Dogs love their toys! it is a good way to stimulate them, get them to play and get some exercise all at the same time. So, you can essentially look at toys as more of a necessity, rather than a nice to have.

Toys can also help dogs fight boredom when you are away from home and could make them feel a little less nervous to be by themselves. This is however completely up to your dog; some might like to be home alone. 😊

Dogs perceive toys in the same way wolves perceive prey, it comes down to texture, shape, and size. They often prefer toys that taste good or can be torn apart.

Pups try out various toys at their early age but most dogs will at least for a part of their life have a favourite toy. Think of it the same way a child will have a favourite toy or blanket that they take to bed with them.

We love our furry friends, so we need to ensure that the toys they play with are safe. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing their next toy:
• The size of your dog. Preferably, the toy should not be too small that it could be swallowed or too big that it is difficult to play with. You may not want to purchase a Frisbee when you don’t have a backyard or park close by.
• If your dog enjoys squeaky toys, make sure to be close by when they play with it. Some dogs are determined to find the source of the squeaking which means they could swallow it when they eventually find it.
• Make sure the toys you get are dog-proof by removing ribbons or strings or other things that might be harmful to your dog.

Toys can be used for various reasons, lets have a look at them.
• Hard rubber toys come in different sizes and are nice to carry around. Some dogs like rope or woven toys to play tug-of-war with. These toys are active toys that ensures your dog get some exercise.
• Feeder toys are rubber shaped toys that are filled with treats. This is especially good to keep your pup busy, as they can move it around with their mouth and paws to get to the treats. These are called distraction toys.
• Comfort toys are soft toys that your dog uses as a comforter. They will probably feel the happiest when they can carry this toy with them wherever they go, so make sure you choose the right size to make it easy for them.
• Teething toys are good for dogs between 12 weeks and 6 months (when they lose their adult teeth). They often want to chew on something (or rather EVERYTHING) during this period. This is a nice way not just to soothe them but also save your furniture from being munched on.
• Toys for blind dogs. Predominately these toys will have an odour or make a noise that makes it easy for blind dogs to smell and find.
For those of us who are budget conscious here are a few tips to make your dog’s toys last:
• Rotate your dog’s toys, except for his comfort toy which he will need more often than the others.
• You may want to limit toy usage and instead go for a walk or run, play hide and seek or use interactive toys like a Frisbee. Fun for both of you!

It is also important as a pet parent, to make sure we give our dogs the best care and love as possible. Being able to play and have fun is part of a dog’s wellbeing so, make sure you make time to play with them and that they have toys that suit their personality and needs.