Do’s And Don’ts For Giving Fido His Kong Toy

You may have heard that Fido has a new favorite plaything: the Kong. These popular doggy toys aren’t brand new: they’ve been around since the 70’s, and have been steadily gaining popularity. There’s good reason for this: the Kong toy is great at keeping pups occupied and out of mischief. A local Huntersville, NC vet goes over some of the ins and outs of giving your pup this popular doggy toy in this article.

Choose The Right Size

Kong toys are not one-size-fits-all. Fido could choke on one that’s too small, and could possibly get his tongue caught in one that’s too big. If you have a puppy, you’ll need to size up as your furry pal grows.

Consider Freezing

This is not only a great way to help your pooch cool off on a sweltering day , it’s also a good option for teething puppies. You can freeze the Kong in a bowl or use a plastic bag to hold the stuffing in as it’s freezing. Of course, you’ll need to remove the bag before giving it to Fido.

Mind The Calories

Fido would no doubt be delighted with a Kong stuffed with canned food. However, that’s an extra meal! You can dilute fattier foods with water and freeze them to reduce the calorie count.

Offer Healthy Snacks

Many fruits and veggies are just as good for Fido as they are for us. Some suitable options include apples, asparagus, bananas, cantaloupe, melons, peas, celery, green beans, spinach, kale. You can add pureed or canned pumpkin, applesauce, plain fat-free yogurt, peanut butter, canned dog food, or canned tuna,  salmon, chicken or beef. Baby food is fine as well, though you’ll need to check the labels. 

Unsafe Options

Don’t include anything with seeds or pips. Meat should be cooked, plain, and free of skin, bones, and fat. Other unsafe foods include garlic and onions, grapes and raisins, chocolate, avocado, coffee, and alcohol. Ask your vet for more information.

Clean It

You’ll need to clean your furry buddy’s Kong regularly. Set aside a toothbrush for this purpose, and use it to remove bits of grime. You can then hand wash it. Or put it into the dishwasher. No need for soap: the steam and hot water will clean it.

As your Huntersville, NC pet hospital, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Contact us anytime!