Toys
The Guide to Chew Toys
The crunch of a happy dog playing with her most precious toy is a sound familiar to all dog owners. Chewing, though, is an ingrained habit with numerous beneficial consequences, among them maintaining healthy teeth and reducing stress.
We think every dog should have a toy that complements their chewing strength and personality. A happy household depends on the toy you choose, whether your pet is a “power chewer” or a gentle nibbler.
Why Do Dogs Feel the Need to Chew?
Regardless of age or breed, chewing serves several essential roles in a dog’s life.
1. Mental Enrichment: Consider spending the entire day cooped up in a house without a phone or book. You would become bored, wouldn’t you? Dogs play a “brain game” while they chew. It demands concentration and gives a feeling of achievement.
2. Dental hygiene: Consider chew toys as the natural equivalent of a toothbrush. The mechanical motion of your dog’s gnawing helps remove plaque and tartar accumulation from rough surfaces.
3. Stress Reduction: When a dog chews, its brain releases endorphins. They use this self-soothing activity to deal with loud stimuli like thunderstorms or separation anxiety.
4. Puppy Teething: Puppies go through a lot of pain as their adult teeth erupt, much like human newborns. For those aching gums, a soft or cooled rubber toy might be a lifesaver.
Chew Toy Selection
Chewer Type Typical Behavior Sugested Material Why It Works
The Power Chewer destroys toys in a matter of minutes; enjoys “shred.” Hard, Durable Rubber resilient to severe jaw pressure and puncture.
The Teether persistent nibbling, painful and restless gums. Soft Rubber or Pliable Plastic gives gums enough “give” to be massaged painlessly.
The Tugger Prefers interactive play over solo chewing. Natural Cotton Rope cleans teeth and permits intense bonding play.
The Snuggler carries toys around while softly “mouthing.” Soft Fabric or Multi-texture offers low-impact mental stimulation and comfort.
KONG Classic Dog Toy. The “gold standard” for dog toys is this. Its hollow center and exceptional durability make it ideal for filling with peanut butter or other treats to keep your dog occupied for hours.
Flex ‘n Chew Bones. This is the greatest dental chew for dogs if you’re searching. These are made for moderate chewers and are advised by veterinarians. Without being too harsh on the gums, they aid in tooth cleaning and breath freshening.
Tough Treader: Do you have a combative chewer? Thick, natural rubber is used to make the Tough Treader. Its rough surface aids in cleaning teeth, and it is designed to endure vigorous chewing.
Deworming your pets.
How Pets Catch Worms
The biggest freeloaders are worms. They establish themselves in your pet’s digestive system and begin taking nutrition. How do they get there, though?
In essence, pets are animal vacuum cleaners. They taste, lick, and sniff everything. The risk is everywhere, whether it comes from a “snack” they discovered in the grass, an infected flea they ingested while grooming, or even just from strolling over contaminated dirt.
ROUNDWORMS
How Dogs Get Them:
*Passed from mother to puppy or from contaminated soil.
Common Signs to Watch for:
*Bloated belly, diarrhea, vomiting.
Why It matters:
*Very common in puppies and can affect growth
HOOKWORMS
How they get them:
*Through skin contact or contaminated environments.
Common Signs to Watch For:
*Weakness, pale gums, weight loss
Why It matters:
*Feed on blood and can cause anemia
TAPEWORMS
How they get them:
*Swallowing fleas during grooming
Common Signs to Watch For:
*Rice-like segments near tail, itching.
Why It Matters:
*Causes discomfort and indicates flea issues
WHIPWORMS
How they get them:
*Ingesting eggs from soil or feces
Common Signs to Watch For:
*Chronic diarrhea, gradual weight loss
Why It Matters:
*Hard to detect and often missed without tests
- Deworming is the solution!
Usually, getting rid of worms is simple. These days, dewormers are safe, efficient, and frequently come in delicious forms that your pet will consider to be just another treat.
- How Dewormers Work??
Anthelmintics, sometimes known as dewormers, function by either completely dissolving the worms or numbing them so they can pass through the digestive system naturally. Don’t freak out if you find “dead evidence” in your backyard or litter box, depending on the product! That just indicates that the notice of eviction was delivered.
- What Pet Parents Must Know
Act now rather than waiting to see a worm. The key to a contented, healthy pet is routine preventive.
1. Routine Scheduling: Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, most veterinarians advise deworming every three to six months (hunters and “dirt-eaters” may require it more frequently).
2. Flea Control: Keeping your pet flea-free is half the fight since fleas contain tapeworm eggs.
3. Clean Up: Gather excrement right away. It prevents eggs from seeping into the ground and infecting you or your pet again.
WHY HUMAN FOOD CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO DOGS?
Hazardous human food for your dog to avoid.
- Why Human Food Can Be Hazardous to Dogs?
Dogs have a completely different metabolism in relation to food from that of a human being. There are materials that are safe for a human being but are not safe for a dog in terms of digestion or excretion by the dog’s liver or kidneys, however small the quantity may be.
1. Chocolate
Danger level: Highly toxic
Theobromine and caffeine are both found in chocolate, and dogs’ bodies are unable to process these two.
Effects:
Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Fast heart rate
Tremors or seizures
Severe infection can lead to Death
Most Dangerous Types: Dark chocolate, Baking chocolate, Cocoa Powder
2. Grapes and Raisins
Danger level: Highly toxic (cause unknown)
A few grapes and/or raisins can lead to acute kidney failure in canines.
Symptoms may include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Reduced or no urination
There is no known safe amount.
3. onions, garlic, and chives
Danger level: Toxic (Raw, Cooked, Powdered)
Such foods are detrimental to a dog’s red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anaemia.
Common resources that often go unnoticed include:
Onion powder in snacks
Garlic in gravies and curries
Seasoned leftovers.
The symptoms can develop days after the exposure, and that makes it very dangerous.
4. Xylitol
Threat level: Life-threatening
Found in:
Sugar-Free Gum
Candies
Baked Goods
Toothpaste
It causes the release of the body’s insulin in large amounts, resulting in hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) and liver failure.
Symptoms occur quickly (within 30 minutes):
Weakness
Collapse
Seizures
5. Alcohol
Danger level: Extremely toxic
A dog is much more sensitive to alcohol than a human.
Small amounts of these substances also cause:
Vomiting
Disorientation
Breathing problems
Coma or death
Such as alcohol in desserts and fermented foods.
6. Caffeine
Safety level: Toxic
Found in:
Coffee
Tea
Energy Drinks
Some medication
Effects:
Hyperactivity
Quick Breathing
Tremors
Abnormal heart rhythm
No antidote is available for a caffeine overdose.
7. Cooked Bones
Danger level: Physical danger
Cooked bones tend to break very easily and may lead to the following
Choking
Internal injuries
Intestinal obstruction or perforation
A raw diet of bones is also a point of debate and should only be done when guided by a veterinarian.
8. Avocado
Danger level: Moderately toxic
Persin is found in avocados, leading to the
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fluid accumulation around the heart
The pit is also a choking hazard.
9. Macadamia
Danger Level: Toxic
Symptoms may appear in 12 hours:
Muscle weakness
Tremors
Fever
Difficulty walking
Although the specific toxin is not yet known, its potency is considerable.
10. Salty & Fatty Foods
Danger level: High risk
Such foods as chips, fries, fried snacks, or processed meats can lead to:
Dehydration
Pancre
Sodium poisoning
Pancreatitis can be especially painful and may also require hospital care.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Panic not, but move quickly
Do not cause vomiting unless advised
Contact your veterinarian immediately
Always have the number of a local vet saved.
Early intervention can mean the difference between life and death for your dog.
Safe Alternatives for Dogs
Instead of sharing food from the table, provide your dog with these dog-safe alternatives
Chicken boiled plain (without salt)
Carrots or Apples (no seeds)
Commercial dog treats that receive vet approvalWhy Human Food Can Be Hazardous to Dogs?
Dogs have a completely different metabolism in relation to food from that of a human being. There are materials that are safe for a human being but are not safe for a dog in terms of digestion or excretion by the dog’s liver or kidneys, however small the quantity may be.
1. Chocolate
Danger level: Highly toxic
Theobromine and caffeine are both found in chocolate, and dogs’ bodies are unable to process these two.
Effects:
Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Fast heart rate
Tremors or seizures
Severe infection can lead to Death
Most Dangerous Types: Dark chocolate, Baking chocolate, Cocoa Powder
2. Grapes and Raisins
Danger level: Highly toxic (cause unknown)
A few grapes and/or raisins can lead to acute kidney failure in canines.
Symptoms may include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Reduced or no urination
There is no known safe amount.
3. onions, garlic, and chives
Danger level: Toxic (Raw, Cooked, Powdered)
Such foods are detrimental to a dog’s red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anaemia.
Common resources that often go unnoticed include:
Onion powder in snacks
Garlic in gravies and curries
Seasoned leftovers.
The symptoms can develop days after the exposure, and that makes it very dangerous.
4. Xylitol
Threat level: Life-threatening
Found in:
Sugar-Free Gum
Candies
Baked Goods
Toothpaste
It causes the release of the body’s insulin in large amounts, resulting in hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) and liver failure.
Symptoms occur quickly (within 30 minutes):
Weakness
Collapse
Seizures
5. Alcohol
Danger level: Extremely toxic
A dog is much more sensitive to alcohol than a human.
Small amounts of these substances also cause:
Vomiting
Disorientation
Breathing problems
Coma or death
Such as alcohol in desserts and fermented foods.
6. Caffeine
Safety level: Toxic
Found in:
Coffee
Tea
Energy Drinks
Some medication
Effects:
Hyperactivity
Quick Breathing
Tremors
Abnormal heart rhythm
No antidote is available for a caffeine overdose.
7. Cooked Bones
Danger level: Physical danger
Cooked bones tend to break very easily and may lead to the following
Choking
Internal injuries
Intestinal obstruction or perforation
A raw diet of bones is also a point of debate and should only be done when guided by a veterinarian.
8. Avocado
Danger level: Moderately toxic
Persin is found in avocados, leading to the
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fluid accumulation around the heart
The pit is also a choking hazard.
9. Macadamia
Danger Level: Toxic
Symptoms may appear in 12 hours:
Muscle weakness
Tremors
Fever
Difficulty walking
Although the specific toxin is not yet known, its potency is considerable.
10. Salty & Fatty Foods
Danger level: High risk
Such foods as chips, fries, fried snacks, or processed meats can lead to:
Dehydration
Pancre
Sodium poisoning
Pancreatitis can be especially painful and may also require hospital care.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Panic not, but move quickly
Do not cause vomiting unless advised
Contact your veterinarian immediately
Always have the number of a local vet saved.
Early intervention can mean the difference between life and death for your dog.
Safe Alternatives for Dogs
Instead of sharing food from the table, provide your dog with these dog-safe alternatives
Chicken boiled plain (without salt)
Carrots or Apples (no seeds)
Commercial dog treats that receive vet approval
