Toys are not just a luxury but a necessity for dogs and other pets. They play a vital role in your dog's well-being, combating boredom when you're away and offering comfort during anxious moments. Additionally, toys can help prevent the development of problem behaviors in dogs. However, it's important to select toys that are safe and suitable for your furry friend. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best choices.
Safety First The safety of a toy depends on various factors, including your dog's size, activity level, and preferences. It's crucial to consider the environment where your dog spends time. While we can't guarantee the safety of specific toys, the following guidelines can help:
- Dog-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands, children's toys, pantyhose, and other inedible items that could be swallowed and pose a choking hazard.
- Choose toys that are appropriately sized for your dog. Avoid small toys that can be easily swallowed or cause choking.
- Supervise your dog's play with squeaky toys, as they may try to find and destroy the source of the squeaking, potentially ingesting it if left unattended.
- Modify or avoid toys that aren't "dog-proof" by removing parts such as ribbons, strings, or eyes that can be chewed off and swallowed. Discard toys when they start breaking into pieces or are torn. Check stuffed toys for labels indicating they are safe for children under three years old and free from dangerous fillings like nutshells or polystyrene beads. Even "safe" fillings aren't easily digestible. Machine washable soft toys are preferable.
A Note about Rawhide If you're considering rawhide chew toys, consult your veterinarian to determine which ones are safe and suitable for your dog. Rawhide toys can pose choking hazards, so it's important to supervise your dog while they're playing with them. Additionally, many rawhides are byproducts of the cruel fur trade. Opt for humane alternatives such as very hard rubber toys, which are both safer and longer-lasting.
Recommended Toys
- Active Toys: Hard rubber toys like Nylabone® and Kong® products come in various shapes and sizes, providing chewing and carrying enjoyment. Rope and woven toys in a "bone" shape with knotted ends are great for dogs that enjoy tug-of-war and chewing on different textures.
- Distraction Toys: Kong®-type toys, especially when filled with broken-up treats, can keep your dog busy for hours. Make sure any peanut butter you use isn't sweetened with xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs. "Busy-box" or "feeder" toys, large rubber shapes filled with treats, can also occupy your dog's attention. Feeder-style toys are particularly beneficial for dogs that tend to eat their food too quickly.
- Comfort Toys: Soft stuffed toys serve various purposes, but not all dogs find them suitable. Consider the following tips when choosing a stuffed toy:
- If your dog sees the toy as a companion, choose a small one that they can carry around.
- Dogs that enjoy shaking or "killing" their toys require larger toys to prevent accidental swallowing and withstand their attacks.
- Dirty laundry items like old t-shirts, pillowcases, towels, or blankets can provide comfort to your dog, especially if they carry your scent. However, be aware that these items may be destroyed through chewing, carrying, and nosing.
Toys for Teething Puppies
Between 12 weeks and six months of age, puppies go through teething, which leads to a strong urge to chew. Supplying appropriate teething toys can alleviate their discomfort and protect your hands, shoes, and furniture. Durable nylon bones and rubber toys can withstand weeks of chewing without breaking into swallowable pieces. You can also find specialized puppy teething toys designed to be frozen and imprinted with soothing textures.
Toys for Blind Dogs
Blind dogs still have their senses of smell, taste, hearing, and touch. A 2022 study revealed that vision and smell are interconnected in dogs, aiding their navigation. Even without added scents, blind dogs can locate individual toys using their sense of smell. Consider toys with food odors or ones that make noises. Smearing food on nylon bones, filling rubber toys with food, or hiding food within "puzzle" boxes can entice blind dogs to play. They may also enjoy tug of war and can follow a toy dragged along the floor. Some blind dogs adapt so well with their other senses that they play much like sighted dogs.
Making Toys Last
To keep your dog engaged, rotate their toys weekly and only make a few toys available at a time. Provide a variety of toy types that serve different purposes: carrying, shaking, rolling, and comfort. "Found" toys, those that appear unexpectedly, are often more attractive to dogs than introduced toys. Consider playing a game of finding toys or treats, which is an excellent indoor activity that expends your dog's energy without requiring much space.
Interactive play is crucial for your dog's well-being. Incorporate toys like balls, flying disks, or interactive toys that strengthen the bond between you and your pet. By focusing on specific tasks, such as fetching a ball, playing hide-and-seek with treats or toys, or returning a Kong or Frisbee®, you can channel your dog's mental and physical energy in a limited time and space. Interactive play is especially beneficial for young, high-energy, and untrained dogs, as it aids in socialization and teaches appropriate behavior.
Remember to prioritize your dog's safety and preferences when selecting toys, and always supervise their playtime. With the right toys, your furry companion can enjoy hours of fun, mental stimulation, and physical exercise while strengthening their bond with you.