Chewing on things and playing are natural canine behaviours. Just like us, dogs have their own preference when it comes to their favourite playtime activities. If your pooch is beyond puppy stage, you might be wondering if it’s even necessary for him to have his own toy.
The short answer is yes!
Not only do toys benefit your canine buddy’s physical health (a great excuse to exercise more) – they can also provide a good mental challenge and reduce stress and anxiety.
Types of dog toys
Which toy will your dog love the best?
It might take a little trial and error before you find a few favourites that are both fun and safe for your canine buddy. These could include a combination of:
● Rubber chew toys
● Rope toys
● Disc toys
● Tug toys
● Dog puzzles
● Squeaky toys
Tips for choosing the right dog toy
Not all dogs enjoy the same toys. Before you start filling your shopping basket with playtime treats for your best buddy, keep the following in mind:
Age and life stage:
- Puppies are more active and love to run around, while older dogs might prefer toys they can easily play with while sitting in one spot.
- Go for durability. These toys will likely withstand a lot of abuse so make sure they’re not too soft and can provide hours of entertainment.
- Size. Try and match the toy to the size of your dog. For example, make sure that your big dog doesn’t play with a toy that’s too small for him, that he could potentially choke on.
Safety first
Besides size, check that the toy isn’t a weird shape that could trap your dog’s tongue or muzzle, or one that’s too hard that could harm his teeth.
You also want to make sure the product is free from toxins that could be harmful to canines, like BPA and phthalates. If you’re not sure which toys are safe, check with your vet for their recommendations on the best, safest and most suitable options for your furry friend.