Last updated on November 26th, 2022 at 10:30 pm
It is no secret that playtime is the favorite time of the day for dogs. As a means of ensuring your dog’s happiness and health, it is essential to keep him physically active. The toys your dog enjoys play a vital role in their well-being, whether playing fetch or rolling around in the grass.
When choosing a good dog toy, many factors must be considered: what is your dog’s age? What would you call your dog’s personality? Is your dog a chewer or a fetcher? These are a few basics to remember when buying toys for your pet.
Let’s take a detailed look at how to choose dog toys and what toys are best suited for your dog.
How Do You Choose Dog Toys?
A dog toy’s success is determined by many factors. Choosing the right dog toy is essential, as it should be safe, fun, durable, and above all, enjoyable. A great deal of that depends on the size of your dog, his activity level, and your personal preferences.
Look for puppy hiccups if your pup is super active or sometimes feels excited. In addition, you need to consider the surroundings as well that your dog frequents most often.
What To Look For When Choosing Dog Toys
It is often the case that the very things that dogs find most attractive are also the most dangerous. Some businesses sell dog toys where your dog must push a lever before receiving treats. These toys are hazardousto your dog’s eyes and should be avoided.
Other than that, remember the following factors when purchasing dog toys.
Consider Your Dog’s Age
You should select toys for dogs based on their age. Toys for a puppy one or two weeks old will differ from toys for a puppy over three months old. Dog toys made of rubber, plush, and soft fabrics are all types of dog toys that are perfect for puppies.
When puppies are teething, soft, soothing dog chew toys may benefit dogs aged three to nine months.Playing with more brutal rubber toys, rope toys, and tennis balls should be possible after puppies have grown out of the teething phase.
Toys with hollow balls are likely to be chewed through quickly, so it is advisable to avoid them.You can challenge dogs’ mental abilities further as they age. Toys that include puzzles, hide-and-seek, and burrows are good choices for dogs.
Take Into Account The Texture And Size Of The Toy
Toys for dogs can be rigid or soft. It is possible to find dog toys with unique textures, such as nubs and completely smooth toys. When choosing your perfect dog toy, consider all these factors.
Your dog’s playing habits, chewing habits, and how active he is will help you determine the suitable toy for him. Super plush dog toys are susceptible to being torn to shreds by strong chewers, while rubber toys may not be safe for small puppies. A dog’s size is essential when choosing a toy for him.
Toys designed for small dogs should not be given to medium and large dogs. It is recommended that dog owners consult the manufacturer’s product label to determine what size dog is recommended. Also, be sure that the toys are free of foreign objects like ribbons, eyes, strings, and pins that can easily be chewed on or consumed.
Dog Toy Materials
Material for dog toys comes in many forms, each with its purpose. Dog toys are primarily made from three types of materials:
Toys Made Of Latex Or Rubber For Dogs
Rubber and latex are two common materials used in dog ball toys, which are fun to bounce and play with. Other dogs can also benefit from latex dog toys, including figure and chew features.
Rope Dog Toys
You can play tug-of-war or fetch with rope toys for dogs. Doing so improves the bonding with your pet and helps to redirect overly enthusiastic behaviors.
Plush Toys
A reputable brand of high-quality, well-made plush toys will provide hours of fun for snuggling, cuddling, and performing everyday activities. The teething phase is even made more enjoyable by plush toys for puppies.
Recommended Toys
The following are the most common toys made specifically for dogs.
Active Toys
Many hard rubber toys, such as Nylabone® products and Kong®-type toys, are fun to chew and carry. The ends of the rope and woven toys are usually knotted, making them ideal for dogs that like to play tug-of-war or chew on exciting textures.
Tennis balls are an excellent choice; however, they do not withstand chewing very well. Your pet can choke on chewed-through tennis balls, so be careful not to give them to them.
Distraction Toys
The Kong® toy type can keep a puppy or dog entertained for hours, especially when it is filled with broken-up treats.
Large rubber shapes are known as “busy-boxes” and “feeders” and are ideal for storing treats. Using their nose, mouth, and paws, your dog can reach the goodies by moving the cube around. The use of a feeder-style toy can be beneficial to dogs who consume their food too rapidly.
Comfort Toys
There are several purposes for soft stuffed toys, but not all dogs will be able to enjoy them. Soft toys are a favorite of some dogs. Toys that are small enough to carry are suitable for dogs who see their toy as a companion. Make sure you choose a sturdy toy that can withstand the dog’s attacks and won’t be swallowed by them.
Discs And Other Retrieving Toys
Discs and other retrieval toys are also popular with dogs who are fond of balls and fetch. With the disc, you can vary the speed and cause it to change direction, making it more versatile than a ball for fetching. Your dog will be challenged further and will not become bored due to this variety.
Final Thoughts
Toys are a source of entertainment for your dogs and keep them healthy and active. A lot of consideration is taken when buying dog toys. Like your dog’s age, energy levels, and how he likes to play, such as if he prefers chewing or fetching. The information provided in this article should help you make such decisions easily.