How to Choose Safe Dog Toys from Thrift Stores

Dogs are basically like small children. They have favorite toys to carry around, sleep with, toss, shake, mangle and even bury! It can be expensive to buy new toys so why not go to thrift stores? Here is how to be sure to buy safe toys that will be loved, even for a short time and that won't break the bank.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Location of thrift stores
• Love for your dog!
• Awareness of your dog's temperament

1. Look for local thrift stores near you. Use the yellow pages or locate thrift or second hand stores on the Internet. Goodwill is one of the best places to locate stuffed toys for your dog. Most toys sell from .49c to $2.99 with some going for a little more. Savers is another good thrift store that often sells used toys.

2. 
    
   choose wisely

   Look for fluffy stuffed animal figures based on your dog's size and temperament. Avoid a toy that has very long fur, is made of felt or velour or has too many attachments such as bow ties, clothing pieces or other attachments that would be difficult to remove with scissors. Realize that certain dog breeds like to shake and toss toys more than others so look for something that may withstand rough and tough treatment.

3. Press down all over the toy to feel the stuffing. If it feels like there is rice or hard beads inside (sometimes mixed in with the batting), avoid buying as this can create a mess when broken and could be a danger to your dog if swallowed. Most of the time, the rice or beads will be located in the hands or feet area.

4. 
    
   Big eyes and nose attachments

   Try to avoid stuffed animals with hard beaded eyes or a squeaker inside as a dog is likely to chew on this area first and could swallow the eyes or squeaker. The best toys have sewn-on eyes but as these are not common, look for those with deep-set eyes or very small eyes. Check to see if the eyes could be removed and sewn up if it looks safe otherwise. Be careful about prominent hard rubber or plastic noses as those too could be a target of rough chewing.

5. Thrift stores often display a wide range of very colorful and unusual toys. If buying several toys, look for ones of different colors - dogs are able to tell the difference between red, purple/blue and yellow but if you buy a green and red toy, or a yellow and orange toy, it will basically look the same color. Of course, your dog may not care but it will know that it is something different!

Tips & Warnings

• Goodwill stores have regular half-price off sales usually on a Sunday.
• Buy toys similar to the ones you have noticed are your dog's favorites.
• Make sure the toy is soft enough or is made so that it is easy to grab by the mouth.
• Look for a stuffed animal of a similar size to your dog that is soft and flexible enough that it can be used as a pillow. Your dog will appreciate it!
• Don't buy toys that have huge hard eyes or noses unless you can remove them and sew them up, are torn, or have hard sections built into the toy, no matter how cute it might seem.
• Don't buy toys with attachments or pieces that are small and can be easily chewed off by a dog, such as bows, plastic or rubber pieces, separate hats or boots, etc.

Resources

• TheThriftShopper.com
• Goodwill Industries
• Once in a Blue Moon Online Thrift Store

[suzn]

on 9/9/2009 Great advice! Dog toys are expensive, especially since my dogs have iron jaws and can shred Kongs in a matter of days! Maybe this will give them a chewing outlet while helping me save some money. 5*

[southerngirl09]

on 9/8/2009 Important information on choosing toys for your dog. Great tips on toy safety. 5*

[mommyhen42]

on 8/31/2009 Great tips, my dog Jake loves his toys and is always bringing them to you and bumping them on you to try to make you play with him

[bailey4]

on 8/29/2009 Good tips for How to Choose Dog Toys from Thrift Stores. 5*

[mattsaboy]

on 8/26/2009 Great article. 5 stars and a recommendation.