4176 Meridian Street

Bellingham, WA 98226

(360) 758-2200

24/7 Emergency Care​

Holiday Shopping for Your Pet: How to Choose Safe Toys

dog under the christmas tree at home, Breed Jack Russell Terrier

The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to spoil your pets with new toys! With endless options available, here are some handy tips for choosing toys that are both fun and safe.

1. Avoid Small Parts

Toys with small pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed pose a choking hazard or could cause digestive blockages. Always inspect toys for loose or easily detachable parts.

2. Pick Durable Materials

For pets who are tough chewers, select toys made from sturdy, non-toxic materials. Durable options can withstand their enthusiasm without breaking apart.

3. Skip Strings and Ribbons

While strings, ribbons, or similar materials may seem fun, they can easily become tangled or ingested, leading to choking hazards or severe internal issues.

4. Choose the Right Size

Make sure the toy is the correct size for your pet. Toys that are too small could be swallowed, while oversized toys might be too awkward for your pet to play with comfortably.

5. Check Labels for Safety

Look for toys labeled “pet-safe” to ensure they’re made with materials that are safe for your pet to chew, lick, and carry around. Prioritize products from reputable pet toy brands.

Safe Toys = Happy Pets

A safe toy isn’t just about keeping your pet entertained—it’s about keeping them healthy and happy. Whether you’re shopping for your own pet or donating to a local animal shelter, choosing the right toys ensures everyone has a safe and joyous holiday season.

Bonus Tip: Donate Safe Toys to Shelters

The holiday season is a wonderful time to give back. If you’re shopping for a local animal shelter, consider donating toys made specifically for pets. Your generosity will spread joy to animals in need while keeping them safe and happy.


Looking for More Pet Safety Tips?

Follow us for the latest advice on keeping your pets healthy and happy, or contact us to learn more about our services.


About Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is a veterinary specialty center that offers veterinary specialty services provided by board-certified veterinary specialists and 24-hour emergency veterinary care (in partnership with Animal Emergency Care).

We offer services in veterinary surgeryoncology, internal medicine (endoscopy), cardiologyadvanced diagnostic imaging (ultrasound), animal rehabilitation, and emergency care in Bellingham. We serve pet owners in Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King counties in Washington State.

Our mission is to provide the highest level of multidisciplinary specialty and emergency veterinary services to our patients, their families, and the primary care veterinary community. We achieve this by listening carefully, interacting respectfully, and developing a personalized, transparent, and compassionate patient care strategy driven to improve quality of life.

Contact BBVSH Bellingham

Please fill in your contact details and a message below. We’ll be sure to contact you within the next business day.

 

Alternately, call (360) 758-2200, email bellingham@bbvsh.com, or fax 1 (888) 867-6928.

If you have an emergency, please call 360-758-2200.