How to Buy Durable Dog Toys

Any dog owner knows that dogs love chewing on toys. For some dogs, any type of toy is suitable, but for others, you might need to make a more careful selection when purchasing dog toys. Some dogs have a tendency to chew through toys and destroy them. This guide will walk you through selecting toys for aggressive chewers. 

Importance of durable dog toys for aggressive chewers

Dogs have a habit of chewing on everything from dog toys to common household objects. Chewing is in your dog’s nature, and it is necessary to maintain their dental and jaw health. By making smart choices about the toys your dog chews on, you can ensure that they enjoy the benefits of chew toys while avoiding dangerous possibilities such as damaging their teeth or ingesting unsafe materials. 

Nothing carries a greater risk for destructive chewing than a stuffed toy. Loose, seedy dog chew toys make your pet gnaw away. Do not spend any time, effort, or money buying a stuffed toy for your dog. Instead, buy an indestructible dog toy that will last for years. 

It is important for your dog to have toys at their disposal. In addition to strengthening their teeth and jaws, toys can provide comfort and amusement for dogs when their owners aren’t home. They also might be able to prevent your dog from chewing your personal items, like shoes or towels. 

To choose the right toy, you’ll have to consider your dog’s breed, size, and chewing habits. The toy should not be small enough that your dog would be able to swallow it. Make sure to check if the toy you’re purchasing has any detachable parts that your dog might be able to chew off and swallow. 

One type of toy is an interactive dog toy, which is intended to mentally and physically stimulate your dog. Dogs also benefit from “distraction toys,” which are designed to keep them busy for longer periods of time. Distraction toys often include treats on the inside, which might satisfy a dog that is prone to chew through most of their toys. Some dogs also enjoy “comfort toys,” which are typically similar to stuffed animals. These toys might not be best for an aggressive chewer, as the materials in soft toys are easily damaged. 

There might be lifestyle changes that can also help your dog’s habit of aggressive chewing. If your dog chews up household items so often that it has become concerning, they might be bored due to a lack of mental stimulation. A bored dog is more likely to misbehave. To give your dog more entertainment and exercise, try setting aside more time for walks around your neighborhood. You can also incorporate playtime into your daily routine; use your dog’s new durable toys to create fun and mentally stimulating activities. You should also reduce the amount of stress in your dog’s life as much as possible; for example, if they become aggressive when introduced to new dogs, avoid taking them to spaces where they will have to interact with other dogs. Creating a happy, healthy environment for your dog will encourage better habits.

Safety tips when buying toys for dogs who are aggressive chewers

There are many safety tips to consider when buying your dog a new toy. There are also steps you can take at home to prevent your dog from chewing household items that could be dangerous if ingested. If you notice that your dog has a habit of aggressive chewing, remove items like ribbons, pantyhose, rubber bands, and string from your dog’s reach. 

Although most toys will generally be safe for your dog, there might be risks when purchasing toys online from overseas. Even some toys in the United States might have some risky ingredients. Some harmful substances to look out for include lead, chromium, melamine, bromine, arsenic, formaldehyde, and phthalates. If you have an old toy you’re not so sure about, you can always go to the FDA’s website and find their list of recalled and withdrawn products to see if your dog’s toy has been labeled as dangerous. 

Always supervise your dog’s chewing with a chew toy. Choose a durable dog toy for your pet that will not interfere with your dog’s safety and comfort.

Sometimes, aggressive chewing is simply a part of a dog’s personality. However, you should make sure that there aren’t any underlying issues for your dog’s chewing behavior that could indicate health problems. To determine whether your dog is aggressively chewing through their toys for any underlying reasons, monitor their behavior closely. 

Your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety. If you notice that their aggressive chewing only occurs while you’re not home, check your dog for other symptoms of separation anxiety. They might whine and bark when you leave home, or they might urinate and defecate inside the house as a form of protest. If you notice these behaviors, contact your veterinarian for extra tips. 

There are other safety tips to consider besides purchasing extra durable toys. After you’ve hidden your valuable items in areas out of your dog’s reach, watch your dog’s behavior throughout the day. Make sure your dog’s durable toys are available for them to chew on when they need it. If your dog still chews inappropriate items, try spraying them with chewing deterrents. If your dog regularly chews inappropriate items while you’re out of the house, consider confining your dog to a small space like a crate during the day. With a combination of compassion and discipline, you can make sure your dog’s behavior doesn’t disrupt your everyday life. 

Most durable materials for dog toys

The most common material for dog toys is rubber. It is perfect for chewing, and it can resist wear and tear easily. For aggressive chewers, it would be wise to purchase a durable rubber toy. This material is virtually impossible to destroy, even for dogs that have a habit of destroying their toys. It is easy to handle and is probably best for extreme chewers. If you purchase a rubber toy for your dog, you won’t have to worry about constantly buying replacements. When selecting a rubber toy, try to pick one without sharp edges. 

Another popular material for durable dog toys is a thick rope. These types of toys are entertaining and engaging for your dog, and they are relatively safe as well. If your dog manages to tear the toy, the ingested material won’t be too dangerous for them. Just make sure to check the ingredients and verify that the rope is mostly made out of cotton. Another great benefit of this type of toy is that it is easy to clean. If you notice that the toy is looking dirty, all you have to do is throw it in the washing machine. The rope toy is an almost indestructible dog toy. Because it holds up well to aggressive chewing, it is highly recommended.

Some materials are rarer for dog toys, but they could be good options for you if you have a large, powerful dog intent on chewing through any toy that comes their way. Some manufacturers use Kevlar, which is a material typically found in items such as bullet-proof vests or sails, items that are specifically made to be durable. The fibers in this material are tightly wound, making it difficult to tear. 

It would be best to avoid some popular types of toys if your dog is an aggressive chewer. For example, try not to purchase a squeaker toy for your dog. They might be too highly motivated to locate the source of the squeaking, causing them to tear into the toy. Typically, if a dog finds the source of squeaking, they will eat it, which could be dangerous depending on the materials the toy is made out of. If you insist on using a squeaker toy for your dog, consider only allowing them to use it while being supervised to ensure that they don’t ingest anything unsafe.

While plush and fleece toys are soft to the touch and amusing to look at, they might be a risky option for aggressive chewers. These are the easiest toys for dogs to destroy, so it would be a waste of money to purchase these for an aggressive chewer. The inside of these toys can pose problems for your dog when ingested, such as digestive issues and discomfort. It would also be advisable to avoid latex and vinyl toys; when ruptured, these materials can form sharp edges that can injure your dog’s mouth.

If you’re still worried about your dog’s toys enduring their aggressive chewing habits, even after choosing the most durable materials, there are several steps you can take to make sure their toys last as long as possible. The most effective option is to rotate their toys; only keep several toys available for them at a time. You should also be sure to keep their toys clean.

Best dog toys for aggressive chewers

Once you determine that your dog is an aggressive chewer, the next step is to select one or multiple dog toys that can resist wear and tear. There are many popular options that can keep your dog entertained and fulfilled without the risk of breaking. 

There are several types of aggressive chewing to look out for. Some dogs have a tendency to eat whatever they chew; they bite off chunks of their toys and swallow them. For these dogs, it would be best to select toys without too many separate parts that your dog might be able to chew off. Other dogs enjoy destroying their toys and other household items. For these dogs, it would be wise to purchase large toys made out of durable rubber. You can also buy a toy that dispenses treats for destructive dogs; they might derive satisfaction from receiving a prize during playtime.

The Nylabone is recognized as one of the strongest and best chew toys for aggressive chewers. Nylabone is a bone-shaped chew toy that is made from nylon. It helps avoid certain bacterial plaque buildup in your dog’s mouth. Nylabone inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which in turn helps improve your dog’s oral hygiene. It is also flavored, making it more appealing to your dog. If you select this option, choose the size of bone that is best for your dog depending on your dog’s weight. 

KONG dog toys are another suitable option for your pet. They are made of durable rubber, which is great for a heavy chewer. KONG makes toys from an especially durable rubber they call “extreme rubber,” which is a black rubber formulated specifically for tough chewers. There are several types and shapes of KONG toys to choose from. Most of them are ball-shaped, but you can also select a frisbee-shaped toy so you can enjoy interactive playtime with your dog. 

Some toys contain a compartment you can fill with treats, which can be dispensed from the toy as your dog plays with it. These are great for dogs that tend to consume inedible items. These toys could satisfy them enough to prevent them from eating other objects. Another popular option is the “tug-of-war” toy, which is designed for both interactive and individual use. On an individual basis, dogs can chew on the toy. If you want to participate, you can pull on one end of the toy while your dog tugs on the other end. Ring-shaped toys are also common. If you purchase one for your furry friend, be sure to either purchase one made of rubber or a fabric one that contains multiple durable layers. Ring toys are easy for a heavy chewer to grip and are also very durable and soft.

No matter what kind of durable dog toy you choose, it should be able to withstand your dog’s eager chewing habits. 

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