The puppy just brought home always loves to chase your hands. If you move your fingers slightly, they will pounce and nibble with their little teeth. The sight of puppies shaking their heads and gnawing at hands is always adorable to owners.
However, this cute behavior can actually be dangerous! Puppies tend to use chewing as a way to explore the world, but if they learn during their puppy stage that human hands are chewable, this habit can be hard to change even when they become adults. The sharpness of an adult dog's teeth and their biting force cannot be compared to that of a puppy, and a casual bite can cause serious injury.
Therefore, it is crucial not to indulge puppies in biting hands. However, the dog's desire to chew and curiosity still need to be satisfied. If they can't chew on hands, what can be used instead? This is where dog toys come into play! This article will recommend various toys suitable for accompanying puppies as they grow. Let's take a look at what they are!
Puppy Chew Toys: Importance and Selection
Puppies have a strong urge to chew, which is crucial for their development. Chewing helps them explore and understand their environment, alleviates discomfort during teething, and can ease anxiety when adapting to new surroundings. Therefore, providing chew toys is essential for puppies.
Why Chew Toys Are Important
- Teething Relief: Chewing helps soothe sore gums during the teething phase.
- Anxiety Reduction: Chewing can calm puppies in stressful situations.
- Dental Health: Regular chewing promotes dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Choosing the Right Chew Toys
When selecting chew toys for puppies, consider the following factors:
- Trustworthy Brands: Opt for reputable brands like Sodapup or OUTWARD HOUND from the U.S., or ROOP from Japan. These brands offer products that meet international safety standards.
- Durable and Safe Materials: The material should be tough enough to withstand chewing without breaking into harmful pieces. Look for non-toxic materials that are certified safe for pets, such as durable rubber or sturdy rope.
Recommended Toy Example
A great option is the ROOP Ice Pop Hide-and-Seek Toy from Japan. This toy resembles a realistic ice pop with a separate outer packaging. Inside, it contains crinkly paper that captures the puppy's attention, while the ice pop itself is made from special TRP foam material, offering a unique texture and sound that only dogs can hear. Additionally, treats can be hidden inside the packaging, providing multiple play options that puppies love.
Selecting appropriate chew toys is vital for a puppy's physical and mental well-being. These toys not only satisfy their natural chewing instincts but also contribute to their overall health and happiness.
Puppy Comfort and Toy Selection
Puppies often enjoy items like socks, blankets, and plush toys, as these provide a soft and comfortable place to snuggle and chew, which can be soothing for them. However, while you may be willing to share these items with your furry friend, it's essential to understand that they may mistakenly think that all household items are fair game as chew toys. Additionally, regular plush toys or dolls might contain decorations that can easily fall off or can be torn apart, posing a risk of ingestion of stuffing or small parts.
For this reason, it is advisable to prepare toys specifically designed for dogs, especially those shaped like animals. Such toys can provide a sense of companionship for social dogs. When selecting these types of toys, consider the following points:
Key Considerations for Choosing Puppy Toys
- Material and Filling: If your puppy likes to lay on toys while sleeping, opt for comfortable and soft materials that are easy to clean, such as fleece. If your dog has a chewing habit, ensure the toy is sturdy enough to prevent them from swallowing stuffing or toy fragments. A good option is a chew toy filled with knots instead of stuffing.
- Avoid Excess Decorations: Check if the toy has any small parts that could be swallowed, such as plastic eyes, buttons, or ribbons. It's best to choose toys without unnecessary attachments or decorations.
If you're unsure how to select a safe toy for your dog, consider the following product:
Recommended Toy: Hugsmart Afternoon Picnic Set
This plush dog toy set from Canada includes multiple adorable food-shaped plush toys and comes with a picnic basket for storage. The entire set is made from soft and safe materials without any unnecessary decorations or plastic components, making it a worry-free option for your dog.
The Hugsmart Afternoon Picnic Set features several food-shaped plush toys designed specifically for dogs. With no plastic decorations, you can confidently allow your dog to chew on these toys.
Exploring Educational Toys for Puppies
Puppies are in a stage of strong learning ability. By exploring educational toys, they can satisfy their endless curiosity and engage their minds at home, while also supplementing their daily activity levels. Since puppies have limited life experience, it is recommended to start with simple toys such as snuffle mats and treat-dispensing puzzles, allowing them to explore, express themselves, and learn through sniffing.
Key Considerations When Choosing Toys
- Material Quality: It's important to consider the surface material of the toys. As puppies sniff around, their noses and mouths will rub against the toys. If the material is poor quality, it may cause discomfort. Opt for soft and comfortable fabrics like plush fleece that can protect their sensitive noses and mouths.
- Start with Lower Difficulty: Regardless of how intelligent you believe your puppy is, it's advisable to begin with easier toys to prevent frustration from overly challenging tasks. Once your puppy successfully completes various activities, you can gradually increase the difficulty or try more complex puzzle toys.
Recommended Toys
If you're concerned about purchasing a toy that's too difficult for your puppy, consider these options that are suitable for all dogs:
Outward Hound Treat Tumble
This interactive puzzle toy is designed to spark interest in problem-solving among beginner dogs. It has a low difficulty level, where treats can be placed inside the ball, and as the ball rolls, the treats will fall out. It's particularly suitable for puppies and pets that have not yet encountered educational toys. Available in two sizes to fit different dog breeds.
Platz Circus Snuffle Treat Ball
This toy features a combination of different materials that feel soft and comfortable. Don't underestimate this ball; it offers numerous ways to play! It includes crinkly paper and sound devices to attract your dog's attention. Additionally, it has compartments for hiding food, transforming it into a dynamic treat-dispensing toy.
Now you know about these suitable toys for puppies—no more letting your dog bite your hands!
