How to Choose the Best Toys for Your Dog

Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows their personalities can vary greatly. Some need more exercise and stimulation while others love to just sleep all day long! This carries over into the types of chews and toys each dog enjoys. This can be frustrating to a pet owner at least until you find the perfect options for your pet. But once you find their favorite few items, you’ll always know what to grab when you want to surprise your furry friend!

If your dog has any health concerns, it is best to reach out to your veterinarian for any suggestions. They may have recommendations for chews that help keep their teeth clean or toys that will keep them entertained for longer periods of time. It is always good to have a few options for your pet – something to chew, something interactive, and something that you can use with them. 

Kongs, tennis balls, hide & seek toys, rubber bones, real bones, antlers, and plush toys are just a few of the options you might find when looking for options for your pet. If you are looking for an interactive or stimulating toy, we recommend a kong that you can fill with treats, hide & seek mats or toys, or a toy that holds treats and as your pet plays with it, treats will come out as a reward! Simply search “Interactive Dog Toys” on Amazon and you will find an incredible amount of options for dogs of all sizes! Softer, small options are best for puppies or small breed dogs, but if you have a large breed dog you might want to look at more durable options. Antlers and bones (real or artificial) are great for cleaning plaque off of your dog’s teeth and are great for keeping your dog from getting bored. Many of these options are long lasting but it is important to buy according to your dog’s size and chewing habits. Also be aware of anything extra-hard, as it could potentially damage your dog’s teeth such as chipping or breaking them. These are best when you can supervise your pet to ensure they aren’t breaking off sharp pieces as well. We highly recommend consulting your veterinarian if you are looking for a long lasting, safe chew for your pup! 

Tennis balls and ropes are always a great addition to your dog’s toy collection. These are great options for you to use together with your pup! Playing fetch or tug-of-war will give your dog the one-on-one attention he or she craves! Not only will it help you bond with your pet, but it will help tire them out. You can find tennis balls – or something similar – in a variety of sizes to suit any sized dog, ropes come in several varieties as well! Even 5-10 minutes of this each day will help stimulate your pet and will help give them some exercise. 

You can find all of these options at your local pet store, on Chewy.com, or on Amazon. Each store will have their own return policy, so always check before you buy if you aren’t sure your pet will love their new toy. We also always recommend consulting your veterinarian if you are planning to introduce new chews or treats to your pet, and they can help you keep your pet safe and happy!

Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows their personalities can vary greatly. Some need more exercise and stimulation while others love to just sleep all day long! This carries over into the types of chews and toys each dog enjoys. This can be frustrating to a pet owner at least until you find the…