Whether you have a puppy or a full-grown dog, both of them love to play with owners, family members and other dogs. To make their play interactive, you must provide them with some good toys. When you have to leave your dog at home, toys keep them occupied and provide comfort when they’re worried. Toys can also assist your dog in avoiding developing problematic behaviour.
This article is a dog toy buying guide thy will help to choose the right toy fit for your dog.
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Table of Contents
Things To Consider When Buying Toys
There are certain things you should keep in mind while selecting toys for your canine.
Pet’s Age
Your pet’s age is crucial to consider while buying a toy for him. Soft rubber variants are preferred for puppies with infant teeth. He’ll look through your belongings for something to chew on in a different approach. You can move on to interactive dog toys once the teething period is through. These items will keep your pet active and energised at all times. And switching back to softer objects when your animals get older is a great way. Fortunately, many solutions are designed exclusively for dogs of different ages, tailored to your dog’s age, size, and chewing habits.
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Toy Size
It’s also crucial to get the correct size toy. A puppy won’t be able to handle a huge toy, while a large dog can easily swallow a small toy. Even as adults, the miniature Yorkshire Terrier is unlikely to chew as violently as a giant German Shepherd. Thus, more forgiving toys will be required when squeezed into a smaller jaw.
On the other hand, an overly soft toy can break into pieces and be choked on or eaten, resulting in gastrointestinal obstructions. It’s usually preferable to replace a toy if it shows damage, such as a broken squeaker or breaks or tears in the fabric or stuffing. Finally, you’ll need to pick which toys will keep your pet the most occupied. Dogs, like people, will be able to express their preferences for toys over time.
Ensure Safety
Another important consideration when selecting the ideal toy for your dog is that it should be safe. Critical toys can be harmful to your dog and create an injury situation. If you need to select between latex and rubber, rubber is the more durable option. Another factor to think about is the setting in which your dog spends their time.
If your dog is playing with squeaky toys, keep an eye on them because they may feel compelled to identify and destroy the source of the squeaking, which means they could eat it if left alone.
The things that dogs find most appealing are frequently the most dangerous things. Remove any ribbons, strings, eyeballs, or other pieces that could be chewed off and consumed from any toys that aren’t “dog-proof.” Toys that begin to break apart or are torn should be discarded.
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Washable and Durable
For your dog and other family members, hygiene is critical. Fabric toys are simple to clean and should be done frequently. Nowadays, even noisy toys have a pocket where the squeaker may be readily removed before cleaning.
This enhances the squeaker’s life, which was a primary justification for not cleaning the toy. These toys may be more expensive than others, but they are unquestionably worthwhile investments. Also, you need to make sure the toy you are buying is durable. It may last for a few weeks or months so that it doesn’t put extra weight on your pocket.
Types of Toys For Your Dog
1. Balls
A ball is an essential item for every dog who enjoys fetching. Ball toys for dogs range from the standard tennis ball or rubber ball to glow-in-the-dark or flashing-light balls. Squeakers are found in many balls. Others have holes that can be filled with snacks. Some of the balls are simple bouncers designed for retrieval.
Choose a large ball for your dog to carry without inadvertently swallowing it, but tiny enough for him to comfortably grasp in his mouth. Most dogs can play with a standard tennis ball, but extra-large balls for gigantic dogs and mini balls for tiny dogs.
Because dogs like a game of fetch or catch, balls invite you, as the parent, to participate. This will also aid in the long-term strengthening of your partnership.
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2. Discs Toys
Dogs who enjoy fetching balls are likely to prefer discs and other retrieving toys. When it comes to fetching, the disc is a little more versatile than a ball because you can modify the disc’s speed and force it to change direction. This diversity will keep your dog interested and prevent boredom. There are many distinctive toys available in the market. Rubber, plastic, rope, or other material can be used to make alternative fetch toys.
3. Plush Toys
Plush toys are popular among dogs. Dogs adore plush toys and eagerly chase them down. Because such toys quickly lose their value, you must guarantee that no filler or toy pieces are consumed. When purchasing, make sure there are no small plastic components that can be bitten off. Squeakers and stuffing are standard features of stuffed dog toys. When dogs rip them up, the stuffing spills all over the place. Many dogs appear to be attempting to destroy the squeaker to “kill” their “prey.” Even after the toy has “died,” they still take it around and shake it.
Such toys can provide more than just entertainment for dogs; they can also provide company and companionship—many dogs like hugging and proudly carrying their soft toys around the home. Plush toys, which are generally packed with soft stuffing and aren’t designed for extensive chew sessions, are best for light chewers.
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4. Squeakies (non-plush toys)
Squeaky toys that aren’t plush come in various shapes and sizes. They’re usually constructed of vinyl, rubber, or plastic. Because durability varies, you should choose such toys carefully based on your dog’s chewing habits. Thick rubber is preferable for aggressive chewers in general. For light chewers or if you are supervising play at all times, thinner vinyl or plastic toys are preferable. Thinner squeaky toys have the advantage of being more affordable. The disadvantage is that they usually do not endure long.
5. Rope Toys
Rope toys are constructed of braided rope with rubber or plastic pieces occasionally. They’re great for fetch, tug-of-war, and just chewing. Many dogs enjoy playing with rope toys, while others are uninterested. Chewing on a rope toy can be healthy for your dog’s teeth. It simulates brushing and can help reduce plaque and tartar development, supporting good dental hygiene. Strong chewers, on the other hand, can readily tear rope toys. Because this can cause major gastrointestinal obstruction, dogs should always be observed when given a chewable toy to minimize the chance of ingestion.
6. Tug Toys
Many dogs enjoy playing tug of war with their owners and other canines. It’s a healthy way for a dog to show off his predatory instincts while also providing excellent mental and physical activity. On the market, tug toys come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Always choose a tug toy that is both comfortable to hold in your hand and easy for your dog to bite and pull on.
Furthermore, tug toys should be tough enough to withstand your dog’s tugging power. Replace worn or frayed tug toys to avoid them breaking in the middle of a tug-of-war game and injuring someone. When playing tug-of-war, it’s also important to avoid being too aggressive yourself. You never want to be able to pull the toy from your dog’s mouth because it could cause him serious health problems.
7. Floating Toys
For dogs who enjoy swimming, floating toys can be an ideal choice. Floating balls, rings, and other toys, usually made of foam, rubber, or plastic, are easy for your dog to find and grab in the water. When supervised, this is an excellent way to encourage swimming activity while also providing mental stimulation as they figure out how to catch and retrieve the objects.
8. Treat Toys
Every dog’s home should have food and treat dispensing dog toys. They provide entertainment and mental stimulation while also allowing dogs to channel their energies. Food-dispensing dog toys are typically made of rubber or plastic and are available in a variety of forms and sizes.
Fill them with treats and watch as your dog searches for the prize hidden inside. Treat toys keep misbehaving dogs occupied by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When you’re ready to join in the fun, this multifunctional toy is a fantastic treat toy for solitary play, but it’s also constructed robust for fetch or tug. The Kong, which can be filled with treats, kibble, peanut butter, and other foods, is perhaps the most popular food distributing dog toys. They can keep your dog entertained for hours.
9. Interactive Toys
Interactive dog toys and puzzles are an excellent way to keep your dog cognitively busy while also teaching her new skills. Only a small percentage of your dog’s toys should be interactive and puzzle-based. Because your dog requires “active time,” interactive play is essential. Your dog can expend mental and physical energy in a restricted amount of time and area by concentrating on a specific goal, such as returning a ball repeatedly or locating a shortcut to his favourite treat. Puzzles’ built-in incentive system makes learning enjoyable and simple.
How To Choose the Right Size Dog Toys
Conclusion
So, it was all about toys for puppies and dogs. We hope we are able to consider every aspect of the dog toy buying guide. If still, you have any questions, you may ask us.
reference
How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog
