Even though the “crime scene” itself is comical, the possible outcomes are anything but. Stuffing poses a significant health risk to dogs and may even be fatal if ingested.
We’ll go over the risks associated with animal toy stuffing, why dogs might do this, and what to do if you catch your dog eating it below.
We’ll also go over some strategies for discouraging similar behavior in the future.
Can Dogs Eat Animal Toy Stuffing?
No. Animal toy stuffing, or any other kind of stuffing, should never be given to a dog to eat, and you should take all precautions to prevent this from happening.
Many types of stuffing contain ingredients that are unsafe or difficult to digest and can cause a variety of health problems for the eater.
What Will Happen if a Dog Eats Animal Toy Stuffing?
Some four-legged friends can pass small amounts of stuffing from animal toys without any problems, usually within 10 to 24 hours, so there’s no need to freak out if your dog happens to eat some.
However, for some dogs, this can cause serious health problems such as vomiting, choking, abdominal pain, and even fatal bowel obstructions.
If your dog eats a lot of stuffing, the risk increases.
A small Chihuahua, for instance, is more likely to have health issues after eating a large amount of stuffing than a large Great Dane would be after eating the same amount.
Furthermore, some animal toy fillings are treated with toxic chemicals during production, which can lead to additional issues. This is especially true of low-priced imported toys (many foreign manufacturers disregard safety standards).
What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats Animal Toy Stuffing?
First and foremost, you must prevent your dog from eating any more of the stuffing.
Depending on your dog’s personality and temperament, you can accomplish this in a few different ways.
- Get his attention and then use the “leave it” or “drop it” command to get him to stop thinking about it.
- Do your best to strike a deal if you possess valuable snacks.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, carefully open your dog’s mouth and try to dislodge any food that has become lodged in the front. You should only do this if you know you won’t be attacked by him. It’s not a good idea to try to remove any of the stuffing from the back of his throat or mouth because doing so could cause it to slide even lower. It may also cause him to become startled, jerk violently, and sustain some sort of injury.
- You shouldn’t chase after your dog if he has food or treats in his mouth. This will only make him think you’re playing a game of chase, and he’ll run away from you. It will also get him to gulp down the stuffing more quickly.
If your dog loses a stuffed toy or, worse, swallows the stuffing, you’ll need to act fast to clean up the mess.
But keep the scraps you find; they will be useful in determining how much stuffing your dog has eaten.
You can use it to see if he ingested any other parts, like the animal eyes or the zippers.
After you’ve determined your dog can’t handle any more stuffing, call your vet immediately.
Include information about your dog’s size and how much stuffing (or toy parts) he’s likely eaten.
You should do as the veterinarian tells you, whether that’s coming in right away or keeping a close eye on Fido for the next few days.
No matter what your veterinarian tells you, you should keep a close eye on your dog and get in touch with them again right away if you notice any of these worrying symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Debilitating Diarrhea
- incapacity to defecate without straining
- Diarrhea and blood in the feces
- Lethargy
- Anxious actions
- Appetite loss
- His paws pawing at his mouth
- abnormally large amounts of saliva production
If you can’t get the stuffing out of your dog’s mouth and he’s choking (showing symptoms like retching and hacking), use the Heimlich maneuver and get someone to call the vet right away.
Try to maintain a level head.
Never attempt to induce vomiting at home without first discussing the matter with a veterinarian, no matter how tempting it may be. Zippers and sharp cords are just two examples of toy parts that could cause serious harm if swallowed and vomited.
Wait until your dog has passed the stuffed stomach before feeding him again unless your vet tells you otherwise.
Why Do Dogs Eat Animal Toy Stuffing?
Chewing is a form of oral stimulation that dogs enjoy.
They don’t see stuffing as anything harmful, just something to munch on when they need to satisfy their need to chew. Toys that depict animals also appeal to their instinct to hunt.
Dogs used to need to actively seek out their food, which typically consisted of rodents and birds, in order to survive. Even though they are no longer forced to hunt, the urge to do so remains.
If you can’t go outside and chase after squirrels, you can at least satisfy your predatory urge by tearing apart and “killing” animal plush toys that look like prey.
Unfortunately, this leads them to rip out the stuffing of their toys and eat it.
There are other possibilities for your dog eating the stuffing from his animal toys:
- When left alone, our canine companions find ways to occupy their minds and prevent boredom. Some are more likely to cause harm than others (like those who take pleasure in destroying animal toys…).
- Your dog may have picked up this behavior from watching you chase after him, thinking it’s part of the game. In order to stop this reinforced behavior, you will need to teach your dog more appropriate means of attracting your attention.
- Anxiety: Toy destruction is a common coping mechanism for dogs with anxiety.
- Since dissecting is a crucial step in the canine predatory sequence, dogs with a high prey drive may be more likely to rip open and consume a toy’s stuffing.
Are Stuffed Toys Safe for Dogs?
Under close human supervision, some dogs can safely play with stuffed toys.
It all comes down to how well your dog gets along with stuffed animals.
They are safe for dogs who listen well to the “drop it” and “leave it” commands and for light chewers who have never destroyed anything they’ve chewed on.
On the flip side, you shouldn’t reward a hyperactive chewer with a stuffed toy because he’ll destroy it (and eat the stuffing) in no time.
Dogs that play roughly, thrash around a lot, or tear at the seams shouldn’t be given stuffed toys, either.
In addition, think about how big your dog is.
Stuffing can cause choking and intestinal blockages in small dogs more easily than in large dogs. As a result, large dog breeds like golden retrievers, Labradors, and poodles are the best candidates for stuffed toys.
Small dogs that are gentle chewers can also play safely with stuffed toys by following the guidelines we’ve laid out below.
Stuffed Dog Toy Alternatives
There are many options for dog toys that do not require stuffing if you are concerned about the health and safety of your pet. The options available will accommodate your dog’s individual preferences, needs, and play habits.
- Toys that present challenges for the dog to solve are great for stimulating his mind. Depending on your dog’s skill level, you can find a toy that will provide a moderate challenge without becoming too frustrating.
- Lickimat: LickiMats are great for warding off boredom and can even help slow down fast eaters.
- Rope toys are extremely adaptable, and can keep your dog occupied for long periods of time. They’re also great for a game of tug of war because they’re so much fun to thrash around and pull on.
- Don’t think about the fact that bully sticks are made from dried bull penis; they’re edible, last a long time, and don’t splinter when chewed.
- In spite of the fact that treat-dispensing balls can be classified as a puzzle toy, we feel they warrant separate mention here. Since it combines playing fetch and eating treats, it’s sure to be a hit with your pet.
- Toys like a flirt pole are great for high-energy canines. It’s similar to a feather teaser for cats, except it’s made with a dog’s larger mouth, more agile jaws, and faster reflexes in mind.
- Toys made specifically for teething babies are great for soothing sore gums and irritated skin, but they’re also fun for regular chomping.
- Toys that can be submerged in water are a great way to reward a dog with a natural affinity for the water.
Keep in mind that many of the featured toys above shouldn’t be given to dogs who are particularly rough with their toys.
There’s no need to (or reason to) deprive your fluffy shredder of toys. In an effort to assist you, we have compiled a list of toys that can take rough play, including vigorous chewing and thrashing.
Each and every toy has benefits and drawbacks that you should be aware of. Before giving in, make sure you’ve done your research and determined that the toy is safe for your dog.
Stuffed Animal Dog Toy Safety Tips
Keeping your dog from eating stuffing isn’t always possible, but there are some things you can do to lessen the likelihood of that happening.
- Always keep an eye on your dog. Even if your dog has never destroyed a toy before, you should still keep an eye on him when he’s playing with stuffed animals.
- You should always have some really tasty treats on hand. Even if your dog manages to destroy his toy, you can use the treats as a distraction or a “trade” if the stuffing is still in his mouth.
- It’s important to teach your dog the “leave it” and “drop it” commands. These commands are crucial in saving lives because they allow you to instantly distract and distract your dog from whatever it is that he is focused on.
- Toys should be sized appropriately. Toys that fit entirely inside your dog’s mouth pose a choking hazard, so make sure you never give them to your pet.
- Check out the plush toy for flaws. Every time you play, take a look to see if there are any signs of damage. Rips, peeling, weak stitching, or loose parts are all signs that the toy needs to be replaced.
- Keep the toys clean. Let’s be honest: saying that toys for dogs create a mess is an understatement. Over time, they gather a considerable quantity of debris, including saliva, dirt, and other particles. Toys should be washed frequently, at least once a week, to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria.
- Invest in a dog toy from a dependable manufacturer. While it’s true that inexpensive toys don’t break the bank, you get what you pay for. They rarely undergo rigorous safety protocols and are frequently made of low-quality materials. Stuffing in some budget toys may have been treated with chemicals that are harmful to humans.
Can Dogs Eat Animal Toy Stuffing: FAQ
Stuffed animal toys are fun for dogs of all sizes and can satisfy their natural instinct to gnaw. But there are risks involved, especially if your dog is a destructive chewer.
The following are some of the most frequently asked stuffing-related questions from pet owners. Some of the questions surrounding the security of such playthings will also be addressed.
Is the stuffing from stuffed animals safe for dogs?
Stuffing is both indigestible and potentially harmful. If your dog accidentally eats it, he may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and even a bowel obstruction. If any of the stuffing were to get caught in your dog’s trachea, it could cause a fatal obstruction.
That said, your dog will have to chew through the toy to get to the stuffing. Never leave your dog unattended during playtime.
What toy stuffing is safe for dogs?
Dogs shouldn’t be given stuffing in its traditional form. Many substitutes for “stuffing” are available, however. One option is to buy a toy that has been hollowed out so that you can fill it with your dog’s favorite treats, kibble, or food paste.
Is toy stuffing toxic or poisonous to dogs?
All dog toys should be stuffed with non-toxic material. Cheap imported dog toys may, however, have stuffing that has been treated with toxic chemicals during production. Choose only trusted, well-known brands whenever possible.
What should you do if your dog eats toy stuffing?
Immediately tell your dog to “drop it,” pick up any remaining stuffing from the toy, and take him to the vet if he has eaten any. Similarly, if it is safe to do so, you should remove any debris from the front of your dog’s mouth.
Taking the proper precautions and teaching your dog important commands like “leave it” and “drop it” can reduce the likelihood that your pet will ingest any of the stuffing from their toys.
When was the last time your dog’s toy stuffing caused him distress? If this happens again, what steps did you take to ensure it wouldn’t? Share your thoughts with us (and other dog parents) below! Please share your experience with us; we’re interested.