Beware of the Teddy Bear

Susie is the yellow Labrador that I adopted from Heart of Texas Lab Rescue. Nothing brings a smile to my face more quickly than when I come home from work, and Susie greets me at the door with her stuffed bunny in her mouth, her entire body wiggling from head to toe. Susie takes pretty good care of her stuffed animals. She has a Santa that's still around from Christmas and now her "Easter" bunny has joined the family. Sure they get dirty, or may get a left in the yard over night. Sometimes they get a little ragged around the edges, but I wash them on the "delicate" cycle in my was machine and throw them in the dryer and soon they are as good as new.

It's amazing to me to think about all the money I've spent over the years on toys for my dogs. It adds up pretty quickly. Even the stuffed animals can be pricey. Sometimes I wonder if getting them at a garage sale or local Goodwill might save me a few dollars.

However, think all stuffed toys are created equal? Better think again. Recently, an article appeared in the Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue newsletter cautioning pet owners about buying stuffed toys that are not specifically made for pets. The article tells how a child's stuffed teddy bear was given to a dog as a toy. The toy contained some materials that are not found in stuffed animals made for pets - specifically, a flame retardant gel and chemicals used to control mites. According to the article, the dog who ingested these toxins was not able to be saved.

To avoid a scary situation with your pet like that described above, follow these simple safety tips to ensure safe play:

• Give you pet only toys specifically designed for pets

• Ask your veterinarian for recommendations for safe toys for your pet

• Purchase your toys from reputable pet stores or Internet sites that will accept returns for damaged toys or those that don't perform to specifications. Read the labels on all the toys you purchase to ensure the toys are made safely and are toxic free to your pet.
  

• Use toys recommended that are appropriate for your pet's size

• Always supervise your pets when they play with their toys

• Throw away toys that break or have missing parts. In the case of stuffed animals, if the stuffing is coming out, repair the toy or throw it away. Watch for the "squeakers" in stuffed animals. Lots of dogs think it's a fun game to dig the squeaker out of the stuffed animal.
  

• Should you become concerned that your pet has ingested a broken piece or part of a toy, call your veterinarian.

Should your pet destroy a "indestructible" toy that was played with by your pet as the directions recommend, return the toy to the store where you purchased it. Most reputable pet stores will take the item back and return your money.

For more information and recommendations on safe toys for your dog check out the Humane Society's article by clicking here.