Dogs with sensitive gums need to chew too! Select toys that are softer and won’t damage the gums such as a plush toy or a soft chew toy. If your dog is a tough chewer but displays signs of sensitive gums try a soft toy with a more durable exterior. Our exclusive Dura Play® line is great for dogs with sensitive gums
Hartz is a manufacturer and does not sell directly to consumers. Our website was designed for informational purposes.
Our toys are available in supermarkets, large retail stores and online, among other locations. You can find your dog’s favorite toys by clicking the “where to buy” button on the product detail page on our website.
Hartz toys are designed specifically for cats and dogs and are not approved for use by children. We do have toys designed specifically for interaction; however young children should always be supervised during playtime with pets.
Although our toys are designed with your animal in mind and constructed with high standards each pet is an individual – even pet of similar size and breed will have very different play patterns. For example, a plush toy in the mouth of a tough chewer could be demolished in a matter of minutes. Play behaviors also change as your dog adapts to each individual toy, so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your pet’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your pet can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed).
Although our toys are designed with your fur baby in mind and constructed with high standards each dog is an individual so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any dog toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your dog’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your dog can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed if excessive wear or damage occurs).
Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for lead content.
Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for phthalate content.
Hartz produces many of its toys in China. Hartz has a long history of producing quality pet toys and as such works with trusted vendors, most of whom we have worked with for many years. Our quality-control team inspects all finished goods to ensure procedures are in compliance with our quality standards.
It depends on the size of the piece and the size of the pet. Pets can easily swallow something that would never make it through their entire system. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a piece of a toy it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Although our toys are designed with your animal in mind and constructed with high standards each dog is an individual – even dogs of similar size and breed will have very different play patterns. For example, a plush toy in the mouth of a tough chewer could be demolished in a matter of minutes. Play behaviors also change as your dog adapts to each individual toy, so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your dog’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your dog can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed).
Just like humans, dogs like to play in different ways, and it is important to select the appropriate toy based on your dog’s playing and chewing style (moderate or aggressive chewing). We as pet parents are attuned to their needs, some dogs may have one favorite way of playing while others alternate among several types of play.
However you decide to incorporate play into your dog’s daily routine, Hartz has
created the perfect toy to get Fido’s tail wagging by extensively researching and identifying four primary play patterns:
Chew: Satisfies dogs’ chewing instincts and keeps them occupied.
Toss & Retrieve: Encourages exercise through active play and promotes bonding between dogs and owners.
Tug: Allows dogs to exercise strength and involves owners and other dogs in engaging play.
Comfort & Security: Meet dogs’ need for comfort and calmness and allows for solo play.
One size does not fit all. Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s size, weight and age. If a toy is too big, your dog may have trouble handling it with their mouth or paws. Toys that are too small could be easily swallowed, lodged in your pet’s throat, or quickly broken. Ideally, your dog should be able to grasp the toy in their paws and still be able to easily chew on it. If the toy is a ball or other “fetch” type toy then it should be large enough for your dog to pick it up in their mouth and not swallow it. A good rule of thumb – if your dog can fit the entire toy in its mouth then it is too small.
Dogs with sensitive gums need to chew too! Select toys that are softer and won’t damage the gums such as a plush toy. If your dog is a tough chewer but displays signs of sensitive gums try a soft toy with a more durable exterior. Our exclusive Flexa Foam® line is also great for dogs with sensitive gums. They are constructed with a soft latex exterior combined with a foam filled interior which provides a soft texture as well as added durability.
Toys can be given to pets as soon as they show interest in playing (usually about 4-6 weeks old) and toys can help build coordination and motor skills in young pets. Be sure to choose age and size appropriate toys. Puppies have smaller, sharp teeth that could fracture more easily so softer chew toys are better for them. Because puppies grow so quickly, toys that were correctly sized at 6 weeks may be too small for the same puppy at 8 weeks old.
Hartz toys are designed specifically for cats and dogs and are not approved for use by children. We do have toys designed specifically for interaction; however young children should always be supervised during playtime with pets.
No, squeakers may not be purchased separately from Hartz. It is not advised to replace squeakers once your dog has removed the squeaker from the toy. It is important to frequently inspect your dog’s toys for excessive wear and tear. Be sure to replace the toy if excessive wear or damage occurs.
Dogs, like children, benefit from playing with toys. Toys satisfy your dog’s chewing needs, give your dog safe ways to explore, encourage exercise, relieve boredom, discourage destructive behavior, and provide comfort when you are away. A dog busy with a toy is not chewing on your couch or digging in the yard. It is recommended to rotate the toys that your dog plays with each day to keep your dog stimulated, happy and healthy.
Some dog toys can be easily cleaned while others should be tossed. Toss any of the following: toys that have missing parts or dangling bits (stuffed animal eyes, etc), have been heavily chewed (the toy is much smaller than it was initially), will not come clean, has a foul odor. Toys that can be cleaned: plastic/rubber/hard toys (clean by hand with soap and water or in the dishwasher with no detergent); rope toys (wet the toy and microwave it for one minute or put in dishwasher with no soap); stuffed animals (try throwing these toys in the washing machine but check for loose parts when finished). For more information on how to maintain your dog's toys see our post on dog toy maintenance.
Many times dogs play with stuffed animals until they successfully remove the squeaker,which results in a destroyed toy. Next time you bring a new stuffed toy home try sleeping with the toy or letting your child sleep with the toy before giving it to your dog. Once a familiar scent is on the toy it will become more like a comfort toy for your dog and therefore less likely to be torn apart. Another option is buying toys with a more durable exterior such as our Hartz® Tuff Stuff® toys which are made of an ultra-durable ballistic nylon shell.
