It’s National Pet Choking Prevention Day on June 22nd, which raises awareness about the preventable risk of pet choking incidents. Choking incidents can be a silent and terrifying threat. Whilst Statistics are hard to find about choking in the UK, Statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that over 200,000 pets experience choking emergencies annually in the US alone. Balls and chew toys are on the list of top five items that dogs choke on. Many articles shed light on toys which have a single opening and the risks these have on both choking as well as suction.
The Dangers of Choking for Pets
The frightening aspect is that choking can happen quickly and silently. Early recognition and intervention can make all the difference. Here are the most common choking hazards for dogs:
- Dog toys
- Household Objects
- Food and Treats
We’ve come up with a handy checklist that can help reduce the risk or choking for dog owners:
- Choose Safe Toys: Always select toys designed for your dogs size and chewing style.
- Two Holes in Toys: Choose enrichment toys designed with two holes instead of one. This design helps prevent suction by allowing airflow, and can reduce the risk of choking
- Supervise Playtime: Never leave your dog unsupervised with new toys or chews, especially in the early stages.
- Inspect Toys Regularly: Discard any toys that become damaged, cracked, or have loose parts.
- Know Your Dog's Habits: Be aware of your dog's chewing tendencies and avoid giving them anything that they could destroy easily especially if they are strong chewers.
- Secure Household Items: Keep small objects, medications, and other potential choking hazards out of your dog's reach.
- Act Fast in Case of Choking: Familiarise yourself with the signs of choking and know how to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre for dogs (consult your veterinarian for instructions).
Keep playtime safe.
“There are many toys on the market and not all are safe for all size pets.”- Cromwell Vets
Many of us assume our dog's toys conform to safety regulations and rules in the same way children's toys do. The harsh reality? Unlike children's toys, dog toys (and other items) often lack any real safety regulations. This lack of regulations means some seemingly harmless enrichment toys can become silent choking hazards.
Here at Paws in Earnest, we've heard countless heartbreaking stories from dog owners. Their playful pups, enjoying a new "safe" toy, have their tongues suctioned into single-holed designs. The result? Painful swelling, frantic struggles to breathe, and in some cases, even death.
Two holes might seem like a minor detail, or even an inconvenience when filling your enrichment toy! But it could be the difference between life and death.
In a case report by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association the conclusion states “As chew toys are advocated for behaviour control and dental hygiene purposes, veterinarians and manufacturers should be aware that the use of chew toys fitted with only one hole can potentially lead to tongue entrapment.”
That's why safety was such an important aspect when designing the Rylo, a revolutionary enrichment toy that prioritises your dog's safety as well as enjoyment. Unlike certain enrichment toys, the Rylo features a unique patent pending safety tube design. This innovative tube ensures there's no single point of access for your dog's tongue. Instead, you fill the space around the tube with treats, kibble, or even liquids, reducing the risk of choking significantly. The Rylo offers endless enrichment possibilities while keeping playtime safe and worry-free.
Taking Action
By recognising everyday choking hazards and taking proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of choking incidents. National Pet Choking Prevention Day serves as a crucial reminder that with careful selection of toys and treats, diligent supervision, and awareness of potential hazards, we can keep our dogs safe.
For more information and resources on preventing pet choking, visit National Pet Choking Prevention Day.
Together, let's aim to reduce pet choking incidents and ensure a safer environment for our beloved dogs.