Health

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats a Toy?

Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

November 7, 2018

Unlike humans, dogs use their mouths to play with toys. This can lead to scary problems. If your pup does ingest a toy, below are tips to keep them safe, happy, and healthy.

What do I do if my dog ingests my toy?

First, take a deep breath and know they’re depending on you to help them. Stay calm.

Next, seek immediate medical attention. With this type of incident, every minute matters. If you are worried about an expensive vet visit, call first. They might say, “Closely monitor your dog and if she seems in distress, bring her in.” If your dog is already acting strange, the earlier they see a vet, the better.

If there are any parts of the toy left, bring it to the vet. Any information about what your pup ingested is helpful for the vet. If you are worried about expensive vet fees, most vets will work with you. You can also apply for pet insurance if you haven’t already.

Bottom line: Listen to your vet and do what they say. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

vet inspecting a dog

Are dog toys edible?

Never. Toys are toys, not treats. Toys were made to be thrown, shaken and chewed, but never consumed. If your dog eats a toy, please seek immediate medical attention.

What are dog toys they can play with by themselves?

All toys require supervision. There isn’t a single toy that is okay for dogs to play with by themselves. Why? Because anything can happen while you’re gone. Your dog could bite their tongue, cut their gum on a bone, or even choke. An injured dog is not worth the risk.

Are there safe toys I can leave with my dog home alone?

No toy in the world requires zero supervision. Every dog is different. Safety testings simply can’t account for every dog’s unique play style and tendencies. With that being said, every parent knows their dog best!

If you have any questions about toy safety, reach out to [email protected] and talk to our team of dog experts. We’re always here to recommend the best toys for your four-legged love.

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Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

November 7, 2018

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