Shop online for the best dog toys - what to look for in online dog toys.
Your dog needs to have fun and be stimulated and entertained by his toys - a bored dog is not happy and may become disruptive, and a dog that doesn’t have suitable safe toys may destroy things that aren’t toys, which can be expensive and dangerous. With so many dog toys to choose from, we look at what features you should look for in toys for your dog, what makes a good toy, and where you can shop for the best range of dog toys online.
What makes a good dog toy?
It’s important to remember - toys are as essential for your dog as they are for children! Dogs need toys for their well-being. A good toy will help fight boredom when your dog is home alone, or will provide comfort to a nervous or lonely dog. A dog that is bored or scared may even develop behavioral problems (excessive barking, destructive behaviours or anxiety), so it is important to give your dog access to a range of good toys.
Dogs play with different toys, depending on their needs and mood. Some of the types of toys your dog will need include
- A comforting toy - something to snuggle with, when you’re not available - like Fuzzyard Sir Legs-A-Lot Octopus or Kong Cozie Lion!
- A chewing toy - especially for little puppy teeth! Try the Tasty Bone Chicken chew toy, or the Kong dental stick range (including one made just for puppies!)
- A distraction toy - something to keep your dog entertained or challenged - try the Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-A-Lot or the Buster Activity Mat Top Hat
- An active toy - something that you can play with together - throw the ball further (and with clean hands!) using the Chuckit Classic Ball Launcher or wrestle together over the Kong Tugger Knots Frog
A good dog toy will be appropriate for your dog’s age and size, be durable and safe (and a reasonable price!)
Appropriate toys for your dog?
When shopping online for a toy for your dog, think about these things:
- How old is your dog?
Little puppies have sharp baby teeth, and like a human baby, have an insatiable need to chew whilst they are teething! Give your new pup something appropriate to chew on - it will need to be durable, appropriate for the size of her mouth, isn’t a choking hazard (make sure it doesn’t disintegrate into small swallowable pieces!)
An older dog may still want to gnaw on a toy, and hard rubber toys come in many shapes and sizes and are fun for chewing and carrying around. Rope toys with knotted ends and woven toys are great for dogs that like chewing on interesting textures.
- How big is your dog?
The size of your dog will also help you to pick the right toy for your furry friend. A toy suitable for a cavoodle or miniature dog would not be the best toy for a staffy or german shepherd!
- What games does your dog like?
Choose a toy that is best for the games your dog loves the most. Some dogs love a game of fetch, on the beach - this is going to need a toy that floats, or is suitable for the sand and water. Others want a tug-of-war game with you - choose something that doesn’t tear into pieces. Make sure you replace tug toys as soon as you see damage like shredding or notice missing pieces. Tug games are great so long as neither your dog or you become too aggressive - don’t ever rip the toy from your dog’s mouth, or lift your dog off the ground. Teach your dog to “release” or “drop it”, and enjoy the games!
Avoiding dangerous toys for your dog!
The wrong toy can cause health issues for your pet, particularly if a toy (or part of it) is swallowed by your dog. Swallowed items may get lodged in the intestinal passage and cause abdominal problems.
Poor quality toys, or toys that are not designed for dogs, can easily disintegrate or come to pieces when a dog plays with them - it is not just that the plush teddy bear will be spread all over the house, but small parts could be swallowed by your dog. It is much better to buy toys specifically designed for dogs, and good quality toys - these are designed to last and to be safe for your dog. For example, a tennis ball may be great fun, but will quickly perish, and can then become a choking hazard.
A dog can see almost any household item as a toy - make sure that your dog’s environment is safe. Power cords should be covered or removed from a dog’s reach, and make sure that harmful chemicals are stored safely. The backyard can also have hazards for dogs - dogs shouldn’t chew on branches, as they can splinter in their mouths, and should never be allowed to chew stones or rocks, which can cause major problems if swallowed.
You can read more on our blog about the dangers of inappropriate toys for your dog.
Where can I buy the best dog toys online?
At VetProductsDirect, we have a great range of dog toys, for every size and age of dog, and for your dog’s every need. You can shop for dog toys like the Kong range, including the yummy treats that can be inserted into a Kong, Rope Bone and Fuzzyard. And if you don’t know what you want, or you need some advice on what’s appropriate for your dog, just contact us for helpful advice from our award winning Customer Service Team!
