Dogs are intelligent, active animals that need constant mental and physical stimulation. Toys play a crucial role in helping your pup meet these needs.
Beyond providing entertainment, the right dog toys in Dubai allow your canine friend to exercise, boost their natural instincts, and help prevent boredom-related behaviours, such as excessive barking and chewing.
Therefore, investing in various dog toys shouldn’t just be an excuse to shop or pamper your pup; it is a crucial aspect of responsible and enriching pet care.
As such, you need to know the best canine toys to get for your furry friend to ensure they get the most benefits from their playtime.
A Guide to Buying New Dog Toys
Since dog toys are vital for your pup’s overall health, growth, development and happiness, you must choose the best ones for them.
Below are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for new dog toys:
1. Know the different types of dog toys.
Dog toys come in different varieties. You would do well to know each one so that you’ll know their purpose and if it is worth getting them for your furry friend.
Below are the different types of dog toys:
- Interactive toys
Toys under this category are a universal favourite among all dog breeds.
Interactive toys are playthings that require human participation. These include fetch toys, such as balls and frisbees, which you must throw and have your dog fetch.
Rope toys also belong to this category since they are usually used for playing tug-of-war with your canine companion.
- Chew toys
Chew toys are designed to be chewed on by dogs for stimulation and entertainment.
These toys are safe for your pet and come in different forms, such as sticks, bones, rings, ropes and animal shapes. They are also typically classified as dental chews and chew challenge playthings.
- Puzzle toys
These pet essentials are designed to challenge and stimulate your pup’s mental capacity.
These toys require your canine friend to solve a puzzle to get an edible reward or another toy.
- Treat-dispensing toys
These toys are designed to hold kibbles and other small treats.
Your dog needs to manipulate the toy with their mouth or paws or both so that it will release food they can eat.
- Plush toys
Plush or soft dog toys are made of fabric and have cushioned internal filling. They come in various sizes, textures, sounds and uses.
These toys give pups mental and physical stimulation and relieve their boredom. They also provide your furry friend companionship to help reduce their anxiety whenever they are alone.
These toys give pups mental and physical stimulation and relieve their boredom. They also provide your furry friend companionship to help reduce their anxiety whenever they are alone.
2. Consider your dog’s breed.
Certain dog breeds can benefit from particular toys. For instance:
- German shepherds, huskies, rottweilers and other working, active dogs can benefit from puzzle and treat-dispensing toys. They’ll also love playing with other playthings that get them moving and allow them to exercise.
- Australian shepherds, border collies, sheepdogs and other herding dogs are highly active and agile. They need toys that help them burn excess energy, such as rope toys and ball launchers.
- Boxers, bulldogs, pugs, and other flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds can benefit from toys that allow them to carry and breathe at the same time. Gentle chew toys are your best options since they can keep them entertained and help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Maltese, Pomeranians, chihuahuas, shih tzus and other toy breeds love playing but need scaled-down versions of interactive toys so that they can carry and play with them. They also have small teeth, which means you should give them softer chew toys.
By considering your dog’s breed, you can narrow down your options and choose the best toys for your canine companion.
3. Factor in your dog’s age and size.
Your furry friend’s age is a crucial factor to consider when buying them new canine toys.
If you have a young, teething puppy, make sure they have a soft chew toy. Once all their teeth come out, ensure they have interactive toys to keep them stimulated and entertained.
If you have a senior dog, give them softer chew toys as well as some stuffed ones.
Your dog’s size is another vital factor you have to consider. As mentioned, tiny breeds need small toys so that they can carry and play with them.
Conversely, large dogs can swallow small toys, so make sure you get them appropriately sized ones.
4. Prioritise safety.
Whether you play with your pet or let them play with their toys alone, make sure their playthings are safe.
Choose non-toxic, highly durable dog toys. Interactive and chew toys made of hard rubber are your best options since canines can safely put them in their mouths. They are also hard-wearing and easy to carry around.
When shopping for stuffed toys, ensure they don’t contain harmful fillings, such as nutshells and polystyrene beads. They should also be machine washable so that they won’t rip easily when you wash them.
Lastly, avoid toys with small attachments, including bells, buttons, ribbons and strings since your pet can remove them easily and swallow them, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
Make sure you remove or trim the tags before giving your pet their new stuffed toys as well.
5. Buy dog toys from reputable brands.
Cheap canine toys are made of poor-quality materials that are harmful to your pet.
Poorly designed dog toys made of cheap plastic and rubber tend to be brittle and break apart easily, which can be choking hazards for your furry friend. They may also injure your pup’s mouth, teeth, nose and paws and cause internal damage if they ingest them.
If you want to ensure you are giving your canine companion safe dog toys, buy them only from reputable, well-known brands.
Established brands use only tested, durable and high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear and last for a long time. With these toys, you can be sure your furry friend is playing with something safe, even if you’re not looking after them.
If you are buying dog toys from a pet shop in Dubai, choose an established, reputable company to ensure you won’t get knockoffs.
Following these tips can help you choose dog toys that your pet will love and can safely play with. If you’re still unsure about which ones to buy, consult your vet to ensure your furry friend gets the most benefits from these essential accessories.
