By Joyce McNally
Special to the News-Capital
April 05, 2008 02:46 pm
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Do you ever wonder what your pets do when you’re not around? Do they get bored? It might be fun to turn on a camcorder sometime while you are gone for an hour or two, just to see what goes on while you are away. Do you want to spice up playtime with your pet? There are many toys available at pet supply stores that can safely fill the needs of you and your pet. According to American Humane Society, here are some tips to consider before you buy.
Chewing is an all-time favorite pastime. It’s also satisfying enough that your dog will probably spend hours doing it in your absence. It’s best to make sure appropriate toys are chewed on rather than your furniture. Chewing helps stop boredom, but it also helps keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy and plaque-free.
Most dogs love any kind of activity that involves chasing, capturing and retrieving. This stimulates their natural retrieving instincts. Balls do the job, but make sure they’re not poorly made or small enough for your dog to swallow. A Frisbee or a tennis ball sewn into a sock will send your pal running, too. Toys with squeakers may appeal to a dog’s hunting instincts, but it’s a good idea to avoid products with small inner parts that your pet could eat.
Let your dog exercise his jaws to his heart’s content with a hard-rubber chew toy. Some of these toys bounce erratically, which may take your pet by pleasant surprise and stimulate him to perfect the art of the chase. Some toys allow you to hide treats in them. Hidden treats will come out during play and will keep your dog’s interest longer. You can also provide your pet with rawhide chews.
Dog pulls or similar tug-of-war toys such as knotted ropes are great for two dogs to play together. This type of toy is appropriate for your pet only if he willingly gives it up when you say the word. The American Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals does not recommend that you give your pet your old clothing or shoes as toys. Your pet will probably not restrict itself to these items, but rather see your offer as an invitation to chew anything that bears your scent.
Never give your pet wooden chewables and toys. Wood can splinter into pieces that may cause ulcers and other digestive problems if swallowed. Pork and poultry bones can splinter and cause damage to your dog’s teeth and mouth, so never give these to your pet. Cooked beef marrow bones are acceptable and nylon bones work great as well.
Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do for your pet, for your ability to enjoy your pet and for your community as well. Pets that are sterilized live longer, remain healthier and are less likely to roam, fight or bite. More than $5 million a year is spent on “animal control” in Oklahoma. This money is spent mainly to collect, house and euthanize (kill) unwanted pets. Every taxpayer in our state pays for the irresponsibility of pet owners who allow their pets to produce unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. You can help. Responsible pet ownership includes having your pet spayed or neutered, vaccinated and socialized.
For information on the PAWS spay and neuter program, call 470-7297.
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