Whether you have a new puppy or if your dog has been a part of your family for many years, choosing the right toy for your pet can be a difficult task. To start, choose a toy that matches your dog's personality and chewing habits. It can also be fun to take your pooch to a pet store and allow her to choose her own toy! But in the end, picking the right toy for your dog is not always easy. It may take a little trial and error before you find that perfect toy that becomes her favorite.
Hard Rubber Dog Toys
Hard rubber toys have several benefits that make them a great choice for aggressive chewers. These toys are very durable and provide jaw and mouth exercise for dogs that like to chew. Hard rubber toys can keep most dogs occupied for hours and are versatile for fetch or non-interactive play. Some hard rubber toys are hollow and can be filled with treats or peanut butter for extra fun and mental stimulation. Examples of hard rubber toys include Kongs, Planet Pets, and Rhino Chew Toys.
Vinyl Dog Toys
Vinyl toys are soft and easily compressed by the bite of just about any dog. These toys are best for dogs that are not aggressive chewers. Vinyl toys are not as durable as hard rubber toys. Many vinyl toys contain squeakers that almost all dogs enjoy. Vinyl toys are great for playing fetch, but popular for alone play because of the squeakers.
Soft Dog Toys
Soft toys are made of fleece or plush fabric. Some soft toys have squeakers, while others just have a polyester fiber type of filling. These toys are among the most popular for playing fetch. Soft toys are not very durable (think along the lines of a stuffed animal). These are probably best suited for dogs that are not destructive with their toys. Some dogs just like to carry them around and snuggle.
Rope Toys
Rope toys are fun for fetch, tug games, and chewing in general. Rope toys can also come in a variety of flavors. Rope toys are usually long lasting and fairly durable for both dogs with soft bites and more aggressive chewers.
Rawhide Chews and Bones
Rawhide chews and bones can help support a dog's dental health. Rawhide chews and bones help scrape plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. This helps keep teeth cleaner and whiter. Rawhide chews are great choices for aggressive chewers. For dogs that do not enjoy chewing as much, rawhide chips are a softer option that these dogs may find more enjoyable. Rawhide chews and bones come in many flavors, sizes, and shapes.
Nylon Bones
Nylon bones are excellent choices for dogs who love to chew. These toys can also help support dental health since they remove plaque and are nonabrasive. Nylon bones help relieve boredom as they provide hours and hours of chewing fun. Nylon bones also come in various flavors and sizes. Nylabones are an example of a nylon bone.
Toys provide hours of fun and enjoyment for our pets. Choosing the right toy not only provides your dog with a toy that she truly loves to play with, but the right toy can also have other benefits such as supporting dental health and relieving boredom.
Article by: Marty Smith, DVM and Angela Walter, DVM