Mouse Toys for Dogs: Fun & Durable Choices for Playtime!

Okay, so my dog, Buster, is a chewer. I swear, that dog can go through toys faster than I can buy them. I was getting tired of constantly shelling out for new ones, so I figured, why not try making some myself? That's how I started this little project of making mouse toys for dogs.

Gathering Supplies

First things first, I needed supplies. I didn't want to use anything that could be toxic or harmful if Buster, you know, consumed it. Which, let's be honest, is a very real possibility.

• Felt: I went with felt because it's pretty tough, but still soft enough that it won't hurt his teeth. Plus, it comes in a million colors.
• Scissors: Nothing fancy, just regular scissors.
• Needle and Thread: Again, basic sewing supplies. I chose a thick, strong thread.
• Stuffing:For the stuffing. I used some clean cotton.
• Catnip (Optional): Okay, this is technically for cats, but Buster goes crazy for it. So I figured, why not?

The Construction Process

I'm no sewing expert, okay? My stitches are probably a mess, but Buster doesn't seem to care.

1. Cutting the Felt:I started by cutting out the felt. Simple mouse shapes, nothing complicated. Two body pieces, a little circle for the base, and some tiny ears.

2. Sewing the Body:Then, I sewed the two body pieces together, leaving the bottom open.I made sure to double-stitch everything, because, like I said, chewer.

3. Adding the Base:I flipped the body inside out (so the seams were on the inside) and sewed the circular base onto the bottom. This was a little tricky, but I managed.

4. Stuffing Time: Time for stuffing! I packed in the cotton, making sure it was nice and plump. If I was using catnip, I sprinkled a little bit in with the stuffing.

5. Closing it Up: I sewed up the opening, again, double-stitching for extra durability.

6.Adding the Ears:Finally, I sewed on the little felt ears. I didn't bother with a tail, because I knew Buster would just rip it off anyway.

The Final Result

And that's it! A homemade mouse toy. It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it's sturdy, and most importantly, Buster loves it. He bats it around, chews on it, and carries it everywhere.

The best part? It's cheap! I can make a bunch of these for the cost of one store-bought toy. Plus, it's kind of satisfying to know I made something my dog enjoys so much. Will I keep doing this? Absolutely. It saves me money, and it keeps Buster happy. Win-win!