How to Choose Safe Toys and Chews for Your Dog

Walk down any pet aisle and you'll find a wall of squeaky plush animals, rubber balls, rope tugs, and chews of every shape. Toys are more than a treat for your dog. They burn energy, ease boredom, satisfy the natural urge to chew, and give you a fun way to bond. But not every toy suits every dog, and the wrong one can become a choking hazard or a costly trip to the vet. Here's how to pick toys and chews that are safe, satisfying, and right for your pup.

Start with Your Dog's Size and Chewing Style

The most important rule is simple: match the toy to the dog. A ball that's perfect for a Chihuahua can lodge in the throat of a Labrador. As a general guide, a ball or toy should be too big to fit entirely inside your dog's mouth or be swallowed whole.

Next, think about how your dog plays. Most dogs fall into one of three groups:

Gentle players carry toys around, snuggle them, and rarely destroy anything. Soft plush toys often work well for these dogs.
Moderate chewers enjoy gnawing but don't shred toys in minutes. Rubber toys, sturdy ropes, and tougher plush options usually hold up.
Power chewers can dismantle a "tough" toy in an afternoon. These dogs need durable, solid rubber or nylon toys made specifically for heavy chewers.

Watch your dog with a new toy for the first few sessions. You'll quickly learn which category they fit into.

Types of Toys and What They're Good For

Chew Toys

Chewing is normal, healthy dog behavior, especially for teething puppies. Giving your dog an appropriate outlet helps protect your shoes and furniture. Look for firm rubber toys that have a little give when you press them with your thumbnail. A good rule of thumb many vets share: if a chew is so hard you couldn't dent it with a fingernail, it may be hard enough to crack a tooth.

Interactive and Puzzle Toys

Treat-dispensing balls, stuffable rubber toys, and snuffle mats make your dog work for their food. These are fantastic for mental exercise, especially during colder months when walks are shorter. A stuffed rubber toy can keep many dogs happily busy while you're on a work call or making dinner.

Fetch and Tug Toys

Balls, flying discs, and rope tugs are great for active play together. Choose balls made for dogs rather than tennis balls for heavy chewers, since the fuzzy coating can wear down teeth over time. Put fetch and tug toys away after playtime so they stay special and don't get chewed apart unsupervised.

Comfort Toys

Some dogs love a soft plush companion to carry or sleep with. If your dog is a gentle player, these can be soothing, especially in a new home or crate. Just check them regularly for loose eyes, ripped seams, and escaping stuffing.

Red Flags to Watch For

A few warning signs mean it's time to rethink a toy:

Small parts like buttons, bells, or plastic eyes that can be chewed off
Squeakers your dog is determined to dig out
Stuffing coming out of seams
Strings, ribbons, or elastic that could be swallowed
Rubber or rope toys that are cracked, frayed, or worn down to a size small enough to swallow
Very hard items like cooked bones, antlers, or hooves that can splinter or break teeth

Swallowed toy pieces can cause serious intestinal blockages. If your dog swallows part of a toy, or shows signs like vomiting, lack of appetite, straining, or a painful belly, call your veterinarian right away.

Smart Habits for Safer Play

Supervise new toys. Watch how your dog handles anything new before leaving them alone with it.
Inspect toys weekly. Make a habit of checking for damage and tossing anything worn out.
Rotate the toy box. Keep a few toys out and store the rest. Swapping them every week or so keeps things feeling new and exciting.
Keep toys clean. Wash rubber toys with warm, soapy water and rinse well. Many plush and rope toys can go through the washing machine.
Know your household. In multi-dog homes, watch for guarding. Give each dog their own toys and separate them for high-value chews if needed.
Ask your vet about edible chews. Dental chews and other edible treats add calories and aren't right for every dog, so check what makes sense for your dog's age, size, and health.

A Thoughtful Gift for the Holidays

With the holiday season around the corner, a new toy makes a great stocking stuffer for your four-legged family member. A puzzle toy for a clever pup, a sturdy chew for a power chewer, or a soft plush buddy for a gentle soul can bring weeks of happiness. Just keep the safety basics in mind, and remember that the best toy of all is still time spent playing together.

Looking for something new for your pup's toy box? Browse the toys in our dog boutique for options to suit every size and play style. And if you'll be busy during the holidays, you can browse local pet sitters who'll keep the playtime going while you're away.