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Thursday, August 14, 2014

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.

48 comments:

  1. Wow - you did a totally pawsome job Ranger on explaining the hazards of toys. You are one totally brilliant pup - well done !

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  2. Ranger OMDs your innards are almost as handsome as your out-ards! Good buddy thank goodness you learned a valuable lesson.

    Bravo standing ovation for a thorough and informative post...and thanks for including Kitty tips!! Mom says she has to watch my ears when I play with 'nip. If they start to lay flat she knows not to play with me. MOL
    Hugs madi your bfff

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hehehe…. handsome innards!
      Your are too funny Mayor.

      Delete
  3. Nice one Ranger. Toys are great but one most always be careful and we agree some household objects are not toys but may be mistaken as such. Bravo to include the kitties too. Have a tremendous Thursday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  4. Excellent Toy Safety information Ranger. Though I like to shake/kill my toys, I actually never destroy them. (Some terrier I am, right?) I still have the very first toy Ma gave me when she brought me home. I know some dogs love to destroy toys so it is always best to stick with the dog toys listed above.
    *high paws*
    Oz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! I ruff play wiff dem but never actually destroy them.

      Delete
  5. Ranger you did a super duper job on this, yes, our mom has found out over the years wif us what is safe and what is not, even some of the cute stuffies are not safe at our house, cos crazy Maggie rips the fur off of them and chokes, so sometimes our toybox can be boring. Fanks again.
    stella rose

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    Replies
    1. I hate it when Mom takes away toys dat after loads of loving start to become a possible safety issue.

      Delete
  6. Awesome info Ranger ..indeed toys need to be monitored..my sisters German Shepherd had a huge operation because my mum babysat him and he ate half a tennis ball..so since then we pack up our boys toys and have them all hanging up high in a string mesh type shopping bag..AKA the yucky dip...and I do mean yucky...every month I tie the top and wash the whole thing in the laundry :) and with the kitties I watch when I am sewing or knitting..great post for safety week :) hugs Fozziemum

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow… another bad tennis ball story.
      I'm so glad you liked my postie.

      Delete
  7. WOWZERS!! Who knew. Oh that's right you did. Thanks for sharing this. My buddy Bert is nuts for tennis balls, BUTT he has had to have one removed from his tummy when he chomped it in half and then swallowed it. It was scary! Great information Ranger.
    Blessings,
    Goose

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my. I hear dat tennis ball removal is nasty.

      Delete
  8. That was some good information. I happen to adore toys of any kind and keep them in my special storage facility. Now and then I take them all out for inspection and inventory. You can never be too careful about toys!

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    Replies
    1. BOL. I like to inspect and inventory my toys too! Dey are kept in my very own toy basket.

      Delete
  9. Hey Ranger!
    Wow, thanks so much for covering this cool topic fur us! I think most of us have been tempted to swallow a squeaker at some point. BWAR HAR HAR OMD look at your insiders!!! What in the world is that in your insiders that should have stayed on the outsiders?!? Great post today and I'm thrilled you included info for our kittie furiends too.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Police Commish

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have some grrrrrrrrrrrreat cat friends (like Sammy and Madi). I just couldn't forget dem.

      Delete
  10. Very good information. We will stick to the socks and slippers
    Lily & Edward

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  11. This is some very good information. Maybe Blogville needs to write a book for pet owners!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley
    Mayorz For All Paws

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'll let them supervise my play when they let me supervise theirs.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I totally agree for the rawhide bones, my mom had her arm till the elbow in my mouth to remove a piece of rawhide... that was awful and her arm was not tasty! I remember the adventure with the eye of Snoopy, it was the right decision to send him home with his red flying machine immediately :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yikes… an arm in da mouth is not fun.
      Soooooooo happy dat you remember the Snoopy eye incident.

      Delete
  14. Ranger, this is such a great post! important information here! Mom worry's tries to watch me carefully cause I like to eat a lot of "stuff".
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta

    ReplyDelete
  15. TEACHER HEY TEACHER.... MR. Ranger Sir??? TEEEEEECHER... it is ME ERNIE.... I am in the FRONT ROW...
    You are a SUPER DUPER Instructor Mr. Ranger Sir. I loved your class esp.the Green Bean pawt... butt your innards got me to thinkin of Stuffie Guts and I want to tie into one of ... FRANKIE's. Just sayin.
    Butt SERIOUSLY... this is a SUPER SAFEY WEEK POST... and we THANK you fur the Info.. Esp fur the CAT stuffs... you know CATS are DOGS, TOO. Sometimes we furget that...
    THANK YOU fur putting this up. WE loved it and appreciated it... PeeS.... our mom won't let us have rawhide.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great tips, Ranger! Mom never leaves us alone with the toys that she does allow us to have. It's nice but it can get quite annoying! BOL! Great post, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like playing wiff my toys when I have an audience.

      Delete
  17. Such impawtant information! Momma won't let me have rawhides anymore because I've almost choked on them a few times. Toys can be dangerous.

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  18. Yes Ranger unfortunately a lot of toys I look at in my pet store are truly not safe for a lot of dogs. Sewed with just simple seams that any dog could rip apart. And you must think before you buy is this toy the right size, will my dog be able to swallow the toy. Be on the look out for rawhides that come from China that might have pesticides we don't use in the States. I added you to my list of Safety Events today.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  19. Dui got into our toy box and rotated our toys all over the back garden!

    Our toys are always checked, but some peeps are unaware of dangerous toys.

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    Replies
    1. hehehe….. 'rotated da toys'. I just love Dui! I wish mom would get me a puppy to play wiff.

      Delete
  20. This is a really good post with those things we all sometimes need to remember! Even our seniors who should know better have to be watched when it comes to playing nicely with the toys! THANKS again for the reminders!!

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  21. What wonderful information Ranger!! We made Mama take lots of notes!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  22. Ranger this is such a great post and super information! I remember the "'snoopy incident" and am so glad that you are OK. Mommy is super careful about my toys and even makes sure that they come from only the USA. I am kind of a squeaky toy gal and am pretty good with my toys, but you can never be too careful.

    thanks Ranger and stop by the food truck for some goodies.

    Love Sasha

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  23. Toys, now that an interesting subject, sure is a lot of good stuff out there, thanks Ranger for being a part of Safety Week. We all need to review these post every year!

    Top Cop Bites

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  24. This is a wonderful amount of information that you have presented to us. Thank you so much for potentially saving a life. Even your insides look cute.

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  25. Great Post! Brudder Max (DaOdderWeenie) is always de-stuffing his toys. Drives Mommy crazy!

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  26. My kitty Travis ate some Easter grass dis year. And when it came out da other end, it didn't smell like no Easter egg!

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  27. Great information. My mom always checks my toys for small stuffs that could hurt me and NO small balls for us.
    Wags
    Jazzi

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  28. Excellent post Ranger - we especially liked that you included info for our sister cats. Mom uses the toy rotation system with us, she says it's a grrrreat idea.
    Wally & Sammy

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  29. I'm not a fan of having my insides exposed!

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  30. Our cat is too old to play. Our Baggy played with a magnet once and had to have it removed.
    Lady is very careful with our toys. She ruins all our fun but not giving us toys with eyes, and taking squeakers away. Now cause of your lesson, she will be extra careful. Thanks for help keeping us safe (even if it takes a little fun away).

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  31. Such GREAT tips. You are so right about hidden dangers in toys and things. We used to give two of our Huskies rawhides until one almost choked on a piece and my other had a seizure shortly after chewing on one. We no longer give them at all. We are bookmarking this great info and will be sharing with other FiveSibes furpals! Thank you!

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  32. This was a pawsome toy post! We are behind in blogging (totally our Mommy's fault). That picture of your naked insides looks scary. Thanks fur researching this toy safety topic.

    ReplyDelete

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