A Few Kinds of Toys to Keep Fido Healthy and Happy

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A Few Kinds of Toys to Keep Fido Healthy and Happy

Author: Art Gib

Does your pooch seem bored lately? Restless? Does he have dirty teeth and/or bad breath? Is he less active than he should be to be healthy? Is lack of time, energy, and good weather preventing you from taking him on a walk?

Well, all of these woes and worries can be easily remedied with TOYS! Many contemporary pet owners underestimate the power of toys, and what they can do for the health of your dog.

But before I launch into my spiel about the wonders they can do, a word of caution: beware of making toys for your pup from household materials. It can be difficult for the common pet-owner to recognize what might make a dog sick--that is not to mention that many dogs can easily tear off and swallow any small parts which they could choke on, just like a child.

In conclusion, do not give your pet your son's surviving G.I. Joes to chew on!

That being said, we can move on to what you can and should give your pup to play with. First, what you will want to do is both be aware of your dog's personality and read up on some basic needs of the breed.

If you have a dog that is very active (or needs to be active to remain in good health, which is most dogs), start with just a basic tennis ball and a Frisbee. Try just throwing these around in the yard, and see how he responds. If neither of these provides amusement enough for your beloved pet, try something that has a squeaking component, yet still "throw-able," like a rubbed newspaper.

In the "toys you throw," department, try avoid the plush, soft, furry toys, as they get extremely grimy and retain more of your pooch's drool (as well as fall apart quicker).

Interactive treat dispensers are a great way to keep your pet occupied, physically and mentally. You fill a capsule or a ball (depending on what kind you buy, of course) with treats or dry food, and your pet must figure out the secret to retrieving it.

However, it is important to note that some brands work better for small dogs, as large dogs are generally strong enough just to rip the capsule open and chow down!

Finally, you have the indispensable chew toys. Many rubber squeak toys are considered "chews," for dogs, but what you may not have realized is that those squeakers can wear out, and then you have to replace them, which can become costly.

The way to go is with rawhide, chews, and bully sticks. The benefit of using these (especially bully sticks) over rubber toys is that they provide tartar protection and strengthen the dog's teeth and gums (which in turn can cut down on smelly dog breath). They also provide a source of protein that your companion needs without throwing in unnecessary high fat content.

As they are completely edible, you don't have to be concerned about Fido swallowing some part of his toy that he shouldn't.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend that you develop a good variety of toys to keep your pooch healthy and happy--trust me, he will thank you for it (probably by licking your face or drooling on your hand, but hey, that's his way of doing things!)

About the author: If you are looking for top-quality bully sticks to pamper your pup, be sure to check out Value Pet Supplies (http://valuepetsupplies.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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