It is known that dogs are quite curious animals. As soon as a puppy learns to walk on its own, it develops a need to play: with its peers, cats, its mother, toys, food, or any objects. A toy attracts with its rustling, unusual shapes, a piquant new scent, and if it also makes sounds — it’s a super toy. Thus, veterinarians, zoopsychologists, and ethologists (researchers of animal behavior) have concluded that a pet should have many toys; they should vary in shape, size, scent, and texture.
Therefore, choosing toys for your beloved pet is not only a pleasant but also a responsible task. To help you navigate the variety, let’s look at the main types of dog toys and their purposes.

 

How to choose a toy for a dog considering age, size, and activity?

A dog’s needs change depending on its age, temperament, and physical characteristics. Puppies need something to chew on during teething, young active dogs need to expend energy in dynamic play, and older dogs need to maintain interest in interaction without overexerting themselves. The animal’s size, jaw strength, sensitivity to materials, and tendency to allergies are also important.

To make it easier for you to select a safe and beneficial toy, we have created a convenient table that takes all key factors into account:

Toy selection based on the dog’s age, activity, and size

Notes:

 

What color toy does a dog see best?

So, let’s start with color. It’s important to know that dogs cannot see colors in the red part of the spectrum, and green appears white to them. In a black-and-white palette, fluffy dogs can distinguish up to 40 shades. This ability to differentiate colors is evolutionarily fixed for better hunting in the dark. A red ball will be perceived as gray, and a white one will go unnoticed in the forest. Therefore, it’s better to choose yellow or blue toys.

 

What toys are suitable for puppies?

It’s better to give a puppy toys made of durable rubber or silicone material. If the puppy doesn’t chew through the items during 2-3 hours of continuous play, they are safe in terms of durability. These toys usually have squeakers inside, so the integrity of the material, especially the seams, is crucial. Otherwise, the internal sound mechanism could end up in the digestive tract.

Also, pay attention to small details — eyes, whiskers, hooks. A puppy can easily bite them off. The best option is toys with an oval, rounded shape without small protrusions.

 

 

How to choose toys based on a dog’s age and size?

Every few months, a puppy’s weight doubles. Toys need to be changed according to the dog’s growth. Small balls, fabric items, or those easy to swallow can get stuck in the digestive tract.

Symptoms of obstruction:

In such cases, you must immediately consult a veterinarian. Typically, an X-ray and surgical removal of the foreign object are performed.

 

When to give interactive developmental toys?

Developmental (interactive) toys stimulate thinking. They require a certain level of cleverness from the dog, for example, to retrieve a treat or unscrew a mechanism.

It is recommended to use such toys from 7–12 months.

 

 

 

Large breed dogs need active toys:

Ropes are good for developing jaws, especially in hunting or working breeds. For giants, it’s important to choose models with increased durability.

 

 

How to occupy a dog that constantly chews or overeats?

If a dog tends to chew on things or overeat, the following are suitable:

They distract attention and can serve as a good substitute during separation from the owner.

 

Can hard toys be given to young dogs?

Hard toys are not suitable for puppies under a year old, as they can damage their bite.

Recommended:

 

How safe are toy materials?

The most important thing is the safety of the materials. Avoid:

Safe scented toys contain natural ingredients, such as essential oils.

 

Do toys really clean teeth?

Yes, but only partially. Toys with small cells can remove light plaque in a young dog, but for significant buildup, only professional cleaning will help.

Ultrasonic cleaning at a vet is a quick and painless procedure.

 

 

Can a dog be given bones instead of toys?

Some dogs perceive only bones as toys, which is a natural instinct.

Recommended:

 

How to care for toys?

All dog toys require regular cleaning.

Tips:

 

Who controls toy quality in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, the only body certifying toys for animals is the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SES).
Choose products with a compliance certificate.

 

Toys — more than just entertainment

A toy for a dog is not only a means of fun but also an important part of its physical, emotional, and intellectual development. A properly chosen toy can relieve stress, shape healthy behavior, prevent injuries, and even strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Consider age, size, activity, individual characteristics, and always check the safety of materials. And remember: the best toy is the one that interests your dog specifically.