Choosing the Right Toys for Your Dog

The fact that dogs love to play is one of the best things about having one as a pet, and picking the best dog toys is an integral aspect of your bond with your canine companion. Toys are crucial to your dog’s wellbeing, whether you’re playing fetch with him or just watching him roll around for amusement. When selecting the best ones, what should you take into account?

Age

Even if he doesn’t mature the same manner that you do, you should consider your dog’s age. A three-week-old puppy’s baby teeth are still present, therefore toys made of softer rubber or cuddly, snug-fitting materials would be appropriate for him. Your puppy will be teething between the ages of three and nine months, so it’s better to avoid hard rubber and stock up! A wide selection of chew toys will deter him from gnawing on your favorite pair of loafers because he’ll chew on whatever he can get his hands on otherwise.

Fortunately, there are many options available that are developed specifically for dogs of different ages, all of which match your dog’s age, size, and unique chewing patterns.

Dimension and texture

The small Yorkshire Terrier, even as an adult dog, is unlikely to chew as roughly as the big German Shepherd, hence they frequently require toys that are thought to be more forgiving when squeezed in a smaller jaw. Similar to this, a toy that is overly soft might shatter into pieces and be swallowed or choked on, leading to gastrointestinal obstructions. It is usually recommended to replace a toy if you discover any symptoms of deterioration, such as a broken squeaker, fractures or tears in the fabric, or stuffing.

The proper toy size is also crucial. It is equally simple to swallow anything that is too small. Make sure nothing that poses a choking risk is small enough to fit between your dog’s back molars as a general rule.

In the end, you’ll need to choose the toys that will keep your friend the most entertained. Like people, dogs will eventually be able to express their preferences for certain toys.

Various Toys

Even with this knowledge, it might be difficult to find your way around the toy section. You’ll be well on your way to choosing the ideal toy if you keep these four toy types in mind as you browse and think about what your particular dog needs.

Balls

There are numerous types of balls, including foam, rubber, plush, tennis, and squeaker ones. Every bounce differently. If you have a nightly routine or a pool, some of these tempting options float and glow in the dark. This time-tested choice is a fantastic way to keep your dog busy as well. Make sure the ball you choose for your dog is the proper size and made of a sturdy enough substance so that he won’t tear it to bits while playing with it. Dogs love to play fetch or catch, thus balls invite you as the parent to participate. Over time, this will also assist to build your friendship.

Pull Toys

The majority of dogs love to play tug of war with their owners and other canines. And while though some might advise against playing this game to deter violence, says PAWS, there’s no need to be concerned if your dog is well socialized. Making sure your dog doesn’t rip this to bits when using tug toys may be the most crucial thing to keep in mind. It’s important to replace tug toys as soon as you spot damage, such as shredding, or discover missing pieces because they are often soft and made of linen, leather, fire hose, or rope. It’s important to remember not to play the game of tug-of-war too aggressively oneself. Because doing so could cause your dog serious health issues, you should never be able to yank the toy out of his mouth. You must teach him to comply with instructions like “drop it” or “release” if you want him to let go of the toy. Additionally, even though a dog’s jaw is incredibly powerful, pulling the toy vertically to lift his feet off the ground is never a good idea. Jaw, neck, and spine problems might result from this.

Treats

While anything can be used as a chew toy, there are some that are intended expressly for chewing, therefore it’s preferable to utilize them that way. These durable goods are typically composed of nylon or hard rubber material. Others are wonderful just as they are, while some can even be stuffed with treats for training and all-day fun. They should be strong enough to resist quickly splitting into little pieces, while still being soft enough to chew without risking tooth damage. But as your dog matures from a puppy to an adult, you may frequently need to adjust the size and toughness of the chew toys you buy. To keep him extra healthy while keeping him active, make sure to use healthy goodies with your toys.