Just like children, Chihuahuas need toys. Dogs love to play, and Chihuahuas are no exception. From providing a proper outlet for chewing to thrilling your dog with an enticing squeak when they are pounced on, toys can be very important possessions.
Chewing is not an inherently bad behavior—it actually helps your dog maintain a healthy mouth with a strong jaw and good tooth development. Allowing your Chihuahua to chew appropriate items can help him relieve boredom, frustration, and stress.
This is particularly true for dogs that are left alone for an extended period each day. By providing your Chihuahua with suitable chewing toys, you are also teaching your dog which items are and are not fair game for his teething pleasure.
Dogs are intelligent beings. Chihuahuas in particular possess excellent problem-solving skills, but mental stimulation is required for them to use and further develop their abilities. Balls that hold and release a special treat when rolled a certain way are one example of toys that can provide the kind of mental stimulation your dog likely desires.
Exercise should also be a big part of play. Although chew toys are intended for quiet times, toys that make noise are designed for throwing, retrieving, and even shaking. Fetch isn’t the only game that can be played with balls and squeak toys. Make up your own games as you go along.
Avoid simply giving your dog a toy and expecting him to run around with it blissfully by himself. If you find your dog losing interest in toys, it is unlikely that your Chihuahua has outgrown play, but more likely he doesn’t want to play alone. Your active involvement helps make play everything it should be—healthy, invigorating fun.
Your biggest challenge may be finding toys that are small enough for your Chihuahua. More than one Chihuahua has beep known to proudly drag around an overly large stuffed plaything, but it is vital your dog have at least some toys that he can fit in his tiny mouth.
Cat toys sometimes work well, but they must be durable enough for long-term use; otherwise you will find yourself in a constant cycle of replacing them. Smaller versions of popular items such as balls and Frisbees can sometimes be found at pet supply stores or online, so your Chihuahua can enjoy these universally fun games.
Unless you are feeding your Chihuahua a raw diet, avoid giving your dog real bones. The splinters of real bones can cut your dog’s mouth and pierce his intestinal lining with their sharp edges. Bone fragments can also perforate or obstruct the bowel, a potentially fatal situation.
The most dangerous bones are cooked ones, particularly chicken bones. When any bone is cooked, it becomes dry and more likely to break apart. This poses a significant choking risk for your Chihuahua.
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