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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Nov. 6, 2025 — Pet toy options are endless, and many owners make a choice based on texture, color or even sound, but not every toy is a compatible match for each pet.
Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shares some insights on the potential risks brought by everyday pet toys and gives advice on choosing the best options to match a pet’s size, strength and overall health needs.
Toy trickery
One of the most important considerations for choosing toys is the size of the pet, with each toy, typically, being tailored to each specific pet.
“A good fit for a toy is one that is not small enough to swallow or fit whole into the mouth,” Ray said. “On the other hand, the toy should also not be so large that they can’t comfortably chew on it.”
By ensuring that the toy is appropriately sized for your animal, owners can shield against any choking or dental accidents that might call for immediate veterinary attention.
Because this precaution can be a challenge in multi-pet households, in a home filled with pets of all shapes and sizes, Ray advises storing toys safely away when not in use.
Various risks
When selecting the type of toy to give your dog or cat, it also is important to stay aware of the potential threats each kind of toy may bring.
While different types of dog toys have different benefits, they also have unique dangers associated with each: Chew toys can be either very hard, potentially damaging the teeth, or soft enough to be easily broken apart and swallowed.
Rope toys are often shredded, and the pieces may be ingested or can get stuck in teeth.
Squeakers in toys can be swallowed and cause gastrointestinal (GI) obstructions.
Cooked bones can splinter and cause perforation along the GI tract, while hard, rawhide bones can break teeth or potentially lead to obstructions in the GI tract.
Stuffing in soft toys can also lead to an obstruction in the GI tract.
Cat toys share many of these same dangers, with string toys presenting an additional risk of developing into a linear foreign body — a condition that can lead to intestinal perforations — if swallowed.
“I also always advise pet owners to avoid any products with additives or coatings on toys, as this may be toxic if ingested,” Ray said.
Beyond mindless chewing, toys also offer pets mental stimulation. Puzzles and motion-activated treat dispensers are great options to engage a pet’s mind. However, it is vital to make sure that pieces can’t be broken off and are made of non-toxic materials.
Even the safest toys can break down with the right amount of play-filled pressure, so owners should inspect toys regularly for signs of extreme wear and tear.
Preparing for playtime
The best defense against toy-related emergencies is to learn your pet’s specific behavior and needs.
“If your pet is one who lives to destroy their toys, then avoid soft, plush or squeaker toys,” Ray said. “A general rule is to make sure the toy is durable.”
Soft rubber toys are often safer than hard toys for senior dogs, puppies or pets with dental disease, as extremely firm toys may cause further trauma or fractures.
Limiting the number of accessible toys can also help prevent accidents.
“It’s best to give your pet a single or couple of toys at a time rather than a whole basket,” Ray said. “This will allow you to monitor if the toys are missing pieces, missing completely or falling apart.”
When to seek veterinary advice It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your pet has ingested any portion of a toy.
“Very small amounts of stuffing may not cause an issue in a very large dog but definitely can in a small breed animal,” Ray said. “Letting your veterinarian know about the situation can get your animal care and treatment, if necessary, as soon as possible.”
A veterinarian can also provide recommendations for good toy options to meet your pet’s specific playtime needs.
The best toy selection is one that is tailored with care and consideration, but even the most harmless-looking toys can pose a threat to your pet. When owners choose toys wisely and attentively monitor their pet’s habits, they can ensure that a favorite toy doesn’t become an unintended hazard, leaving their dogs and cats to enjoy playtime without the need for worry.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/ news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to [email protected].
