Safety is key when shopping for your dog

The holiday season is upon us. Planning for parties and shopping for and giving gifts is in full swing. Those of us who include our dogs on our shopping lists can buy presents in the stores, from catalogs and online, and the possibilities are endless.

We can buy them cookies and chewies in varying shapes and sizes, collars and leashes, sweaters, coats and other clothing, jewelry, treats and toys, monogrammed bath towels and stuffed dog beds.

There are balls in all shapes and sizes to be used for different activities. There are pull toys made of fabric, rubber and leather. We can also give our dogs stuffed animals, from small to giant, with or without squeakers and organically stuffed.

We buy toys for our dogs to keep them busy and happy. The HSUS notes toys are not a luxury but a necessity, because dogs will often play with anything available. I have one flip-flop, carelessly left out of the closet, with teeth marks on it that proves it. Toys help prevent boredom in dogs who are left alone. Toys can also help prevent problem behaviors from developing.

We all want our dogs to be safe, and purchasing safe toys for them is no exception. The HSUS suggests the following tips to remember when shopping for your canine:

• Toys should be appropriate for your dog's size. Balls and other toys that are too small can be swallowed or get lodged in your dog's throat.

• Toys should be "dog proofed" by removing ribbons, strings, eyes or other parts that could be chewed or ingested. Or avoid these toys altogether. Throw out toys that start to break into pieces or have pieces torn off.

• Toys with squeakers should be played with under supervision since squeakers can be ingested.

• The HSUS recommends asking your veterinarian about which rawhide toys are safe. "Unless your veterinarian says otherwise, 'chewies' like hoofs, pig's ears and rawhides should only be played with under supervision. Very hard rubber toys are safer and last longer."

• Stuffed toys are a popular item to buy for our dogs. My sister had a big rescue golden retriever who got a stuffed dog one Christmas. He carried it around for years. Look for stuffed toys that are labeled safe for children younger than 3 and don't contain any dangerous fillings such as nutshells and polystyrene beads. Even safe stuffings are not truly digestible.

The HSUS divides its list of recommended toys into three categories: Active toys, Distraction toys and Comfort toys.

The Active toys list includes very hard rubber toys such as Nylabone-type products and Kong-type products. My dog enjoys playing fetch with the softer "plush" Kong-type toys.

Distraction toys include the Kong-type toys, but these should be the appropriate size for your dog. Common practice is to fill these toys with broken-up treats or a mixture of treats and peanut butter. According to the HSUS, these stuffed toys will keep a puppy or dog busy for hours. Check with your veterinarian about giving peanut butter to your dog.

Comfort toys are the soft stuffed toys, which should be small enough to carry around. An old T-shirt, pillowcase, towel or blanket can be very comforting to your dog, especially if the item smells like you. (Or your dog can carry your flip-flop around if you leave it lying out).

The HSUS suggests many of your dog's toys should be interactive.

"Interactive play is very important for your dog because he needs active 'people time' - and such play also enhances the bond between you and your pet."

By repeatedly returning a ball or Frisbee, or playing hide and seek with treats or toys, dogs can use up pent-up mental and physical energy, thereby reducing stress due to confinement, boredom and isolation.

Toys are important for our dogs. So is the time we spend with them. Go out and play with your dog. Have fun and enjoy each other's company.

Upcoming

Santa photos: Join The Buddy Foundation for photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Paws from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the shelter, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Bring your pets and children. A $7.50 donation per picture printed is requested. While you are at the shelter, also visit the Holiday Boutique and bake sale. Remember, all the proceeds benefit Buddy's animals.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.