Pet toys are not just an indulgence, but are necessary to keep your pet alert, occupied and happy. In addition to simply becoming bored, a dog or cat needs mental stimulation and physical exercise. Dogs in particular are known for their love of playing. I’ve seen a dog play very contently with a napkin for at least 20 minutes; dog lovers say it’s a sign of imagination of course. There are dog toys available which have specific purposes other than just playing which contribute to overall well being but don’t worry; your dog doesn’t have to know that!

Dogs have an inherent urge to chew and may satisfy this urge on the coffee table legs if nothing appropriate is provided. Toys designed for chewing are abundant and vary in what they offer to your dog. Some dog chew toys are multi surfaced so your dog may enjoy a variety of textures and chewing needs. If your puppy is currently undergoing a painful teething stage, certain toys can be frozen and then given safely to your puppy. While they’ll be attracted by the bright colors and interesting shape, they will calm as the cold soothes aching gums. To maintain dental health in adult dogs, some chew toys are mint flavored to promote fresh breath as tartar is scraped off with the chewing action.

Other toys are designed to provide mental stimulation as well as the benefits of physical exercise through play. For instance, the good old fashioned squeak toy never fails to captivate a dog. Technologically savvy versions of the squeak toy are now automated to play different sounds upon impact and may even light up. Other toys are designed to secretly hide treats so your dog must use problem solving skills to locate and free the coveted snack. Dog toys are can be anything from an old tennis ball to a squeaky bone; the most important thing as far as your pal is concerned is that you are playing too!