Best Dog Toys for Chewers
How much thought do you give to selecting your dog’s toys? Pet parents know that their canine companions have natural instincts that prompt them to tug, fetch, and chew. Whether your furry friend tears their toys to pieces or prefers to gnaw on them casually, it’s important to choose the right dog toys to prevent injuries or tragedy.
Picking an Appropriate Size
Most pet toy manufacturers make items for those that tend to be heavy chewers. Many of these canines, like German shepherds and border collies, fall into the medium-to-large size category. However, there are a number of smaller breeds that are just as voracious, like terriers, and it can be difficult for their owners to find the right toys.
Little dogs, such as pugs and beagles, often have issues playing with bigger toys. These tugs, balls, and bones, while designed for aggressive chewing, are usually too heavy for smaller breeds. To ensure an item is a good fit for these pooches, owners should follow weight or size guidelines listed on the packaging.
While some pets will struggle with large and heavy toys, giving your pooch playthings that are too small can be even more dangerous. Undersized balls can be accidently swallowed during play. Depending on their strength, pieces can also break off of bigger items while chewing and get stuck in the esophagus. Getting toys that are the appropriate size and strength is critical to avoid your dog choking.
Finding the Right Type of Dog Toy
Besides size, understanding the different types of dog toys will help you make the best choice for your canine pal. Whichever kind you pick, always supervise playtime to ensure your pet stays safe, and take away any item that breaks before its parts are ingested. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas to consider for your best friend:
- Rubber dog toys – Kong, Orbee, and Goughnuts make some of the toughest rubber toys available. Although most are designed for medium and large-sized chewers, small dog owners will also have plenty of selections in this category. These toys tend to be strongest and will hold up to the most abuse over time.
- Plush dog toys – In addition to being cute, some plush dog toys are capable of handling your super chewer’s attempts to destroy them. Available in ball, animal, and sometimes even food shapes, plush toys often come with squeakers inside to entice dogs. Try types made with sturdy fabric and heavy-duty lining to prevent access to interior pieces and avoid stuffing messes.
- Interactive dog toys – Even if your dog has its own pet room filled with choices, they are still bound to get bored. Owners can use these toys to hide treats in built-in compartments that are chewed or pushed to open. The interactive components keep pets busy and provide plenty of mental stimulation, while sturdy materials help them last through hours of play.
- DIY dog toys – Thick rope, pieces of cloth, and old clothing are all great materials for constructing homemade toys. Twist up a cotton shirt or sock, cut a hole in a tennis ball, and thread the ball onto the cloth to make an instant tugger. Avoid using flimsy plastic materials, like disposable containers or lids, that will quickly get chewed into bits, or materials that have been exposed household toxins.
- Antlers – Many people are not aware that deer antlers are a great toy for dogs that love to chew a lot. You should make sure you first soften the antlers before you give them to your dog. For more information, check out how to soften deer antlers for dogs?
Avoiding Potential Dangers
Some products, like rawhide and antlers, although popular, can be hazardous for dogs. Flavored and natural rawhides often break into pieces, creating a choking hazard. They are also hard for dogs to digest and may lead to gastrointestinal problems. Hard antler or bone toys can damage teeth if chewed too aggressively. For safety, be sure to consult your veterinarian before giving either of these to your pet.
