If your pet experiences separation anxiety or if you’re looking for ways to engage their minds, why not consider finding some stimulating dog toys? Having these toys readily available is perfect for keeping your furry friend physically, emotionally, and mentally fulfilled while you are away or occupied.
Having interactive dog toys on hand can be very helpful in reducing stress and calming nerves in dogs, particularly in new situations. Meeting new people, even if they are pet lovers, can sometimes be a bit challenging for our furry companions. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a few interactive dog toys available when you introduce a pet sitter to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition, helping your dog remain calm and composed throughout the process.
As a result, we have gathered a diverse selection of engaging dog toys to enhance your pup’s senses and keep them alert while you are occupied.
10 toys to keep dogs busy
Kong spiral treat dispenser
If you are an experienced pet owner, you are likely familiar with Kong dog toys. Known for their ability to keep dogs entertained, Kong has once again designed an impressive treat dispensing toy with their spiral dog toy. This toy taps into your dog’s natural instincts to forage and encourages them to follow the rolling toy in order to access the treats inside. The treats serve as a reward to prevent your dog from becoming frustrated, and the unpredictable movements of the spiral toy keep your dog engaged. This is especially useful when you are unwell and unable to play with your dog, or when you need to keep them occupied while you are out.
Floppy fish interactive dog toy
If you are looking for toys to keep your dogs occupied, then this floppy fish is the perfect choice. While it may seem comical, the entertainment it provides for your pup is no joke. It allows for hours of fun as it “flops” when your pup touches it. The design takes your dog’s energy levels into consideration, matching the flopping speed with the force and speed at which your dog touches the fish. When your pup stops touching it, the fish remains still until approached again. To continue the fun, simply charge the fish with a USB between play sessions. If a floppy fish isn’t your thing, don’t worry, a floppy lobster is also available.
Nina Ottosson dog puzzle – advanced challenge slider toy
If you are familiar with the world of canine interactive puzzle toys, then you are likely aware of Nina Ottosson dog puzzles. These toys are designed to provide intellectual stimulation and prevent boredom. The advanced slider puzzle is one of their offerings. If your dog has experience with puzzle toys and you want to enhance their problem-solving skills, try this slider toy. It will capture their interest and distract them from mail carriers quickly.
Kong ballistic hide and treat toy
If you want a highly durable toy that offers mental stimulation for dogs and keeps them entertained while you’re busy, simply fill this small item with their preferred snacks, and there you have it! Your dog will be occupied as long as the treats remain concealed.
Sheepskin chaser tug
If you’re in search of mentally and physically stimulating dog toys, consider a chaser tug. It is designed to tap into your dog’s chase drive and can be used both indoors and outdoors. This toy is great if you want to engage your dog in play or if you’re unable to take them for a walk. In addition to keeping dogs busy with minimal effort, it can also be used for recall training as dogs are likely to find the fluffy end more enticing than other distractions. Furthermore, if you have a nervous pooch or a puppy, the long handle allows for play from a distance, which is perfect for introducing them to pet sitters or new pet parents in a comfortable way.
Starmark bob-a-lot interactive dog toy
If you’re looking for stimulating dog toys, then it’s likely that food will be involved because we all know that nothing motivates our furry friends quite like food! This bob-a-lot toy can engage your dog’s mind and keep them calm and prevent stress and destructive behaviors, especially when you’re busy with something else.
Vivifying snuffle mat
Pet owners are already aware that snuffle mats are highly engaging toys for dogs. These mats awaken their natural instincts to forage and hunt, providing a great way to stimulate their brains and keep them occupied for extended periods. By concealing treats in different areas of the mat, you can challenge your pup’s cognitive abilities and encourage them to use their sense of smell. Additionally, to prevent boredom, you can easily change the shape of the mat by adjusting the drawstrings.
Wilko interactive paw search and reward toy
This interactive paw for search and reward is the perfect dog treat puzzle for keeping your dog busy and happy without spending too much money. It is an ideal enrichment toy for dogs, as it reduces stress and provides mental stimulation. It is particularly useful if you need your dog to be calm during work meetings or to calm their nerves when left alone for short periods of time. All you have to do is fill the compartments with their favorite kibble or treats, and they will eventually find them and be rewarded. However, they won’t find them too quickly!
Intelligent escaping toy
If you were a fan of the floppy fish, then you will surely be interested in this dog toy which is both exciting and interactive. It not only moves on its own but also manages to escape whenever it detects any movement. This means that your dog can play with it while you are occupied with work, providing them with both physical and mental stimulation. It is guaranteed to make your dog happy and engage their instincts to chase and stalk in a secure manner, as it quickly scurries away whenever it senses your dog coming close.
Rubber chew balls
If you are looking for toys to entertain your bored dog, consider purchasing a chew toy or multiple ones to keep them occupied. These toys not only help maintain their dental hygiene but also provide mental stimulation for your furry friend. Additionally, they are highly enjoyable for dogs to chew on. Moreover, these chew balls have the added bonus of dispensing treats, which will pique your dog’s interest even more.
7 Simple Safety Tips Before You Buy Your Next New Dog Toy
There has been a lot of discussion on Pet Health Network regarding harmful pet toys, and now I would like to present my own recommendations on selecting secure toys and chews for your dogs to engage with.
1. Look for toys that are fairly indestructible
Even for breeds like Pitbulls, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers, hard nylon or hard rubber toys may be suitable. However, it is important to be cautious of sharp edges that can form on these toys. Check for any big pieces that have been broken off and, if found, dispose of them. Soft rubber toys should be avoided.
2. Keep an eye on rope toys
Initially, toys comprising sturdy nylon or rubber and joined together by a thick rope may be acceptable; however, it is advisable to continuously monitor the condition of the rope to ensure it stays intact.
3. Beware toys with bells
Toys equipped with bells or squeakers inside are not advisable as they are frequently the initial objects that your dog will detach and potentially ingest.
4. Watch for rips and tears
If well-made plush or thick fabric toys break or tear at a seam, it is advisable to replace them to ensure safety. When torn, the stuffing may scatter all over your house or, worse, be ingested by your dog.
5. Rawhide chews have their pros and cons!
Dogs undeniably adore rawhide and it can keep them occupied for a considerable amount of time. However, I would like to offer a few suggestions. If you opt for the larger ones, which are composed of single sheets of rawhide that are rolled and knotted on both ends, it is important to keep an eye on them. Once they become excessively soft and start to unravel or break apart, it is wise to discard them and give your dog a new one (fortunately, these are not very costly). Personally, I prefer pressed rawhide chews that disintegrate into small, safe-to-swallow pieces when chewed and softened. I must caution that when it comes to ANY rawhide chew product, it is crucial to avoid those manufactured in China until we gain more knowledge about the causes of the reported illnesses. To ensure maximum safety, it is best to stick to products made in the U.S. or those distributed and endorsed by reputable U.S. companies.
6. Dental chews have improved
Stick with the name brands as the manufacturing process of popular dental chews has been altered to ensure safety, allowing them to dissolve and soften upon contact with saliva.
7. Find the right size toy
It is important to take caution when purchasing toys and chews for your pet. Ensure that you choose the appropriate size that matches your pet’s mouth. If the toy or chew is too small, there is a risk of it being swallowed whole and getting stuck in the intestinal tract. On the other hand, if it is too large, it may not serve its intended purpose. Additionally, if you try to break it into smaller pieces to get more value, be careful not to unintentionally break a piece that is too small as it can pose a danger.
