Toy Safety

Since dis is Blogville Safety Week, I just had to share a safety tip wiff you.

>  Do Not play wiff un-safe human Toys  <

You don't wanta get your insided exposed.

YIKES… dat is a pic of me NAKED !!!!!

Now… here's what happened to me when I played wiff an unsafe human stuffie ==>  http://ranger-scottie.blogspot.com/2013/11/arrrrrrrrrrrghall-patched-up.html

Many human stuffies are made wiff parts dat are not good for us pups.

If ya wanta snatch something…. go for slippers.

Just sayin.

Now for some more Dog Toy Safety info:
Dis  information is brought to you by http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/dog_toys.html

Be cautious
The things that are usually most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Dog-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands, children's toys, pantyhose, and anything else that could be ingested.
Toys should be appropriate for your dog's size. Balls and other toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog's throat.

Avoid or alter any toys that aren't "dog-proof" by removing ribbons, strings, eyes, or other parts that could be chewed off and/or ingested. Discard toys that start to break into pieces or are torn.

A note about rawhide
If you're thinking about giving your dog rawhide chew toys, be sure to check with your veterinarian about which ones are safe and appropriate for your dog. Because these toys may pose choking hazards, only give them to your dog when you’re there to supervise.
Also, be aware that many rawhides are byproducts of the cruel, international fur trade.
For a humane alternative, consider toys made of very hard rubber which are safer and last longer.
(note:   Green beans are also good - Kyla made me add dat one.)

More safety tips
Take note of any toy that contains a "squeaker" buried in its center. Your dog may feel that he must find and destroy the source of the squeaking, and he could ingest it. Supervise your dog's play with squeaky toys.

Check labels for child safety. Look for stuffed toys that are labeled as safe for children under three years of age and that don't contain any dangerous fillings. Problem fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but even "safe" stuffings aren't truly digestible.
Remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others. Soft toys should be machine washable.


Recommend Toys
Active toys:

• Very hard rubber toys, such as Nylabone®-type products and Kong®-type products, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fun for chewing and for carrying around.
• "Rope" toys are usually available in a "bone" shape with knotted ends.
• Tennis balls make great dog toys, but keep an eye out for any that could be chewed through, and discard them.

Distraction toys:

• Kong®-type toys, especially when filled with broken-up treats—or, even better, a mixture of broken-up treats and peanut butter—can keep a puppy or dog busy for hours. Only by chewing diligently can your dog get to the treats, and then only in small bits. Double-check with your veterinarian about whether or not you should give peanut butter to your dog. Be sure to choose a Kong®-type toy of appropriate size for your dog.
• "Busy-box" toys are large rubber cubes with hiding places for treats. Only by moving the cube around with his nose, mouth, and paws can your dog get to the goodies.

Comfort toys:

• Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes, but aren't appropriate for all dogs. For some dogs, the stuffed toy should be small enough to carry around. For dogs who want to shake or "kill" the toy, the toy should be the size that "prey" would be for that size dog (mouse-size, rabbit-size, or duck-size).
• Dirty laundry, such as an old T-shirt, pillowcase, towel, or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if the item smells like you! Be forewarned that the item could be destroyed by industrious fluffing, carrying, and nosing.

Get the most out of toys

• Rotate your dog's toys weekly by making only a few toys available at a time. Keep a variety of types easily accessible. If your dog has a favorite, like a soft "baby," you may want to leave it out all the time.
• Provide toys that offer variety—at least one toy to carry, one to "kill," one to roll, and one to "baby."
• "Hide and Seek" is a fun game for dogs to play. "Found" toys are often much more attractive than a toy which is obviously introduced. Making an interactive game out of finding toys or treats is a good "rainy-day" activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space.
• Many of your dog's toys should be interactive. Interactive play is very important for your human because he/she needs active "dog time"—and such play also enhances the bond between you and your human. By focusing on a specific task—such as repeatedly returning a ball, Kong, or Frisbee®, or playing "hide-and-seek" with treats or toys—your human can expel pent-up mental and physical energy in a limited amount of time and space. This greatly reduces stress due to confinement, isolation, and boredom. For young, high-energy, and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy.

And now a few words about Kitty Toy Safety:
Dis information is brought to you by  http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_toys.html

What to play with?

Cats are experts at amusing themselves. It takes very little—a crumpled ball of paper, a pen left on a desktop, a newspaper spread open on the floor—to engage your kitty in what, to her, is the most fascinating of games.
Your cat's imagination can turn almost anything into a wonderful toy that she'll bat around or chase to her heart's content. Typically, cats most enjoy playing with small, light objects that are "flickable," such as a cork or a Ping-Pong ball, which they can swat and then chase.
Cats also love empty paper bags to investigate and "hide" in. Remove the handles so your cat doesn't get caught in them. He could be terrified if he's chased by a big paper bag. Empty cardboard boxes are also popular with cats.


A word about catnip
Catnip, a member of the mint family, contains a chemical that attract cats. When it's dried and crushed, it gives off an odor that has a powerful effect on some (though not all) cats.
Catnip's safe, and your cat won't get addicted to it. Keep a plastic container of dried catnip on hand to give to your kitty, or you could even grow some.
Some cats can get over-stimulated to the point of aggressive play, while others just get relaxed. Genetics determines if your cat is affected by catnip. The ones that do react usually develop sensitivity to it when they're about six months old.

Unsafe objects
It's important that cats only play with toys or other objects that are safe. Cat-proof the house by hiding these things:

• String, yarn, ribbon, dental floss
• Paper clips
• Pins and needles
• Rubber bands
• Plastic bags (especially drycleaner bags—she/he could suffocate)

Enjoy da rest of Safety Week.

Wags, 

         Ranger

Pees…. Thank you Sarge and Officer Sidebite for putting on dis wonderful event.   I've learned a lot dis week.