Are pet toys made in China safe for my dog or cat to play with?

Chewing on toys is a great activity for dogs to help them burn off energy, keep them occupied, and help keep them from chewing on other things in the house that are inappropriate for them to chew on. Dogs have individual preferences for the types of toys they chew on, so it may take a bit of experimenting to find out what Abby likes. Rope toys, soft toys and rubber chew toys are all good options. There are even puzzle toys where you can hide food and that will keep your pup busy trying to get the food out. Avoid any toys that are too hard- you should be able to easily dent the surface with a fingernail, as anything harder than that could lead to fracturing of the teeth. Avoid offering bones, antler, and similar objects for this reason. Always supervise play, and if you notice your dog trying to eat any pieces of the toys, take them away, as the pieces could cause a blockage of the intestines that could lead to the need for surgery to remove it.

I recommend to stick with toys meant for rodents. It's hard to know if toxicity is a potential concern but the small threads could become wrapped around his teeth. Many mice like to chew on cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls. They also make wooden toys for rodents. The clear exercise balls and a running wheel will also be fun for Frankie. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Yes, most pet stores have a small animal section with a variety of toys. Look for chew toys with safe woods such as willow, apple, birch, spruce and aspen. Soft toys and exercise wheels are also good options.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about ACe. He's a big dog and that size toy may pass without problem. I'd just keep an eye on him for now. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, have him seen by a vet right away. I hope this helps!

Hi there, Ingestion tennis ball pieces could certainly cause a problem. This behavior unfortunately isn't likely to change. I would try switching to the KONG balls. They are like tennis balls but she won't be able to destroy them, and that will keep her safe. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Pet Coach!

No, it is not safe! The pieces can cause a blockage in the intestinal tact. You might try something harder, such as a Nylabone, if your dog is an overly-enthusiastic chewer. Another possibility is to have the dogs chew only when you are present--so you can monitor the toys frequently for any signs of pieces coming loose.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I wouldn't recommend allowing him to freely play with any items that are not considered safe dog toys, especially the spoon. You would be surprised what some dogs will swallow, creating not so fun foreign bodies that later need surgical removal. It's best to stick with his dog toys (Kongs, dog ropes, etc). Best wishes with your pet Casper.