Benefits of Dog Toys
“Should I get my dog a toy?” This is one of the questions a loving dog owner might ask.
To our furry friend, and other pets, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity.
When we have to leave our dog in the comfort of our homes, toys are a great help to combat boredom. Have you ever experienced going home from your work, exhausted and your dog shredding your newly bought sofa or a roll of tissue you didn’t know how your dog get it. Meanwhile, it can also provide some comfort if they’re feeling nervous. Most importantly, it can help our dogs from developing certain behavior problems.
Unlike cats, which are pretty picky about toys, dogs are often more willing to play with any object they can get their paws own.
Dog toys are particularly important for puppies. When they are growing their teeth, their gums can get very sore. Chewing on toys helps to alleviate the pain and also helps to keep their teeth nice and clean. Aside from that, having a toy to keep them preoccupied can lessen a puppy’s feelings of anxiety, especially when they are in a new home. Keeping chewable toys close by will make them feel less alone and less scared when they sleep at night. A lot of puppies love cuddling up to soft toys when they are tired. A safe soft toy (with no little pieces to choke on) would be ideal.
When dogs are bored or anxious, they sometimes manifest it through destructive behaviour such as chewing on your shoes or worse – your furniture. Toys can stimulate a dog’s mind and help ease negative feelings. Also, they allow your pets to get some physical exercise, which is beneficial for their overall health. With all these health benefits, high quality and fun dog toys are a good investment.
On the other hand, we need to take note of the factors that contribute to the safety or danger of a toy. The factors depend upon the dog’s size, activity level and preferences. Another thing to consider is the environment where your dog spends their time. Although we can’t guarantee the safety of any specific toy, we can offer the following guidelines.
Recommended toys
Active toys
For dogs that like tug-of-war and chewing on interesting textures, rope and woven toys are usually available in a “bone” shape with knotted ends.
Tennis balls make great dog toys for fetching, but don’t stand up to chewing very well. Discard any tennis balls that have been chewed through, as they can pose a choking hazard to your pet.
Distraction toys
“Busy-box” or “feeder” toys are large rubber shapes that can be filled with treats. By moving the cube around with their nose, mouth and paws, your dog can get to the goodies. Many dogs who tend to eat their food too quickly benefit from being fed through a feeder-style toy.
Comfort toys
Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes, but they aren’t appropriate for all dogs. Here are a few tips for choosing the right stuffed toy:
- Some dogs like to carry around soft toys. If your dog sees their toy as a companion, pick one that’s small enough to carry.
- Some dogs want to shake or “kill” their toys, so choose one that’s large enough to prevent accidental swallowing and sturdy enough to withstand the dog’s attacks.
Dirty laundry, such as an old t-shirt, pillowcase, towel or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if the item smells like you! Be forewarned that the item could be destroyed by industrious fluffing, carrying and nosing.
Here are some of the best dog toys to give to your furry friends!
Super Soft Squeaky Dog Toy, Raccoon.
Features:
- Made of soft plush material
- Squeaker inside
- Great for small- to medium-sized puppies
- 2 styles to choose from (raccoon and fox)
- Approximately 6.5″ long
For more details and dog toys, and dog products, here’s the link to our store: https://puppiesgear.com/product/super-soft-squeaky-dog-toy-raccoon-6-5/