Whether you’re a new pet parent or you’ve just fallen in love with your first puppy, dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to get their energy out. Toys are a great way to do that, but how do you know which to buy? Personality has a lot to do with which toys your dog will like, so experimentation is key. Here are some tips to help you decide which toys are best for your pup.
Active Toys for Active Dogs
If your dog has a lot of energy, hard rubber toys from Kong are great to keep your dog moving and entertained for long periods of time indoors or out. Other toys including ropes, frisbees and tennis balls are all great options for active dogs that like to fetch. Whichever active toy you choose, take careful consideration of its size. Avoid getting a toy that is too big for your dog to hold in her mouth or one that is so small she could choke on it.
Food Puzzles
Food puzzles are great for dogs, and serve two main purposes: mental stimulation and to slow your dog down while she is eating. Some energetic dogs have the habit of eating way too fast, causing them to feel nauseous or even vomit. Well-designed food puzzles force them to slow down a bit, which can help avoid stomach problems.
Comfort Toys
Most dogs love some kind of stuffed animal to cuddle with, munch on, play fetch with or all three. It’s hard to go wrong with these stuffed toys because they have many different uses, are inexpensive and easy to replace. But do watch for loose pieces that can cause a choking hazard. Pull hard on each raised piece, including the nose and eyes.
Squeaky Toys
Like comfort toys, squeaky toys are almost universally loved by all types of dogs and are extremely affordable. They come in all shapes and sizes, making it easy to find a good option for your pup. Squeaky toys can vary in cost based on durability, with thicker rubber or plastic versions of these toys lasting longer than cheaper, thinner versions. However, if your dog is nervous or easily frightened by noises, squeaky toys probably aren’t a good option.
No matter which toys you choose for your furfriend, rotate his toys. Not only will this extend the life of the toy, but it also keeps things interesting because he isn’t playing with the same toys every day.
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