We know that our pets need regular exercise to keep them active, healthy and out of trouble. However, as pet parents, we aren’t able to always keep them entertained, making it easy for them to possibly get bored. Toys are a great way to keep them distracted and not let them get into any mischief. With so many options to choose from, how do we know which is the right toy for our pet?

Here are some of the most common toy mistakes, we as pet parents make, and how to make the right purchase the next time you treat your fur kid to a new toy:

Giving Your Dog Stuffed Animals Meant for Humans

Not only are human toys not built for pets, they can also be quite hazardous for your fur kid. Human toys are sometimes made with buttons, fake eyes or other small objects which a pet can unknowingly consume which could potentially harm them.
If you are looking for a stuffed animal for your dog, try a Tuffy Ultimate Toy – made of durable polyester and fleece. They are bonded and sewn together with up to seven rows of stitching and are designed to withstand rough play.

Choosing the Wrong Size Toy

It’s important to be aware of the impact that toy sizes have as toys that are the incorrect size for your pet could become a choking hazard. This tends to be more common with large dogs who are given small balls or small chew toys that they can swallow whole accidently.
If you struggle to find toys that come in a variety of sizes, try the Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy It comes in 5 sizes, making it easy to get the right size for your pup!

Not Training with Toys Early Enough

It might not be something everyone thinks about but training your puppy early with toys can play a vital role in their development. Training your pup while they are young will help them not become possessive and get toy aggression at a later stage.
Harder toys tend to be better for puppies due to the fact that with plush toys, their instinct is to want to eat the stuffing which can cause internal issues. Choosing a harder toy that they are less likely to consume will help with this as well as aiding with their teeth development.
For example, consider the Nylabone Chicken Puppy Teething Bone (recommended by vets as a pup’s favourite teething toy) as it encourages positive play and teaches your puppy healthy chewing habits from an early age.

Alternatively, we have a variety of toys made specifically for puppies for you to choose from here

Not Having Enough Toys

Your fur kid will argue that they never have enough toys, which can be true! Having a variety of toys on hand for them to play with will keep them entertained but don’t be afraid to keep a few out of sight. This way you can swap them on a regular basis and keep those tails wagging.

And don’t forget, always try and make sure you are able to monitor your pet when they play with toys to ensure they are safe and sound.