You and your dog may have very different views on what makes an excellent dog toy. Many commonly used dog toys can be quite dangerous, whether they are homemade, purchased or "found" (by your dog, usually without your knowledge). Often, the objects that dogs find most attractive are the very items that can most easily cause harm. In addition, many toys sold in pet shops and supermarkets feature small parts and decorations that fall off or can be chewed off. Such toys can choke your dog, so beware as you make your purchases, and be sure to replace toys immediately if they have parts that appear to be loosening or wearing out.

Here are details on some specific popular dog toys:

Balls

Balls can be deadly if they are too small for the dog that is playing with them. A ball that your dog has been enthusiastically slobbering all over while he is playing with you can become very slimy and if the ball is too small, it can slip down your dog's throat and cause her to choke. Tennis balls are among the safest balls for your dog to play, because their size and fuzzy sides make them unlikely to be a choking hazard for any dog except the very largest breeds. Balls with slippery outer coatings, however, such as racquetballs or golf balls, can be an especially potent choking hazard.

Bones

If you choose to give your dog a bone from your kitchen, ensure it is big enough to prevent accidentally swallowing, is not a poultry or rib bone that are prone to splintering and breaking. The best bet is to buy a natural bone that is specially treated to be safe for your dog. Always supervise your dog while he is chewing a bone because bones can splinter and choke your pet, or cut the inside of her mouth and throat. If you think your dog may have ingested part of a bone, seek veterinary attention for treatment.

Stuffed Toys

If your dog likes to rip and tear, stuffed toys can be dangerous. If the toy has button eyes or other small parts that can come off, your dog can swallow choke on them. Also, even if the toy is labeled safe for children (and therefore for pets) the stuffing inside can be another choking hazard and possible intestinal problem if your dog swallows the cotton stuffing.

Rawhide Chews

While your dog loves to chew this stuff, it may not be good for her health. Depending on the quality of the rawhide and your dog's enthusiasm, larger pieces can break off and be swallowed, getting stuck in the intestines and causing blockages. In addition, if the rest of the rawhide chew grows soft and slick, it can become a choking hazard. Rawhide that is not made in North America can also contain chemical residues that can be harmful to your dog's health. If your dog loves rawhide too much to give it up, buy her chew "chips" or compressed rawhide treats to avoid pieces that can be broken off, and make sure the chews you buy are made locally. At a very minimum, ensure that you purchase chews that are sized appropriately for your pet. Always supervise your dog when he's enjoying a rawhide chew. When the size of the rawhide gets small enough that he can put the entire piece in his mouth, it is time to throw it away in order to avoid accidental ingestion.

When providing toys for your dog:

• Purchase only pet-safe or child-safe toys. Ensure that the label is clearly marked with those designations and visually inspect the toy for small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Be certain that all toys are sturdy and securely sewn together, and replace any toys with parts that look loose or damaged.
• Avoid toys that have ribbons, feathers, strings, eyes or other small parts that could fall off, be removed, chewed, and/or eaten.
• Do not allow the dog to play with any object that could easily be swallowed.
• Use nothing smaller than a ping-pong ball as a dog toy to avoid the possibility of her choking on it.
• Avoid toys with sharp parts or corners.
• Consider soft, stuffed toys, which should be machine washable. Check labels for child safety; a stuffed toy labeled as safe for children under three years old cannot contain dangerous fillings.
• If you sew, knit, or do any kind of needlework or crafts, keep materials completely hidden in a hamper or sewing box.