Top 6 Ways To Choose The Right Toys For Your Dog!

“The dog was created especially for children. He is a God of frolic.” – Henry Ward Beecher (American Minister, Social Reformer)

About the author: Linda Butts

Hey, I’m Linda Butts, the girl behind Pawsome Talk. With my pawsometalk.com, I hope to share the ideas and techniques from my personal experiences of what I have done with my pet research and what I love about pets and their lives. I expect to help you feel at ease if you start to make a friendship with your pet while you enjoy your journey. Please don’t be shy to ask me when you need to help or out of the idea. Let’s ask and share what you’ve got.

Okay, Let’s Get Started!

Pets are always good to have around. And dogs, they are your best friends when it comes to cheering you up. They are happy animals and love to be around their masters. And even happier when they please their owners. 

If you have a dog, you can relate to it. However, when dogs do so much for us, it’s only fair to do something for them. And toys can be the best option to cheer them up when they are bored or feeling down. Here are the top 6 things to consider while choosing a toy for your best friend.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Size Of Your Toy

What is the most common thing that a dog does with his toy? He chews on it or likes to carry it around in his mouth. Picking the toy’s correct size is crucial since a size too small is easy to swallow, leading a choking hazard, and a size too big won’t fit in his mouth, leading to either a frustrating behavior or a jaw injury.

Always keep the following points in mind while picking the toy:

• Size of your dog
• Jaw size of your dog
• And choose one that will be comfortable for him

Suitable Toy to Play

For your dog’s busy time, you need to pick toys that will keep your dog engaged and the last longer. Toys that can quickly come apart can be hazardous since the dog may swallow the loose pieces. Here is a list of examples you can choose from:

• Hard Rubber Toys (better if it can be filled with treats): Dogs can chew on them all they want to. And if there are treats inside, that will keep him busy all day.
• Tug Toys: Dogs love the game of tug of war. And this toy is perfect for that.
• A Ball: Hard rubber ball, hollow ball, rope ball, tennis ball, etc. any is fine as long as it can fit in his mouth (not too big or small) and is durable. 
• Squeaker Toys: Toys that squeak is a favorite pastime tool for the dogs. However, if the outer material is fragile, be ready for a trip to the vet as the dog will pull it apart to find the sound source.

Suitable Toy for Comfort

Dogs need comfort, too, especially in the absence of their master. It is essential for the passive time of your dog. Here is a list that you might find useful:

• Stuffed Toys: Stuffed toys and plushy are the right choices here. You have to be mindful of the size, weight, and durability of it.
• Old Clothes or Towels: Dogs cherish their masters. That is why their clothing or things that carry their master’s smell always puts them at ease. However, before you give him your old t-shirt, make sure to train him what he can access and what is off-limits.
• Rawhide Dog Bones: They are another excellent option to ease your dog’s stress. It also keeps your dog’s teeth healthy and maintains jaw health. However, consult your vet beforehand.

Suitable Toys for Lazy/Easily Bored

Not all humans are the same. Similarly, not all dogs are the active type. Some dogs are overactive, which brings easy boredom as soon as their excitement wears off. And some are just lazy. Bribing them with treats may work wonders here.

• “Busy Box”: These are the toys that contain secret pockets to hide treats. Your dog may use his nose, claws, etc. to find those treats. That will always keep them busy.
• Toys that carry treats: Like busy boxes, DIY toys, or other toys that have been treated are also a good option here.

Safety Of The Toys

We all love our pets. And that is why we must keep both their entertainment and safety in mind. Here are a few tips that will help you out with that.

• Toys made from Non-Toxic Materials: Dogs lick, bite, chew, etc. their toys. It would help if you made sure that the toy is not made from a substance that can be toxic for your frolic friend.
• Toys suitable for dog’s size: As discussed before, size matters. You do not want him to either choke on it or suffer a jaw injury.
• Beforehand Research: Always research the toy. That way, you will get an idea about the user experience and durability of the toy. If you are shopping online, read the reviews.
• Timely Changing: Keep changing the toys. Over chewed toys may carry bacteria that may make your dog sick, and the toys that are falling apart must be repaired or replaced. Bring variations to the toys so that your dog does not get bored from fetching it. 
• Consult Vet: Always take advice from your vet, dog experts, and your friends or colleagues that own dogs. It will give you a better idea of what is better for your dog.

Cleaning The Toys

Keeping the toys clean is important. It greatly reduces the chances of bacterial and fungal infections for your dog. That is why it is necessary to choose the easy to clean toys, especially those that carry treats in them.

Dogs are very close to their owners. Sick cats won’t eat or drink, similarly sick and sad dogs won’t eat. It is essential to spend some quality time with them and keep them happy. Don’t hesitate to spend some time and money on him and his happiness.