Tug of War Dog Toys: Are they Safe for Your Furry Friend?
Tug of war is a classic game that many dog owners and their furry friends have always participated in. It not only offers a good opportunity to connect with your pet, but it is also a form of exercise, which is very beneficial. Though safety is a concern when it comes to selecting a tug toy for your dog, that should definitely be put on top of the list anytime when purchasing a tug toy. The trend of leather dog toys for tug of war has been observed in recent years. But are they safe for your dog?
The Appeal of Leather Dog Toys
The leather dog toy got a wide spread of popularity due to some reasons. Moreover, they are tough and can withstand with the sharp dog’s bites and teeth. Unlike some synthetic fabrics, leather would be best suited to your pet since they will not break into small parts that might be ingested. Also, leather toys usually have a natural scent that give the dogs the sense of ownership and make them even more tempting for play sessions.
Safety Concerns
Although Leather Dog Toys offer countless benefits for your furry friend, they need to be considered when it comes to safety. One major thing that may happen if any tug war toy is slightly torn or the parts of the toy are swallowed is a wrong rush action. When it comes to leather, it is more durable than that of many different materials, however, leathers are still prone to damage. These leather toys may be worn with age leading to the appearance of fraying, or pills of leather developing. As for the particles that are not digested can cause choking hazards or digestive problems to your dog.
Furthermore, leather toy contemplates dangers of raw edges or splinters being formed as the product wears down. While leather is smooth for your pet, dogs’ bark and pull can make the leather rough. This poses a danger for your pup’s mouth or gums during play.
Choosing Safe Leather Dog Toys
For the safety of the dog it is necessary of course to pick the leather toys of the best quality and to inspect them frequently for signs of damage. Try to find toys made from actual leather rather than artifical material, as original leather is more durable.
Consider the tug of war leather toys that are durable and have reinforced stitches. They must have a multi-layered structure in order to bear the stress. Toys that could be swallowed by your dog must be avoided in general, especially the ones like small or easily detachable parts. Furthermore, it would be wise to take into account your dog’s size and strength especially when choosing a tug of war toy. Pick a toy which matches to your dog’s size and breed to minimize the chances of injury.
Regular Maintenance
Look out for a toy, before each play session and make sure it has no signs of wear and tear. If some damage is detected on a toy, don’t leave it loose. Replace you damaged one with a new toy to avoid accidents.
The process of cleaning leather dog toys is also a part of this procedure to eliminate dirt, bacteria and saliva that might develop during the activity. Ensure mild washing with water and soap. Wipe the toy with a paper towel or a dry cloth before giving it back to your dog.
The leather toys for dogs although can be very durable, aren’t always indestructible. Unfortunately, some dog species have strong jaws or act aggressively which gives them an edge over leather toys. A small accidental error in supervision can render them unsafe for use during playtimes. In cases like this, removal of the toy if any signs of significant the damage is observed is necessary.
Additionally, few dogs could be allergic or have sensitivities to leather or the dyes and chemicals used in the tanning process. If your dog expresses some kind of discomfort or irritation after playing with a leather toy, including excessive scratching, redness or swelling, discontinue use of the dog toy and consult your experienced veterinarian. If environment sustainability is your priority, go for natural rubber or hemp-based toys as they are completely biodegradable.
After all these consideration, the most preferred type of tug of war dog toys for most dog owners is the leather type due to their high durability, natural appeal and safety compared to artificial products. If you are cautious and monitor these products closely as they are used, you can be assured that your four-legged friend will have lots of fun.
Final thoughts
Tug of war could be really a thrilling activity for you and your canine friend, however, it is important to be cautious when selecting toys before playtime. By picking superior dog toys, regular inspection for signs of damage and good maintenance practices, you can ensure the strength and longevity of the tug of war competition for your dog.
