious health problems.

Rubber squeak toys – many dogs of all sizes love their little “squeaks”. Be sure that the toy you select for your dog is appropriate for the dog’s size. The toy should not completely fit into the dog’s mouth. I have heard of dog’s suffocating from their toy getting wedged in the back of the mouth – blocking off the windpipe. If the toy is too worn remove it, the dog can tear off pieces, which can scratch or block internal organs.

Frisbees – some dogs have a Frisbee as their favorite carry around object. If these get too worn the puppy can tear off fragments. These fragments, when swallowed can cause intestinal blockage.

Rawhides – are a favorite toy of many dogs.  As with your dogs other toys you must check that the dog hasn’t chewed the rawhide down so small that it can be swallowed. Be sure that your dog is only chewing hides that are tanned in the United States. Within the United States there are very strict rules regarding the production process of these hides. This is not true regarding hides processed elsewhere. Some countries allow the use of arsenic compounds (as well as other deadly chemicals) in their processing. Look for “white” rawhide processed in the United States. White rawhides are the safest.

Nylabone – some dog owners use nylabones as a substitute chew toy. Many dogs can break off slivers. The slivers can cut or puncture the stomach and intestines. Some sections break off in larger pieces and cause a blockage. Dogs have died from Nylabone ingestion. (FYI: Nylabone doesn’t show up on a x-ray).