Dog Toy Safety: How to Choose Safe, Durable Toys Your Dog Will Love
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Time to read 5 min
Dog toys are more than just fun distractions. They support mental stimulation, physical exercise, dental health, and emotional well-being. But not all dog toys are created equal. In fact, unsafe toys are one of the most common—and preventable—causes of choking, broken teeth, intestinal blockages, and emergency vet visits.
As dog parents become more educated, dog toy safety has become a top priority. Knowing what materials to trust, how to match toys to your dog’s play style, and when to retire a toy can make all the difference. Brands like BARK have helped lead the industry by designing toys with safety, durability, and supervised play in mind without sacrificing fun.
This guide covers everything you need to know about dog toy safety, from common hazards to smart buying tips, plus how BARK approaches toy safety differently.
Why Dog Toy Safety Matters
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Chewing, tugging, and shredding are natural behaviors—but they can also be risky if a toy isn’t designed properly.
Unsafe toys can lead to:
Choking hazards from small or broken pieces
Tooth fractures from overly hard materials
Digestive blockages if pieces are swallowed
Chemical exposure from low-quality materials or dyes
According to veterinarians, many toy-related injuries happen not because dogs are “destructive,” but because the toy wasn’t appropriate for that dog’s size, strength, or play style.
Dog toy safety isn’t about eliminating fun. It’s about choosing toys that work with your dog’s instincts, not against them.
Common Dog Toy Safety Risks to Watch For
1. Toys That Are Too Small
Small toys can easily become lodged in a dog’s throat, especially for medium and large breeds. If a toy can fit entirely inside your dog’s mouth, it’s not safe for unsupervised play.
Safety tip: Choose toys that are larger than your dog’s muzzle and throat opening.
2. Overly Hard Materials
Some toys marketed as “indestructible” are actually too hard for safe chewing. Materials that don’t have any give can crack or break teeth—particularly molars.
Rule of thumb: If you can’t dent it with your thumbnail, it may be too hard for your dog’s teeth.
3. Easily Shredded Toys
Plush toys are beloved by many dogs, but aggressive chewers can tear them apart quickly. Loose stuffing, squeakers, or fabric pieces can become choking or ingestion hazards.
Safety tip: Match plush toys with dogs who enjoy gentle play or supervised destruction.
4. Low-Quality Materials and Dyes
Cheap toys may contain unsafe chemicals, poorly secured parts, or dyes that can leach when chewed.
Look for: Clear material descriptions and brands that are transparent about safety testing.
How to Choose the Right Toy for Your Dog
Consider Your Dog’s Play Style
Not all dogs play the same way. Choosing toys based on play style is one of the most effective safety strategies.
Chewers: Look for reinforced rubber or nylon-blend toys designed to flex, not shatter
Tuggers: Choose sturdy rope or multi-layer fabric toys with reinforced seams
Fetchers: Lightweight, easy-to-grip toys that won’t damage teeth
Shredders: Toys designed for safe disassembly, where destruction is part of the fun
BARK designs toys with these play styles in mind, offering everything from durable rubber cores to layered plush toys that reveal surprises as dogs tear into them.
Size Matters More Than You Think
A toy that’s perfect for a Chihuahua may be dangerous for a Labrador, and vice versa.
Always follow size guidelines, but also consider:
Jaw strength
Chewing intensity
Mouth shape
When in doubt, size up.
Inspect Toys Regularly
Even the safest toy won’t last forever. Regular inspections help prevent accidents.
Retire toys if you notice:
Cracks or sharp edges
Loose parts or exposed stuffing
Pieces breaking off easily
Think of toys as consumable enrichment tools, not permanent objects.
Supervision Is Part of Toy Safety
No toy is 100% risk-free. Supervision plays a critical role in keeping playtime safe.
Best practices include:
Watching your dog during new toy introductions
Rotating toys to prevent overuse and damage
Removing toys that become unsafe during play
Remember: toys are enrichment tools meant to strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans— they are not replacements for engagement.
Dog Toy Safety and Mental Enrichment
Safe toys don’t just prevent injuries—they support healthier behavior. Dogs with appropriate enrichment are less likely to engage in destructive chewing, anxiety-driven behaviors, or boredom-related issues.
Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and creatively designed plush toys can:
Reduce stress
Improve problem-solving skills
Encourage independent play in a safe way
When toys are designed with both safety and engagement in mind, everyone wins.
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When to Replace a Dog Toy
A good rule is to replace toys early rather than late. Even well-made toys have a lifespan.
Replace a toy when:
It no longer holds its shape
Internal components are exposed
Your dog can remove pieces quickly
Retiring a toy is not a failure. It’s a sign the toy did its job!
BARK’s Approach to Dog Toy Safety
BARK has built its reputation around thoughtful design, rigorous testing, and an understanding of how dogs actually play. Rather than promising “indestructible” toys, BARK focuses on safe, supervised play and appropriate durability.
Designed for Real Dogs
Our toys are created with input from dog behavior experts and tested by real dogs with different play styles in our very own dedicated toy safety testing lab. This helps ensure toys are engaging without encouraging unsafe chewing habits.
Thoughtful Materials
BARK prioritizes materials that balance durability and safety, such as:
Natural rubber blends that flex under pressure
Reinforced plush with multiple fabric layers
Securely enclosed squeakers
Each toy is designed to fail in a safer way.
Clear Play Guidance
Toys are labeled and described based on play style, helping dog parents choose toys that align with their dog’s behavior rather than guessing.
BARK’s approach to safety is grounded in various team members’ extensive background in children's toy design from prior roles, as well as the knowledge and preference data from serving 6.5 million dogs since BARK’s founding in 2011. This unique combination has informed the development of comprehensive testing protocols and drives our commitment to creating the safest and most enjoyable toys for dogs!
FAQ
Are dog toys dangerous?
Dog toys can be dangerous if they are poorly made, improperly sized, or used without supervision. Choosing high-quality toys and monitoring play significantly reduces risk.
What is the safest type of dog toy?
There is no single “safest” toy. The safest toy is one that matches your dog’s size, chewing strength, and play style, and is made from quality materials.
Are plush dog toys safe?
Plush toys can be safe for gentle players or supervised play. For aggressive chewers, look for reinforced plush toys or designs meant for safe shredding, like those offered by BARK.
How often should I replace dog toys?
Inspect toys weekly and replace them as soon as they show signs of damage. Heavy chewers may need replacements more often.
Can puppies use the same toys as adult dogs?
Puppies need softer toys designed for developing teeth and gums. Avoid hard or heavy-duty toys until adult teeth are fully developed.
Is it okay if my dog destroys toys?
Yes—it's what they do! Destruction can be a healthy form of play when toys are designed for it. The key is ensuring the toy breaks down safely and is removed once it becomes hazardous.
Final Thoughts on Dog Toy Safety
Dog toy safety is about understanding your dog, choosing wisely, and staying engaged. The right toy can bring joy, enrichment, and bonding, while the wrong one can lead to unnecessary risk.
By prioritizing smart design, transparency, and real-world testing, brands like BARK are helping dog parents make safer choices without sacrificing fun.
