Dogs need toys to provide both physical and mental stimulation. A bored pup could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing shoes or furniture.
Active dogs will benefit from rope or twisted toys like KONGs as a source of stimulation and amusement, while tug toys can create stronger bonds between pet and owner.
Stay away from toys with sharp or rough edges that could harm your pet, and inspect all toys regularly to identify and dispose of those which have worn or become damaged.
Size
Boredom or excess energy often cause behavior issues in dogs; so providing your pup with toys that stimulate both minds and bodies can be helpful in relieving both. A variety of toys such as chew bones or puzzle toys offer mental enrichment while fetch toys provide physical stimulation – many of these toys even encourage active play to help combat periods of boredom or attention seeking behaviors such as digging or chewing furniture!
Alternatively, consider durable toys designed to withstand intense chewing from your pup. A great way to do this is pressing your fingernail into its material – if it leaves an indentation then that indicates its durability for chewers! Plush toys should also be avoided as these may allow your dog to tear it open and consume stuffing causing blockages or intestinal damage.
If your pup enjoys chasing or fetching toys, try giving him this KONG-style ball. Not only does it float in water but can be thrown two or three times further than traditional balls!
Material
Many dogs enjoy chewing on and carrying around stuffed toys they find appealing, from carrying around and sleeping with it all the way through to aggressive chewers who require durable toys that can withstand their teeth. When purchasing toys for your pups’ enjoyment it is important that the toys can withstand their teeth as much as possible.
Search for durable materials like nylon, cotton and polyester; avoid synthetic rubber toys as this could present health risks to dogs with sensitive stomachs and mouths. Natural rubber offers safer options although may not last as long.
An additional way to protect your pup is by selecting toys made in the USA. While FTC regulations mandate companies provide information regarding country of origin labels on products, you can also conduct your own research into each manufacturer and their offerings.
Food puzzles like Trixie Flip Board strategy game and Kong Wobbler interactive treat dispenser, both designed to stimulate and exercise pets mentally, are popular choices of toy. Plush toys that do not squeak or rustle such as Cycle Dog’s Duraplush line of recycled-material toys offer another option that won’t disturb you as much with noise or smells – such as Cycle Dog Duraplush line is great choice if you don’t want noisy and squeaky toys for your pet!
Stuffing
Stuffing cannot be digested by dogs and thus isn’t safe for them to chew on or swallow; for this reason many dog owners opt for toys without stuffing.
There are many safe, long-lasting alternatives for stuffed toys available today. One such choice for chewers can be found at most craft stores; additionally, straw-based plush toys tend to be cheaper than their cotton or wool counterparts.
Rawhides, bully sticks and other chewable bones made of materials like dried bull penis or hooves are other safe options that may be safe for your pet to chew on. Speak to your veterinarian to determine which options are appropriate.
Some dogs will still find comfort in ripping apart and shredding stuffed animal toys as they resemble prey, and this behavior should be addressed with either behavioral therapy or vet help. If your pup starts chewing or eating his animal toys, gain his attention using the “leave it” command before removing him from it (and picking up any remnants). If he starts choking perform the Heimlich maneuver until he vomits.
Durability
Though no toy can truly withstand all forms of play, certain materials tend to be tougher than others. Rubber toys are the highest rated in terms of durability. Plush and fabric toys with sturdy seams also tend to fare well; some even feature double stitched layers to prevent teeth from sinking in and tearing it off in pursuit of the toy’s squeaker!
Your dog should enjoy his toy equally for its appearance and durability; therefore, many of the best toys feature extras such as squeakers or hollow centers where treats can be concealed. Plush toys with squeakers are especially popular and help encourage chewing to increase dental health and reduce boredom.
Other features that can enhance both fun and safety include floating or bouncing abilities that may make water play more appealing, and regularly rotating toys to keep them engaging – similar to children, dogs need new toys every so often to keep them active! Also consider toys which can be filled with regular or training kibble for rewarding mental stimulation challenges!
Safety
Some toys may appear safe at first glance; however, their safety depends on how your pup interacts with it. A plush toy that seems harmless from chewing or destuffing could become potentially hazardous if they decide to swallow its squeaker!
Apart from the danger of choking on small pieces, it is also crucial that pet parents consider how durable or chewable the toy will be. Pet parents should prioritize toys made of materials that won’t easily break like hard rubber or plastic; PVC (vinyl) may cause skin irritations as well as respiratory complications for both dogs and humans alike.
Researching interactive toys revealed many designed to keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated, helping prevent boredom or excessive chewing. Unfortunately, however, some may require too much techy knowledge from some pet owners or be too complicated for some dogs (for instance licking mats that require batteries or smartphone apps can present difficulties for more techophobic pooches).
