Is It Unsafe To Buy Dog Toys Not Made In The USA?

As pet parents, our pups are our top priority. That being said, we want to make sure that they’re getting the very best, and toys are no exception. One of the most common toy distinctions is the valuable “Made in the USA” label. However, if a dog toy isn’t made in the USA, does that mean it’s totally unsafe?

Below, we’ll go over why some dog owners prefer made in the USA toys as well as the best way to determine whether or not a toy is safe for man’s best friend. 

What Makes Made In The USA Toys So Special?

So, what makes people fall in love with made in the USA toys? While it could be as simple as wanting to support one’s economy, made in the USA is often synonymous with value. This is because the US imposes strict regulations on manufactured products ensuring that items are safe and made in a fair, moral manner. 

Are Toys Not Made In The USA Unsafe?

While other products and toys made outside the USA could be safe for your pooch, our government has no way of policing foreign labor standards or monitoring the quality of goods. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the toy is unsafe, but you’ll have to be a bit more vigilant when it comes to evaluating whether or not it’s a good pick for your pooch. 

How To Make Sure Your Dog’s Toys Are Safe

Here are a couple of quick things to check to ensure Spot’s toys are safe. Also, don’t forget to monitor your dog the first couple of times he uses a toy to make sure he’s using it safely. 

• Pick Out The Proper Size: You’ll want to make sure that your dog’s toys aren’t too small for him. Even if they are “safe” toys, improperly-sized toys can prove to be a choking hazard for dogs. As your dog gets older, be sure to remove puppy toys that he’s outgrown to stay safe.
• Find A Company You Trust: While there aren’t regulatory standards specifically regarding pet toys, you can find pet companies that pay extra attention to the safety of their products. PetSafe, for example, makes sure that all of their toys go through the same amount of testing as toys intended for infants.
• Throw Out Worn Toys: As soon as your dog’s toy begins to deteriorate, throw it out as needed. While the exterior of many dog toys are safe, interior stuffing and squeakers can be dangerous. If your pooch moves through toys quickly, you could consider a monthly subscription box to receive new toys on a regular basis for Buddy.
• Shop For Toys In Person: When possible, shop for your dog’s toys in person. Steer clear of any toys that are somewhat poorly made or have a harsh chemical smell as they are more likely to be dangerous to your dog.
• Rotate Your Dog’s Toys: If you notice your pooch moving through toys quickly, try to rotate the amount of accessible toys every once and awhile. You’ll also want to make select toys that align with your dog’s playing style. 

Safe Dog Toy Selections

On the market for truly safe dog toys? Here are a couple of our favorite options that Fido is sure to fancy. 

• KONG: KONGs are one of the most versatile, popular toys you can find that most dogs love. All rubber KONG toys are made in the USA and are a pretty safe pick for your pooch.
• Bully Sticks: Bully sticks are great, easily-digested alternatives to rawhide that your pooch is bound to love. These are technically treats not toys, but many bully sticks are designed to last for days at a time.
• Dental Chews: Dental chews are another totally safe treat for dogs that help keep your pooch engaged over time. 

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion from your veterinarian to make sure you’ve selected a safe toy for Spot. Enjoy picking out safe toys for man’s best friend that are sure to send his tail wagging.