Your dog can enjoy hours of entertainment playing with good-quality toys—and some toys even help him stay fit. So spice up your pet’s life with plenty of play.
Want two more reasons to shop for dog toys? They can help clean your pet’s teeth, and they keep your table legs from looking like a beaver moved in.
Here’s what to consider as you fill your dog’s toy box:
Play toys
Look for toys your dog can carry in his mouth easily, including rubber balls, nylon chew toys, and noisemakers. Make sure each plaything is too big to swallow or inhale. Also check for any rough edges that could cut his mouth during play.
Tasty toys
Many dogs consider rawhide, pig ears, and cow hooves great delicacies. And while most dogs’ tummies also think these treats are tolerable, in some cases chomping down these chewy snacks can upset your dog’s stomach.
Keep an eye on your pet to be sure he’s not swallowing the goodies in large chunks. Or offer him newer, cornstarch-based edible chew toys instead. Dogs love them and these chew toys are completely digestible, which could make them a safer alternative if the others make your pal’s tummy tender.
Teeth-cleaning toys
Your best bet for tartar-fighting toys are hard-rubber chew toys with grooves or ridges. Although your pet still needs regular dental cleanings to prevent disease, such toys can help prevent plaque buildup.
Outdoor toys
If you’re a sports lover, a nylon Frisbee might make a great choice for you. The disc’s flat edge makes an easy target and fits well in most dogs’ mouths. And catching a Frisbee makes a great high-energy game for your pet.
Your dog also can retrieve rubber balls, fleece toys, squeakers, or other noisemakers. Water lovers can even play fetch in the local lake or pond. And fetching fun toys gives him a healthy workout without wearing you out.
A playful game of tug can be a fun alternative to walking or running. Just don’t play too rough. Your dog’s mouth can’t tolerate hard pulls. Look for rubber tug toys and leather straps without rough edges. (You don’t want the straps to snag on your pet’s teeth.)
Keep in mind that you should only play tug-of-war with your dog after he’s learned to release his toys on command. And if your dog shows any aggressive tendencies, don’t play tug-of-war with him. You’ll only be encouraging his bad behavior.
Indoor toys
Balls and tug toys make good playthings inside as well. Many fetch and tug games can be played in such open spaces as your living room or kitchen.
Try keeping your dog’s toys in a basket or bin in a familiar location. Your furry friend will get used to looking in his "toy box" for things to chew and chase.
When to toss the toys
Over time, your pet’s toys may come to resemble carnage from a horror film. Besides being unpleasant to touch, seriously worn-out toys can harbor germs. It’s a good idea to replace such relics regularly.
