There are so many different dog toys to choose from that it can feel overwhelming, and it is important to choose the right one for your dog, not only for its safety but also to make sure he gets the maximum enjoyment from it as well. 

The right toy can help support your dog emotionally and help with difficult behavioural issues, so getting the perfect choice for his needs can make a big difference to your dog’s happiness, attitude and your enjoyment with him. 

Here are seven things to consider when picking out dog toys:

• Safety

It goes without saying that you want your dog to be safe when playing with his toys, so avoid anything wooden or painted as wood can splinter if chewed and paint can be toxic if they chew or swallow it. Make sure any toys you buy are specifically for pets. Also avoid buying cheap rubber toys if your dog likes chewing things as he could swallow parts, causing internal problems. 

Always make sure any toy you buy is the right size for your dog and has no parts that come off easily, like buttons or ribbons, which could easily be swallowed and become a choking hazard. 

• Avoid squeaky toys

For Jane, a writer for the myitchydog.co.uk, toys that have plastic squeakers inside them it will trigger your dog’s instinct to kill the toy and they might well try to rip it apart, leaving a risk they will swallow the squeaker or other parts of the toy. If your dog has this reaction, Jane’s recommendation is to avoid squeaky toys. 

If your dog is not aggressive and not likely to rip the toy apart then they will have great fun with a squeaky toy, so it really is about getting the right toy to fit with your dog’s personality and playing type. 

• Get the right ball

If you are buying balls for your dog to play with, make sure they are the right size as you don’t want to risk your dog swallowing the ball or getting it stuck in his throat and causing major problems. It’s also best to avoid tennis balls as dogs tend to eat the fur. 

Avoid cheap balls which your dog might rip to pieces as he could swallow parts of it and never leave a dog alone with a small rubber ball.

• Consider a retrieval disc

If your dog is liable to chew or swallow a ball, consider a retrieval disc instead, like a frisbee for dogs. Make sure you get the right size for your dog’s mouth and then you can play fetch without the worry of him chewing or eating a ball. 

This kind of toy is much less risky for a dog that likes to chew as it is durable and the wrong kind of shape to be accidentally swallowed. It also has no parts that can come off to cause injury. 

• Cuddly toys

Some dogs love having a cuddly toy as a playmate and to sleep with for comfort. Make sure you get one that is designed for dogs and doesn’t have any removable parts. 

If your dog is liable to chew it up and rip it into pieces, then these are not the best toys to choose, and are best left for dogs that are lonely and need a comfort toy to cuddle rather than chew on. 

• Rope and tug toy

If your dog loves playing tug of war and chewing then opt for rope toys and tug toys, so that you can have a great time with your dog, without worrying about damaging his mouth or his teeth. Make sure you choose something the right size for your dog’s mouth and strength. 

If the rope or tug toy starts to get old and frayed, it will need to be replaced as otherwise it can be full of bacteria and then pose a different threat to your dog as he will be chewing on it frequently. 

• Toys that deliver food

If you want to keep your dog active during the day, then try looking for toys that require your dog to solve a puzzle and then dispense food if they get it right. These will help to keep your dog stimulated as well as fed. They are particularly good if your dog is left at home all day and gets bored. 

Make sure your dog knows how the toy works, before leaving him alone with it and make sure the treats are healthy and your dog can’t break into it and gorge himself sick on the food. It needs to be the right toy for your particular dog’s needs. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right toys for your dog will provide him with fun entertainment throughout the day and he will love playing with them with you. Make sure to vary them as dogs need stimulation the same as humans.