While one dog may be more playful than another, toys for dogs are always important. They help prevent boredom, can serve as an outlet for your dog's boundless energy, chewing toys help your dog relax, and toys can stimulate your dog’s brain, providing mental challenges as well. There are toys in all shapes and sizes: from indestructible dog toys for "destroyers," balls, tug toys, chew toys, and toys to stimulate your dog's intelligence. Pharmacy4pets helps you choose the right toys and other essentials for your dog.
Chew Toys for Dogs
Chewing releases endorphins, so it helps your dog relax! Offering a chew toy like a filled Kong when your dog is very excited or even a bit stressed can help to calm him down. Kong offers chew toys for jaws of different sizes and strengths. The Kong Extreme is an indestructible dog toy, even suitable for notorious destroyers. You can fill a Kong with specially designed treats, or even with pâté or soft snacks like Duck Softies by Trixie. On hot summer days, you can put the filled Kong in the freezer to offer your dog a cooling snack. A rope toy can also satisfy the chewing need and helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
For puppies, chew toys are especially important: they explore the world with their mouths and may sometimes chew on shoes or table legs. Offering a filled Kong can teach your puppy what they can and cannot chew on. Chewing can also help relieve discomfort from teething and release built-up tension from all the new impressions. Be sure to choose chew toys suitable for delicate milk teeth, such as the Kong Puppy.
Tug Toys
Many dogs love to play tug games. It helps with coordination and developing muscle strength. Be careful with puppies to ensure you play gently so as not to damage their fragile milk teeth. Teach your dog the "release" command, but make sure that you and your dog take turns "winning." If the game always ends with the "release" command, playing tug can lead to frustration. Tug games are great to play with a knotted rope.
Balls for Dogs
Balls… for some dogs, a brief amusement, for others, the highlight of their lives! Many dogs love to chase balls and retrieve them. Choose a ball that suits your dog: large enough to be held comfortably in the mouth and not too small to avoid a choking hazard. Strong jaws need durable balls, as it would be a shame (and could be dangerous!) if your dog tears the ball apart after three throws. A ball with a "dual" function is the Trixie Denta Fun Ball Mint: after your dog has finished running, chewing on this rubber ball helps keep his teeth fresh and healthy!
Other Toys
What makes a fun toy for your dog is something you will discover together. One dog loves squeaky toys like the Trixie latex play ball, while another proudly carries around a stuffed animal all day. Hunting dogs might enjoy retrieving this latex duck, which is also great for chewing. A snack ball has many benefits: it stimulates your dog’s intelligence, as he must figure out how the treats come out and work for his food. Great for mental challenges! Additionally, your dog gets extra exercise by rolling the ball through the house or garden. Finally, your dog will eat the treats one by one, so he feels full with a smaller portion of food and will be inclined to eat less. This is also a great tool for dogs with weight issues: simply put the daily portion of kibble in the snack ball!
Toys have more functions than you might initially think. To keep your dog challenged, it is important to offer variety and regularly switch toys. Ensure toys with different functions to keep your dog occupied and happy. If you have questions about our products or about caring for your dog, please contact us.