Dog owners love to think of their dogs as children. “That’s my baby,” they’ll say when referring to their pets. Not unlike with children, choosing the right toys can be tricky business. People like to get cute, squeaky toys for their dogs or give them stuffed animals to chew on and carry around. Many times, the stuffed toy becomes the dog’s baby. “Get your baby, Taco. Taco, where’s your baby?” Many Palm Beach Gardens real estate owners they think it’s adorable. Yet, dog toys don’t need to be cute. They have to be practical, fun for the dog, durable, and safe.

When looking for a dog toy, always avoid ones that aren’t made specifically for dogs to play with, such as shoes and remote controls. For as lovable, loyal, friendly, and playful as they are, dogs are not always the brightest creatures. They are naturally attracted to things that can cause them the most harm. It’s important to start early with your dog, providing safe toys to chew and play with while teaching the animal to avoid household items it may wish to use as toys. Dogs love to chew on pantyhose, for example, but these could easily be partially ingested, choking the dog. Some dogs will chew on power cords, risking a harmful (or fatal) electric shock. Teach your dog early on what things are for chewing and playing and what things are off limits.

When looking for the best and safest toy for a canine who lives in a home for sale in Palm Beach Gardens, the size is an important consideration. Balls and other typical toys must be small enough that the dog can chew them and carry them, but not so small that they can become lodged in the dog’s mouth or throat. At the same time, you have to be careful not to slip on any toys while walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I speak from experience.

Durability is a factor, especially for a dog that loves to chew. A toy that will break apart easily can become a hazard as the small, sharp parts can be swallowed, caught in the throat, or cut the mouth and gums. A hard rubber Kong is easily one of the best dog toys ever conceived.

Softer toys, like the popular “squeak” ones made of thin plastic and full of air are fabulous for dogs that are a bit gentler. They’re unlikely to chew through such items and are usually attracted by the squeaking sound.

Tennis balls are great for some dogs, but poor choices for others. This is a question of size ratios. If the dog is too small to fit a tennis ball all the way in its mouth, then it can be an excellent toy that the dog will love. It also costs very little. But if the ball can fit all the way in the dog’s mouth, it becomes a choking hazard.

As long as you find a smart toy for your Palm Beach Gardens luxury homes’ dog, such as Taco the Golden Retriever, you will remain loved unconditionally.

 

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty serves 19 counties throughout Florida with over 40 locations and approximately 1,800 Sales Professionals. The full-service brokerage company, founded in 1999, is a subsidiary of Lennar Corporation, a Fortune 500 company and is a franchise member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ network, one of the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name. The company offers residential and commercial services as well as seasonal rentals, property management, REO & Foreclosures, corporate relocations, referral services, title, home service plans, and personal concierge services. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty ranks in the Top 10 in the network among 42,000 Sales Professionals, 1,200 offices throughout 47 states. The company is the overall No. 1 fundraiser for The Sunshine Kids Foundation, having generated more than $3.37 million since 2001. Visit www.BHHSFloridaRealty.com.

Florida Realty News
Florida Realty News
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WCI Communities, has over 39 locations and more than 1,650 real estate sales professionals and team members serving 17 counties throughout Florida.
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