The Size Rule
Every toy must be too large to fit entirely in your dog's mouth. A toy that fits completely in the mouth can be lodged in the throat or swallowed.
Hardness Rule
If you cannot dent it with your thumbnail, it is too hard. Hard items fracture teeth. Avoid: real bones, antlers, hooves, hard nylon, ice cubes.
Toys to Avoid
Known Hazards: Button eyes on stuffed toys (swallowed), squeakers in easily destroyed toys (choking hazard once exposed), rope toys for power chewers (fibers cause intestinal damage), tennis balls for power chewers (fuzzy surface damages teeth, pieces swallowable), toys with strings or elastic.
Safest Options
- Rubber chew toys (Kong, West Paw Zogoflex)
- Food puzzle toys
- Tug toys (with reliable drop-it cue)
- Size-appropriate rubber fetch toys