How Do You Select A Tough Dog Toy?
Here are a few factors that you can consider when selecting a durable canine toy.
Consider Their Chewing Type
Well, in the canine world, the word "chew" could mean something different altogether. As genetically programmed in their bodies, most dogs don't chew instead they rip, tear or shred. They aim to reduce the large prey into smaller and bite-sized parts.
By understanding how your pooch's teeth function, can provide you with a clearer picture of the type of dog toy to buy for your pooch.
In general, dogs that chew fall into 3 categories.
- Gentle – Your furry companion is a gentle chewer if it usually plays with chew toys by mouthing, sitting, or licking them rather than ripping them apart.
- Average – These breeds of dogs have a tendency to chew on their dog toys. Occasionally, you can find them ripping apart a fabric toy. But they are not heavy chewers.
- Powerful – These aggressive chewers are thorough in their chewing. No matter how hard a toy is, these dogs will rip it apart within a few hours, days, or months. They need tough and indestructible dog toys to keep their chewing tendencies occupied.
What Does Your Dog Like?
Now that you know you need a durable canine toy, the next thing should be deciding which kind of toy you should opt for. The most common options are a ball or a tug toy.
For a ball toy, you can fill with some treats inside to motivate your pet pooch to continue chewing. As your furry friend rolls the dog toy around, it dispenses treats and keeps your pooch constantly occupied.
You can put in some peanuts, biscuits, or any other treats that your furry companion likes. Some ball toys come with a squeaker inside that can keep your dog occupied. But if your pet pooch is sensitive to noise, we wouldn't recommend this option.
The second option you can consider is a Tug Toy.
Tug toys are great for interactive games. Using this dog toy, your canine companion can play with you or the other dogs. It is good always to remember that, you should not be aggressive when you are playing with your pooch. Never jerk the rope from your dog's teeth, as you might risk damaging their teeth. Also, don't jerk the rope vertically as it can cause spine, neck, and jaw injuries.
From our research, tug toys are made typically using rope or leather material.
Related: Best Interactive Dog Toys
Notice Its Play Style & Personality
You will notice that some dogs are more of chasers, chewers, or cuddlers.
Observe your pet pooch to know their play style.
With this information, you can choose the canine toy that best suits their playstyle. depending on the most common playstyle. For example, chasers and chewers typically will enjoy a ball toy. While cuddlers generally prefer fabric toys that will keep them company.
Related: Best Boredom Buster Dog Toys
Your Dog's Age
Your dog's age also plays an important factor in determining the type of dog toy to get for them.
During the teething stage, it is recommended not to give your puppy a hard toy. Instead, provide them soft toys that help to develop their teeth.
With senior dogs, it's also best not to give them a hard toy as they might be suffering from dental issues and fragile teeth.
Generally, only consider giving your canine companion a tough dog toy once it has reached adulthood as its teeth and jaw muscles would have fully developed.
Think About Its Play Areas
Does your pet pooch prefer swimming in your backyard's swimming pool? If that's the case, a ball toy might be more suitable. Ball dog toys can typically float on water, making for great fun and enjoyment for your pet pooch.
Or perhaps is your 4-legged companion more of an indoor pooch? Then consider getting them an indestructible tug toy instead. This lessens the risk of your precious cutlery, cookware, and expensive electronics getting knocked over by your canine friend. After all, you wouldn't want your dog chasing all-around your house with a ball toy. It's dangerous for your pet pooch's health and for your pocket too.
Related: Best Indoor Dog Gates
Durability Of The Dog Toy
Naturally, an indestructible canine toy made from durable and tough materials.
Nylon and rubber are durable materials that you should look out for. However, you can choose the ones made of vinyl and latex, which are softer, for your puppies or senior dogs that have weak jaws.
Quality & Safety
For your aggressive chewing pooch, you shouldn't choose a toy that is made of non-durable materials. Not only you have to replace the dog toy more often, but it could be a potential choking hazard for your pet pooch too.
Also, consider the material used to make the dog toy. Some dog toys can contain poisonous substances such as lead that can be hazardous to the health of your canine companion.
Size Of Toy
If your dog is big, don't buy them small dog toys. They could end up swallowing the dog toys, especially treats that have been placed inside the chew toys.
Likewise, avoid getting a large toy for your small pooch. They wouldn't be interested to play with it.
Avoid Coatings
With coatings, you run the risk of it peeling off and having your pet pooch accidentally ingesting it. These could potentially be harmful to the digestion of your pet pooch.
It is advisable to go for an indestructible canine chew toy that doesn't have a coating.
Dog toys that easily peel off are certainly not the best quality to go for.
Machine Washable For Added Convenience
Save yourself precious time and get an indestructible canine toy that you can clean easily. Look out for a machine washable label so that you can simply chuck them into a washing machine.
To maintain the hygiene of your toys, you should clean them after every play. This will avoid germs from harboring inside the dog toy which could cause your furry friend to fall ill.
Color
Although this is not an important factor, there are some considerations to think about. A good example is that if your play area is on green grass, it is not advisable to get a green indestructible canine toy as you might not be able to spot it.
Additional Safety Tips
- Always remember to throw away any damaged toy and replace it immediately.
- Avoid toys that have harmful components such as mercury or lead.
- Consider your dog's age when choosing a canine toy. Young puppies and older dogs should not be given a tough toy to play with.
- Don't buy too small toys as can be easily swallowed.
- Avoid purchasing too soft toys; they end up being destroyed fast. The soft ones are great for puppies.
- Ensure your pet pooch doesn't swallow any shredded parts of the toy. If they do, bring them to a local veterinarian immediately.
