There are many stories about dogs eating everything from stuffed toys to gravel. Some dogs never get into trouble, and others eat everything they can get a hold of. If your best friend falls into the latter category it’s wise to dog-proof your home. If doggie can’t get to something, he won’t eat it.

If your dog still manages to eat the remote control or something from the laundry pile, go see a vet. If your normal vet is closed, call the nearest emergency animal clinic and tell them what happened. Some objects will pass on their own, but others can create great damage.

Many pet owners are tempted to wait and hope for the best – even if the dog ate something toxic – but it’s not a wise course of action. Call a veterinarian. The more time that passes, the costlier it will be to fix the problem – and the more dangerous to your pet.

Common signs that your dog ate something he shouldn’t have include vomiting, gagging, stomach pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in bowels, and changes in behavior.

Every year, around 300,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes in the USA. While many dog owners may know they live in an area with rattlesnakes, they might not know there’s a vaccine available for dogs.

The vaccine has been developed to provide protection against the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake’s venom. While it is most effective against bites from this particular snake, it also gives some protection against similar venoms through generating protective antibodies that can neutralize the venom.

Dogs with the antibodies experience less pain and have less risk of permanent injury from a bite. Vaccinated dogs typically have less swelling, less tissue damage, and recover quicker. If the dog is bit it should still see a veterinarian.

How often the dog should be vaccinated depends on how big the risk is, how big the dog is, and other factors.

If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake or other snake, it is always an emergency. Even a vaccinated dog needs to see a veterinarian for evaluation – the dose of venom can be more than the immunity from the vaccine can handle. Bites from non venomous snakes are also serious, because they can lead to infections, and the dog might need antibiotics. If your dog is bit by a snake, time is of the essence. Go see at vet at once.

To learn more about rattlesnake vaccine, click here to visit Red Rock Biologics.

There is a plethora of dog toys available, and which to choose largely depends on the dog. Some dogs tear through everything but the most chew-resistant in minutes, and others carry the same soft squeaky duck around for years.

Most dogs like a good thinking game. Many dogs are alone while their humans spend time at work or school. We’re tired when we come home after a full day, but the dog is bored and has been napping most of the day. Handing out a “thinking” toy can be a great solution – you need to be around to make sure nothing happens, but it will keep your friend occupied for a while.

Examples of thinking games include “boxes” with hiding spots for treats. The dog must move parts around with the nose, or remove them, to get to the treats. Others are shaped as balls or cubes that must roll a certain way to dispense treats.

Kong-type toys frozen with a mix of broken-up treats or kibble along with some peanut butter or soft food can keep dogs occupied for hours.

Many dogs love toys meant for chewing or carrying, like Nylabones, Kong Wubbas, and similar. Rope toys are great as long as your dog doesn’t manage to untie the knots and eat the threads, and many dogs love tennis balls. Make sure you use balls of an appropriate size, so the dog can’t choke on them.

Some dogs love soft, stuffed toys. Make sure you get one with pet-safe stuffing. If your dog likes to carry the toy around it needs to be small enough to carry, yet large enough to prevent accidental swallowing. If your dog wants to shake and “kill” the toy, it needs to be sturdy enough to survive the attacks.

Many dogs who spend many hours alone love to have a piece of dirty laundry, like an old T-shirt, towel, or blanket. Something that smells like you can be very comforting to a dog. Pick something that doesn’t break easily, and that you won’t mourn if it’s destroyed by carrying, bedding, and nosing.

When it comes to humans, many say that we never stop buying toys – they just become more expensive with age. Toys are important to us, and they’re important to pets as well. To dogs, they’re even necessary.

Toys can:

• Keep boredom at bay
• Provide comfort
• Prevent a pet from developing behavioral problems

Cats are generally picky about what toys they approve, but dogs tend to love everything they can get their paws on, and it’s wise to choose toys for them before they find something on their own.

What toys are safe?

The answer to that depends on many factors, such as the dog’s size, preferences, and activity level. A toy that can be perfectly safe to a small dog not interested in chewing can be dangerous to a large and energetic dog. Use common sense, and try to see it from the dog’s point of view.

Make sure the toy is appropriate for your dog’s size. Balls and other toys that are too small can be swallowed, or choke your dog. Not all dog toys for sale are safe or even appropriate. Remove any ribbons, strings, and other parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. If the toy is torn and falling apart it’s time to remove it.

Some toys, like rope toys that are braided with knotted ends, are great when they are new, but it is important to replace them once they’re worn and chewed, so the dog doesn’t eat any of the strings in the rope.

Always supervise play with squeaker toys. Many dogs feel the need to tear the toy apart and destroy the squeaker, and squeakers should not be eaten.

As a general rule, soft toys made for children should not be used by pets – the filling is dangerous and can in severe cases kill a dog. Not even “pet-safe” fillings are meant to be eaten. Dog-proof your home. Make sure your furry friend can’t get to strings, rubber bands, ribbons, children’s toys, pantyhose, and similar things that can be swallowed.