Just like human beings, animals have it in their nature to enjoy play. Dogs are playful creatures. Just as humans need time to unwind and have fun, dogs need play to keep them emotionally healthy. Unfortunately, we cannot be there to play with our canine friends all the time, but we can always keep them preoccupied with dog toys!
Dog toys are particularly important for puppies. When they are growing their teeth, their gums can get very sore. Chewing on toys helps to alleviate the pain and also helps to keep their teeth nice and clean. Aside from that, having a toy to keep them preoccupied can lessen a puppy's feelings of anxiety, especially when they are in a new home. Keeping chewable toys close by will make them feel less alone and less scared when they sleep at night. A lot of puppies love cuddling up to soft toys when they are tired. A safe soft toy (with no little pieces to choke on) would be ideal.
When dogs are bored or anxious, they sometimes manifest it through destructive behaviour such as chewing on your shoes or worse - your furniture. Toys can stimulate a dog's mind and help ease negative feelings. Also, they allow your pets to get some physical exercise, which is beneficial for their overall health. With all these health benefits, high quality and fun dog toys are a good investment. When you leave the house, it can be a good idea to leave a “squeak” toy for your dog, such as our Squeaker Bone. This will give your dog the feeling that the toy is interacting with it when you are out, and will help prevent boredom and loneliness. Another good toy to consider is the Kong range. These are toys that can be tightly packed with food and treats to keep your dog entertained for hours as he tries to lick the goodies out.
