Food Puzzles for Dogs
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Read MoreWhy Toys for Your Dog Matter and How to Choose the Right Ones
Dog owners spend roughly $80 a year on new toys for their dogs. But toys for your dog aren’t just an extra indulgence; they are a necessity for a variety of reasons.
However, not all dog toys are created equal. A toy that may be right for a German Shepherd is often not right for a toy poodle. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best toys for your dog.
Let’s take a closer look at why dog toys matter, what to keep in mind when choosing one, and what safety concerns exist.
Why Toys for Your Dog Matter
Dog toys are not just toys. They provide many benefits for your dog, including: physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional support.
Physical Health
Dog toys encourage much-needed physical exercise and play. Physical exercise helps your dog prevent obesity, strengthen joint flexibility, improve cardiovascular health, and support their mental health
Playing with your dog also strengthens your bond. Look for tug-of-war or fetch-type toys.
Mental Stimulation
Dog toys provide important mental stimulation. Giving your dog something to focus on and work through can help with boredom and curb destructive behavior.
Toys such as snuffle mats or puzzle boxes engage your dog’s brain, support their problem-solving skills, and engage all their senses. They also mimic their natural instincts, such as hunting and foraging.
Behavioral Support
Dogs are naturally curious, and when they’re bored, they’ll often play with just about anything, which we know can quickly get them into trouble. This is often the case with high-energy dogs who, when bored, can get into destructive behavior.
This is why toys for dogs matter: they can help redirect their boredom, reduce destructive behavior, and channel their energy and curiosity in a positive way.
Emotional Comfort
Toys also provide dogs with emotional comfort. They are most beneficial with dogs that get anxious or stressed easily, or struggle with being alone. Toys help dogs self-soothe and feel more secure, supporting their emotional well-being.
When used appropriately and with supervision, certain toys can help keep your dog calm, provide comfort during rest, and create a sense of familiarity when owners are away.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Toy
There are a lot of dog toys out there - thousands, most likely. How do you choose the right one?
Before choosing a toy, here are things to consider:
Size, Age, and Breed
Choosing the right toy starts with your dog’s size, age, and breed. These help determine what a dog can safely carry, chew, and play with.
Size
- Small Dogs: Toys should be lightweight and easy to hold and carry without struggling. Toys that are too large may be difficult for them to use.
- Large Dogs: Toys should have a larger diameter and enough durability to withstand stronger jaws and more intense play. Toys that are too small can be swallowed or become lodged in the throat.
Age
- Puppies: Often need softer toys that support teething.
- Adult Dogs: Typically require toys that match their activity level and play habits.
- Senior Dogs: Benefit from toys that are easier to grip and are less physically demanding.
Breed
- Small: Do better with lightweight plush toys that are small enough to carry.
- Large: Generally need sturdier toys designed for larger mouths and more vigorous play.
Chewing Style
Dogs chew for a variety of reasons: from investigating things to alleviating boredom and pain. And in fact, dogs can have different chew styles.
- Nibblers: Dogs that are passive and gentle with their toys.
- Moderate: This is most dogs. They can rip apart a soft toy, but won’t destroy a harder rubber toy.
- Destroyers: Dogs that are aggressive with their toys and can destroy them in minutes.
You can read more on dogs and their chewing habits in this article by AAHA Don’t Chew On This! - AAHA.
Energy Level
It’s important to choose a dog toy that matches your dog’s energy level, ensuring it provides the most benefit during playtime. This includes making sure they stay engaged and safe.
Energy levels of dogs:
- Low: Low-energy dogs (Bulldogs or Senior dogs) are less active and prefer comfort and snuggling. They prefer low-impact play and are best suited for soft plush toys.
- Medium: Medium-energy (Retrievers or Spaniels) dogs have moderate energy. They are typically highly curious, enjoy a challenge, and are always on the lookout for things.
- High: High-energy dogs (labs or huskies) prefer to be active. They need toys that can keep up with intense play and provide a healthy dose of mental stimulation.
Types of Dog Toys
The majority of toys for your dog fall into one of these four categories: chew toys, interactive toys, active-play toys, or soft and plush toys.
Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. They provide dogs with the benefits of chewing without being destructive, such as chewing on furniture or shoes.
If your dog is high-energy or chews aggressively, choose chew toys that are more durable and can withstand their intensity.
Examples include:
- KONG
- Woof Products
- No-Hide Rawhide
No-Hide Rawhide
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys provide dogs with much-needed mental stimulation. They encourage problem-solving and can be fun and stimulating. These types of toys are great for dogs that are home alone while owners are away.
Interactive toys help keep your dog and their brain engaged. The American Kennel Club explains how puzzle toys can be a useful toy in their article Brain Games for Dogs: When Can a Puzzle Be the Solution? – American Kennel Club.
Examples include:
- Snuffle Mats
- Lick Mats
- Food and Treat-Dispensing Puzzles
- Interactive Puzzle Toys
- Woof Pupsicle
Snuffle Mats
Active Play Toys
For high-energy, active dogs, active play toys provide the physical exercise they need and crave. Play toys also provide a great way to play with and strengthen the bond with your dog.
These toys are also best used with supervision.
Examples include:
- Fetch toys
- Tug toys
- Flying Discs
Look for softer rubber or flexible dog-safe discs designed for fetching that are much easier on your dog’s teeth.
A good game of tug-of-war.
Soft & Plush Toys
Soft and plush toys help dogs self-soothe by providing comfort and a sense of emotional security. These toys are often a good option for dogs that get anxious or stressed easily, as well as dogs with lower energy levels who prefer gentle, non-aggressive play.
When choosing one, be sure it is the appropriate size for your dog and avoid any that have detachable parts, such as strings, beads, or bells, that could pose a choking or swallowing risk.
Dog Toy Safety: What Every Dog Owner Should Know
Not all toys are right for every dog, and not all toys are made with safety in mind. Understanding dog toy safety helps keep your dog safe and reduces the risk of injuries, including an emergency room visit.
Below are important dog toy safety considerations:
Size
Choosing the correct toy size is one of the most important safety factors.
- Toys that are too small can be swallowed or become lodged in the throat.
- Toys that are too large may be difficult to grip or play with properly.
- Pick toys sized well larger than your dog’s throat opening to minimize choking risk.
Hard Toys
Extremely hard toys can lead to painful dental injuries, chipped or fractured teeth, and sometimes require dental extraction.
Avoid:
- Antlers and Yak chews
- Very hard nylon-style chews
- Hard plastic toys (like frisbees)
- Rawhide
In particular, rawhide bones are popular but controversial. They can be dangerous to your dog’s digestion and cause blockages if pieces are swallowed. Read more here on the safety of rawhide for your dog.
Likewise, with frisbees, they seem like an easy toy for your dog, but traditional frisbees can be too hard on your dog’s teeth and pose digestive issues if pieces break off and are swallowed.
Soft & Plush Toys
Soft and plush toys may look harmless, but that’s not always the case
Choose ones without detachable parts, such as beads or eyes that could pose a choking or swallowing risk. Swallowed pieces can cause intestinal blockages, which may require surgery.
If you have a high-energy or aggressive dog, soft and plush toys are not ideal, as they are often ripped apart easily.
For dogs that enjoy the comfort of a soft, plush toy, it’s important to supervise their interaction with it.
Rope Toys
Rope toys are very popular for tug-of-war with your dog. However, rope toys should never be used unsupervised. Fibers can fray and unravel, posing a choking hazard.
Squeakers
Dogs love toys with squeakers. Why? The high-pitched squeak that may be a nuisance to our ears is music to your dog’s ears. That sound is similar to the noise of injured prey and mimics their natural hunting instinct, providing them with a dopamine hit.
But, while dogs may love toys with squeakers, the squeaker may not love your dog’s digestive system if swallowed.
If you choose to let your dog have a squeaker toy, always supervise them while they play with it.
Supervision Is Critical
No toy is 100% safe. It doesn’t matter how “safe” a toy may look; supervision and good play habits are critical.
Safe toy use includes:
- Supervising playtime.
- Teaching “drop it” cues so your dog reliably releases the toy before chewing becomes destructive.
- Avoiding leaving fetch toys (balls, frisbees) out for unsupervised chewing.
- Inspecting toys regularly and retiring them when damaged.
Caring for Dog Toys
It’s recommended to regularly clean, replace, and rotate your dog’s toys.
Regularly inspect your dog’s toys for signs of wear and tear and replace toys with:
- Tears, cracks, broken, or sharp edges
- Missing parts
- Loosing stuffing or frayed fabric
Clean toys before you rotate them out. Be sure they are thoroughly dry before putting them away, so there’s no chance of mold growing. Rotating toys helps maintain your dog’s interest and extend their lifespan.
Common Toy-Related Injuries Vets See
Despite our best efforts, toy-related injuries can happen.
Most injuries occur due to:
- Improper toy size
- Lack of supervision
- Damaged toys
At Buddy’s Vets, the most common toy-related injuries we see include, but are not limited to:
- Chipped or fractured teeth from hard toys or bones
- Bones stuck to the bottom of the jaw
- Soft chew toys that have been swallowed
Chipped tooth from toy.
Buddy’s Vets' Favorite Dog Toys
When it comes to dog toys, your vet knows firsthand what works and what doesn’t. These are the dog toys that the team at Buddy’s Vets trusts for their own dogs.
Go-to chew toys:
- KONG
- Woof Products
- No-Hide Rawhide
Favorite enrichment toys:
- Snuffle Mats
- Puzzle Toys
More Than Just a Toy
Dog toys are more than just toys. They help your dog with their physical, mental, and emotional health. They challenge their minds and keep their hearts young. But not all dog toys are created equal. When choosing toys for your dog, keep in mind your dog’s individual needs and what’s safest for them.
If you’re ever unsure about which toys are best for your dog, the team at Buddy’s Vets is always here to help guide you with trusted recommendations.
At Buddy’s Vets, you can stop in and purchase our favorite dog toys to keep your pup entertained.