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Take a look at your pet's toys to make sure they're sturdy and safe. ©Sara Davis |
by Dawn Lauer
Providing your pet with toys to play with is one of the most basic aspects of responsible pet care.
We expect that these toys will bring many hours of enjoyment—often not even entertaining the thought that a toy could have a very opposite effect.
Chai's Story
Most recently, the story of Chai, a Labrador mix whose tongue ultimately had to be amputated after getting stuck in a ball, circulated in the virtual world.
The culprit was the Pimple Ball manufactured by Four Paws. Four Paws has stopped shipment of this product and alerted retailers that they should immediately remove the item from their shelves.
Update: The HSUS has been receiving reports that some retailers continue to sell recalled versions of the Pimple Ball. If you've recently purchased one, please check the UPC code on your Pimple Ball to ensure that you haven't purchased a recalled version.
Chai's story is certainly tragic; however it does provide a good reminder for everyone to take a look at their pet's toys to make sure they sturdy and safe. If in doubt, it's best to remove a toy from your pet's collection instead of risking tragedy.
Keep Away
Most pets explore their surroundings by tasting, eating or smelling the objects that they come upon.
It's very important to keep all of the items that could be dangerous out of your pet's reach. Xylitol is one example. This sweetener is used in many types of candy, mints and gum. But it's poisonous to pets. While it may seem harmless for Fido to snatch a few pieces of gum, it could cause serious harm or even death.
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| Make sure your cat's toys are safe, too. ©iStock.com |
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The Trouble with Trash
Simple things in your trashcan or around your home can be dangerous to pets, too. One unsuspecting danger can be found in the form of a bag of chips.
An unattended bag (even if it's completely empty) may prove to be too irresistible to a curious pet who may stick his head in, not be able to escape, and risk suffocation.
Make sure the bag is out of reach and closed when you're not present. In addition, you may cut the empty bag in half or open the bottom of the bag before you dispose of it to prevent a tragedy if your dog likes to "sample" leftovers from the trash.
This could also help prevent a problem with wildlife who may encounter the bag after you have disposed of it.
Other common items found in the trash—like string, ribbon, pantyhose and rubber bands—can require surgery to remove once ingested.
Safety First
Although there are no guarantees, there are simple steps that you can take to help ensure your pet's safety. Always supervise him when he's playing with a toy. Look at your home at your pet's level—you may find a world of tempting dangers that you may have otherwise missed.
Because accidents do happen, keep a pet first-aid kit handy, and know where the closest emergency vet is located. It is also important to keep the Animal Poison Control Center phone number in a convenient location. There is a fee for this service, but it may just help save your pet's life.
Dawn Lauer is an issues specialist in the Companion Animals section of The HSUS.
Updated Jan. 21, 2009.
