How to Buy Dog Toys for Less

There are a number of ways to keep your pet's toy basket filled with the best toys without spending a fortune. Here are a few ideas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Balls offer good exercise for your dog.

   The first thing I want to caution against is buying exclusively by price. There are cheap knock-off toys with dangerous materials that could harm your pet. So, if you do buy your toys, make sure they are made with safe materials produced by reliable companies.

2. There are deals to be had on the internet, catalogs and pet stores. Look for special promotions and sales.

3. Choose toys that will have benefits like rope toys that work as dental floss, chew toys that scrape teeth of tartar and toys that hide edible treats inside that will keep your dog occupied for hours.

4. If your dog likes squeaky toys, you can sometimes find them inexpensively in the children's toy or baby departments. These toys, being safe for children, are also safe for dogs. And since they are so basic, you might find them for more of a bargain in this department rather than the pet department.

5. 
   Some dogs adore stuffed toys

   Some dogs love soft, stuffed toys and carry them around like a child will his or her favorite toy. You can even make your own stuffed toy without being an expert at sewing by filling any pocket-type fabric with safe stuffing.

6. 
   Dogs love bones

   Bones have kept dogs happy for years. The safest bones are big marrow bones that will not chip or splinter. Some grocery stores sell them or will cut them up for you if you ask. They will be very inexpensive and you can buy quantities and freeze them. I find giving big bones when they are still frozen makes them less messy and the dogs don't seem to care either way.

7. Used tennis balls can be had for free from friends who like to play the game. I use them to throw regularly, but because my dogs like to chew on them I don't leave them around. Dogs can eventually 'sand' down their teeth on the coverings if they chew them a lot.

8. Tugs are fun for dog and human alike. They can come in many forms including rings and ropes. If you can find a nice length of pure thick woven cotton rope, you can make your own by just tying either end into a know so the rope won't unravel. Make sure you use a clean cotton. It can even be thrown in the washing machine.

9. These are just some ideas on how to keep your pet supplied with great toys without damaging your budget! For some more good tips on dog toys and how to use them with your dog, see the Resource below.

Resources

• More information on toys and your dog

[Gottaloveit]

on 2/18/2009 Giving bones have a nice side effect of keeping the dog's teeth healthier by knocking off tartar. My dogs love bones and all kinds of toys. Thanks for the great ideas.

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 12/5/2008 I love to see pets play with toys and it is true that they should or could be items that sensibly will help the animal like when teething or just to help share fun time with the pet. I like this article. I find it warm.

[vallain]

on 11/17/2008 Excellent ideas for inexpensive toys for pets. You are right to look for toys that aren't too small or with parts that come off. My sister's dog swallowed a small squeek toy (a hedgehog) and had to have surgery to remove it.