We have had a reminder about something VERY important, and your dog's life can depend on it. Dogs change in how they handle toys. So many toys these days have the notation on the package to supervise the dog when with the toy. Well, that goes for EVERY toy. Even if your dog has been fine with that kind of toy for years, things DO change.
Worthy loves cotton knotted Boodabones. We've had him for 3 years, and whenever he has gotten one opened up too much, we have immediately thrown it away. He chewed on them in the room with us.
Well, two things have changed over time. One is that in the early morning when we leave the patio door slightly opened and a plastic drape blocking air, he can go in and out while we are in the living room. And he has begun taking toys out there to amuse himself during that time.
The other thing that has changed in that I now trim the hair around his mouth short, instead of leaving a beard and moustache. I have realized that that hair used to get between his teeth. He did a lot of chewing, but now he does far more.
So a couple of mornings ago, hubby looked out the back door and saw Worthy with a new Boodabone all opened up, and getting at those way-too-long strings.
Hubby immediately picked up the Boodabone and put it in the trash. We've been watching Worthy very carefully, and doing some precautionary things, and so far he's shown no signs of any pain or problems.
Another assistance/service dog from Worthy's same program died from eating too much of a cotton knotted bone. These bones can help keep a dog's teeth clean, but you have to watch, watch, watch, and use very good judgement. Worthy clearly should not have them anymore, and all of his are now in the trash.
I'm investigating another type of toy to try with him. Toys are important to dogs, in several ways (if you're curious, read my article "Toys as Tools for Dogs," title in alphabetical order at the Canine Behavior Series link with my signature). He has two types of toys that are working well, but I like for a dog to have three types. So, the search is on.
Be so very careful, ya'll!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
