Shopping for Online Pet Toys: How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog

Toys provide more than just fun for your pups - they’re also the mental and physical enrichment crucial for their development and wellbeing, aiding in things like sensory play to develop a sense of self in the environment, game-led thinking, and more. Fortunately, there are more than enough options out there, from traditional balls and Frisbees to puzzles and self-entertaining toys.

While you just want your pet to have fun, some toys can prove harmful to them. Learn how to choose the right toys for your pups with our team at Cortella in this guide. 

Assess Your Dog’s Personality and Play Style

Each dog has unique preferences on things that they want to play with. So before indiscriminately grabbing things from the shelves, take some time to observe them first. Choosing toys based on these traits can make a huge difference.

• Chewers: Dogs that love to chew need durable toys made of rubber or material like heavy duty rubber. To be sure, look for labels such as ‘heavy-duty’ or ‘indestructible’ - be wary of items like natural chews or rope toys. Your pup can tear these apart and ingest them, which can cause blockages or intestinal damage.
• Fetchers: For dogs that love playing fetch, look for toys that are lightweight and easy to throw. You can also look for water-resistant items, for those beach play sessions.
• Tug-of-war lovers: Rope toys or reinforced plush toys work well with dogs that love playing tug. You can also look for toys with grips to make play time easier on you. 
• Problem solvers: Some dogs, like Border Collies or Australian Shepherds, need mental stimulation integrated into their play time to keep them satisfied. For this, you can use puzzle toys or special treat dispensers to keep their minds moving.

Choose the Right Size and Material

While it may be adorable seeing small dogs trying to bite off more than they can chew with toys double their size, or bigger dogs cuddling up with their small toys, appropriate toy sizes are important for the sake of safety. Small toys can pose choking hazards for big breeds, while oversized toys may be difficult for small pups to fully enjoy. So, when shopping for online pet toys, make sure to check the dimensions before checking out.

Material also plays a huge part in the durability and safety of the toy. Some of the safest materials are organic cotton or natural rubber. Avoid anything that has PVC, formaldehyde, artificial dyes, toxic glue, or artificial plastic.

Prioritise Safety in Every Purchase

Dogs won’t always know what’s dangerous for them or not, so it’s up to you as caretaker to ensure that the things you provide won’t cause harm - especially including their toys. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for pet toys online:

• Non-toxic materials: Always check and confirm if the toys are made from non-toxic, dog-safe materials. Look for mentions of BPA-free plastics or non-toxic dyes.
• Avoid toys with small parts: Toys with small parts that your dog can bite free present choking hazards, especially for curious, younger dogs. 
• Durability Ratings: Many toys will have durability ratings which will help you assess if your pet can get good value out of them. High-rated durability is crucial for strong-jawed dogs, like Rottweilers or Belgian Malinois for example. 

Ensure Mental and Physical Engagement

Variety is also important when shopping for dog toys. Mix up toys that encourage movement, such as balls, Frisbees, or tug toys with ones that promote mental engagement, such as puzzle feeders. This combination will help prevent boredom and physical issues with your dogs.

Key Takeaway

Selecting the perfect toys for your pups might still take some trial and error, but by noting these simple guidelines, you can narrow down your choices. For high-quality and durable pet toys, take a look at our selection at Cortella. There, you can find various kinds of toys for all sizes and ages. For more questions or inquiries, contact us now!