Dog toys are an essential part of your dog’s health and well-being. Selecting a toy that is suitable and one that will appease them is extremely important. Your dog’s chew toy not only benefits their dental health, but also provides entertainment or can easily become a distraction during bouts of nervousness or anxiety.
At Crestway Animal Clinic, we understand that all dogs need toys. They need them from the time they are puppies, well into adulthood. All too often, people purchase whatever is convenient, or appealing to the eye. On this page, you will find a few suggestions to really make your next chew toy purchase count.
Toys are essential for puppies to learn and explore, for teething, to prevent boredom and to teach a puppy how to appropriately play with humans. Toys are needed during the transition from puppyhood into adulthood, taking precaution in selecting teething appropriate toys during the teething stage.
Important guidelines:
- Replace toys when you notice signs of wear and tear.
- Recognize your dog’s chewing habits before providing them any dog toy or treat.
- Combine an assortment of toys with the right training to prevent destructive behavior.
- To prevent boredom, give your dog four to five toys at a time, and then swap them out weekly.
- Rope toys, bone-hard chew toys and dental chew toys are constructed for low- to medium-grade chewers.
- Dog toys made of rubber are great for aggressive chewers because of their durability. These toys are built to last and give your dog a good chewing workout. Plus, their interesting shapes will cause them to bounce unpredictably for additional amusement.
- If your dog is a moderate to heavy chewer, select extremely resilient dog toys that are long- lasting and made for durability. Make sure the toy is incapable of being rapidly chewed into bits creating a hazard to your pet.
- Soft, smooth and squishy, vinyl or latex toys are great for older dogs because they are much easier on sensitive teeth and gums. Smaller dogs who are non-aggressive chewers will also benefit from them.
- Select retrieving toys that fly or bounce erratically to exercise and entertain your dog without exhausting their owners.
- Invest in a flying disc made exclusively for pets that is composed of soft plastic or cloth. These are easier on your dog’s sensitive mouth, teeth, and gums. This is particularly important when you have an athletic puppy that enjoys catching flying discs in mid air!
- Retrieving dog toys designed with rope (or floss) are excellent for teeth and gums.
- Select soft toys composed of fleece or plush fabric.
- The more frequently your dog plays with these toys, the more familiar their lingering scent attracts them to the toy and enhances their enjoyment while playing.
- These toys also make wonderful companions when your dog is in the mood for quiet, cuddle time. Soft toys often squeak or make other noises capturing and keeping your dog’s attention.
- Select interactive toys that are perfect for busting their boredom
- Balls or additional shapes designed with hollow areas can be filled with treats. They can occupy your dog for long periods of time. Most dogs will not give up until every last bit of their treat is retrieved. Pets love to work for their treats.
- Interactive toys provide mental and physical stimulation.
- Dog toys that disguise one or more smaller toys can challenge, in addition to rewarding your dog.
Crestway Animal Clinic understands that selecting a proper chew toy is central to your dog’s well being. However, chew toys should never take the place of regular human interaction with your beloved pet. Toys are intended to enhance your dog’s happiness, especially during their most formative years.
