The Pleasures of Playthings

It is possible to feel overwhelmed when faced with the task of selecting appropriate toys for your pet. There is a dizzying array of options available in terms of varieties, materials, shapes, and hues. Some are intended to be thrown, others are made for chewing, and still others are used for playing tug. To ensure that our pets continue to be stimulated as well as entertained, we buy them various toys.

It’s simple to grab something off the shelf, but will the toys you choose for your dog be something they enjoy playing with? There are a few things you should think about before going shopping for your pet. Choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s breed and size; ideally, you should look for something that you are confident your dog won’t be able to swallow or choke on. When it comes to making decisions about toys, this is likely one of the most important considerations we have to make. Because of this, I never give my dogs treats like pig ears or rawhide unless I can keep a close eye on them, and I always get rid of them before they get too small.

• Toys made of soft vinyl are typically more gentle than other types of toys. They are available in a wide variety of forms and dimensions, are ideal for playing fetch, and typically include squeakers, which are the most engaging component of the majority of toys. Be wary of the manner in which these toys are painted, as there is a possibility that they contain paints containing lead.
• Dogs who enjoy chewing will benefit greatly from playing with toys made of rubber because this activity naturally exercises the mouth and jaw. A dog can be kept amused for long periods of time with toys of this type. Even though they can be thrown, they work well for dogs who aren’t particularly interested in the game of fetch. A good number of the rubber toys feature a variety of small openings, nooks, and crannies that are designed to accommodate treats for the purpose of foraging. The majority of them can be cleaned in a dishwasher and are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes to accommodate a variety of mouth sizes and levels of chewing ability. They range from those designed for puppies all the way up to those intended for more aggressive chewers.
• Those who enjoy games of fetch or tug will find that rope toys are a lot of fun. They are fabricated using strong threads that are twisted together to form rope. They are beneficial to dental health, and some of them even have a flavor that is designed to mask bad breath.
• Another category of toys to consider purchasing is known as plush or soft toys. The majority of these toys come equipped with a squeaker and are typically stuffed with fluff. The exterior of the toy is typically made of fleece or another material of a similar nature. Dogs who are not known for their ferocity in the chewing department or when it comes to attacking toys are the perfect candidates for these cuddle toys. These are the toys that my Boston enjoys playing with the most because she can gnaw on them. After only a few short minutes, the remaining pieces of the toy are thrown away after the other dogs in the house have typically made it their mission to track down the squeaker and eliminate it. This has the effect of rendering the toy inert, and the carcass is then discarded.
• Last but not least on our list are the nylon toys, which are fantastic for chewers who are particularly aggressive. Many of them are in the form of bones and are designed to last for a very long time. These toys not only help dogs relieve their boredom, but also remove plaque from their teeth as they play with them. However, closer inspection reveals that the material is actually starch disguised to look like nylon. They are manufactured to be digestible, but their lifespan is typically shorter than that of toys made of nylon.

In addition to the function that the toy is intended to serve, it is essential to take into account the size of your dog as well as their capacity for chewing. Pekoe, our Boston Terrier, is very gentle with her plush toys; however, she is not permitted to have any nylon bones that are made for her size. This is due to the fact that she is an extremely aggressive chewer, and I am worried that she will swallow any of the pieces if she has access to them. When I buy her bones that are meant for dogs weighing 100 pounds or more, she is able to enjoy herself for many happy hours.

When you go to the pet store, rather than just grabbing anything off the shelf because you are feeling overwhelmed, give some thought to the things that your pet enjoys doing, such as chewing or playing fetch. Is it a risk to use the toy? How long will it continue to happen? Both you and your pet will have a good time if you buy the right toy for them to play with.