Dog Kennel Toys: Which Toys Are Safe and Fun for Dogs? Find Out What Vets Recommend

Okay, so, I’ve been meaning to write about this for a while now – my little experiment with dog kennel toys. You know, trying to find the perfect ones for my furry friend, Max. It’s been a journey, let me tell you!

It all started when I first got Max. He was this little ball of energy, always chewing on something. I built him a nice kennel outside, but I noticed he’d get bored pretty quickly. So, I thought, “Why not get him some toys to keep him entertained?” I hit up the local pet store, and wow, the options were overwhelming. I just grabbed a few that looked fun – a rubber ball, a rope toy, and something made of hard nylon that looked like a bone.

Well, let me tell you, Max went through that rope toy in about a day. He shredded it to pieces! I was finding bits of rope everywhere. The nylon bone was a bit better, it lasted a couple of weeks, but he didn’t seem too interested in it.

The rubber ball was another story. He loved fetching it, but I quickly realized that leaving it in the kennel unsupervised wasn’t a great idea. He’s a pretty strong chewer and started tearing chunks out of it. I was worried he’d swallow them, so I took it away. That’s when I decided to do some actual research.

I started reading up on what kinds of toys are safe for dogs in kennels, especially for strong chewers like Max. Turns out, those hard nylon toys are generally considered safe. Balls and chew toys made of hard rubber are also good options. I learned that the size of the toy really matters. Too small, and it’s a choking hazard.

• Hard Nylon Toys: Seem to be pretty durable and safe.
• Hard Rubber Toys: Good for chewers, but need to make sure they are the right size.
• Avoid: Soft toys and anything that can be easily shredded.

With this newfound knowledge, I went back to the pet store. This time, I was on a mission. I looked for toys specifically designed for “aggressive chewers.” I found this big, solid rubber ball, but not the normal kind, this one is made by Kong. I also grabbed a couple of different Nylabone toys – they were these hard, bone-shaped things that felt indestructible.

I put these new toys in Max’s kennel and watched him. He was instantly interested! He spent hours gnawing on the Nylabones, and he seemed to love the Kong ball. I was so relieved! Finally, I found something that could withstand his chewing and keep him entertained.

I still supervised him, of course, especially at first. I wanted to make sure he wasn’t breaking off any pieces. But these toys held up really well. It’s been a few months now, and they’re still going strong.

My Big Takeaways

So, what did I learn from all this? Well, first, not all dog toys are created equal. You really have to consider your dog’s chewing habits and the size of the toy. Second, doing some research can save you a lot of time and money. And third, seeing your dog happy and engaged with their toys is totally worth the effort!

It was a bit of a process, but I’m glad I took the time to figure out what works best for Max. Now, he’s a happy camper in his kennel, and I have peace of mind knowing he’s safe and entertained. If you’re going through the same thing, don’t give up! Keep trying different things until you find that perfect toy for your furry pal.