Monday, May 17, 2010

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.

16 comments:

  1. I had no idea about childrens soft toys not being suitable for dogs i.e. the chemicals to control mites - I always make sure my dog doesn't have soft toys with eyes he can pull out but this is news to me. Will in future use pet soft toys. Good info, thanks.

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    .She'll be full of tail-waggin' thanks and so will we. Tickets must be bought prior to the night of the event. Email us at: hotlr@hotlabrescue.org for more information and to purchase tickets. I have my tickets, do you have yours?

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    .She'll be full of tail-waggin' thanks and so will we. Tickets must be bought prior to the night of the event. Email us at: hotlr@hotlabrescue.org for more information and to purchase tickets. I have my tickets, do you have yours?

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    Shari is one of our favorite kind of Labs. Her resilient personality is remarkable given the condition of her body. She is a very rewarding case to work. She is a great candidate for a successful outcome because her spirit for life doesn't allow her to get down just because she doesn't feel well. That same "joie de vivre" will be sure to reward the family that ultimately provides her a forever home. We know that Shari will be eternally grateful - making you smile and laugh and love will be her gift to you.

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    Shari is one of our favorite kind of Labs. Her resilient personality is remarkable given the condition of her body. She is a very rewarding case to work. She is a great candidate for a successful outcome because her spirit for life doesn't allow her to get down just because she doesn't feel well. That same "joie de vivre" will be sure to reward the family that ultimately provides her a forever home. We know that Shari will be eternally grateful - making you smile and laugh and love will be her gift to you.

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    That dog is a bit of a national hero and has quite a substatial cult following :)

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    We live in central Texas, and although our summers are hot, there are way too many fun things to do to stay inside all summer. Follow the tips above, and you and your dog will have a healthy and active summer filled with tons of fun!!!

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    So don't go to Cap City for HOTLR, or for me. Go get your laugh on for sweet Shari....She'll be full of tail-waggin' thanks and so will we. Tickets must be bought prior to the night of the event. Email us at: hotlr@hotlabrescue.org for more information and to purchase tickets. I have my tickets, do you have yours?

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