How to Buy Dog Toys

Every dog needs toys for fun and for mental stimulation. There are many different kinds of dog toys and choosing which one to buy can be a challenge. Dog toys come in large and small sizes and in different material types. By considering your dog and the toys available, you'll be able to buy the right dog toy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Choose appropriate sized dog toys for your dog. If the toy is too small, your dog can swallow it or choke. A toy can be difficult for a small dog to play with if it is too large. Many toys will have sizes listed on the package, but you can also look at the size of the toy in relation to your dog's mouth size.
2. Consider the purpose of the toy. There are dog toys made specifically for puppies to chew on and toys that are designed for a good game of fetch. Knowing what you want the toy for will help you find one that will fit your goal.
3. Pay attention to how your dog plays. Dogs who like to chew on toys or bones will like durable toys designed to be chewed on. However, you may want to avoid soft, plush toys with dog chewers so that they do not eat the squeaky part inside the toy. Dogs who like to chase toys may like bouncy, throw toys.
4. Inspect any dog toy that you are interested in to be sure that it is constructed well and has no dangerous parts. You may also want to consider how easily the toy can be cleaned.
5. Look for dog toys in pet supply stores, your veterinarian's office or online. These venues generally stock many of the same toys, so consider price and convenience in deciding where to buy the toys.

Tips & Warnings

• Supervise play time after you've bought the dog toy. Check periodically to be sure that the toy is not broken or posing any hazard to your dog.
• Rotate toys to keep your dog interested and to provide mental stimulation.