Toys and Games to Keep Your Pet Active

Pets as an important part of a family. As a part owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that your pet remains mentally stimulated and engaged. And while you're preoccupied with everyday chores, your dogs feel more bored than you realize. This often leads to chewed-up shoes, torn carpets, and shredded pillows. It also takes a toll on your pet's mental health. This is where pet toys come into play.

 

Providing pets with toys and games that can mentally stimulate them is an excellent way to keep them engaged. However, because there are so many options, it can be difficult to find decent toys for your furry friend. From puzzle feeders to interactive toys, there is always something for every pet's unique requirements and tastes.

Let’s look at some of the best toys and games in the market that can help you in keeping your pet active and entertained.

Dogs

As a dog owner, it's important to keep your furry friend healthy and happy with the help of regular exercise and stimulation. Luckily, there are plenty of toys and games available that can help you do just that. Some of them include:

1. Squeaky Toys

Squeaking toys are appealing to certain dogs and are helpful to keep your dog busy and entertained. The sound stimulates prey, and hearing it can be thrilling for them. Toys made with thinner materials are often less expensive, however, they are mostly less durable. While they can be an appropriate choice for smaller dogs, toys made of stronger rubber may do better with aggressive chewers.

2. Fetch Toys

Fetch toys are an ideal choice for dogs who love running and playing. They are available in different shapes, colors, and materials, including rubber and nylon. Popular fetch toys like the Kong Classic are composed of tough rubber and can be packed with treats to give your dog an added challenge.

3. Plush Toys

Plush toys are quite popular when it comes to keeping your dogs busy and active. Some dogs carry them around and are gentle with them, while others rip them apart like prey. If your dog falls into the latter type, watch out for the stuffing and the squeaker inside since they could cause blockage in the digestive system and create some major issues.

4. Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are great for keeping your dog mentally stimulated. These toys require your dog to figure out how to get a treat or toy out of a puzzle or maze. The complexity of these toys varies. Some feature a hole in the center for sweets like cookies or peanut butter. Others have different areas where you can hide treats. Your dog must next solve the challenge to find the prize.

5. Tugging Toys

Scientists and dog trainers have several theories as to why dogs like tug-of-war. Some claim it improves relationships between dogs (or between you and your dog), while others believe it mimics predation. Whatever the reason, tugging toys give both physical and mental exercise. Ropes and double-handled rubber toys, for example, allow you and your dog to grab a firm grip and tug back and forth. However, be cautious with rope toys when left unsupervised, as they can cause severe gastrointestinal troubles if your dog consumes them.

 

Cats

Cats have proven to be captivating animals. Although their independent nature is one of their endearing qualities, it's important to remember that they need mental and physical stimulation to maintain their well-being and contentment. To provide this stimulation, toys and games are excellent options with a wide selection to choose from that cats will surely enjoy. Some of them include:

1. Laser Pointers

Laser pointers are a popular toy for cats, providing hours of entertainment for both pet and owner. These toys are especially great for energetic cats who need an outlet for their energy. Simply point the laser and watch as your kitty chases it around the room like a lunatic. However, it's important to remember never to shine the laser directly into your cat's eyes, as this can be harmful to their vision. With these precautions in mind, laser pointers can be a fun addition to any cat lover's toy collection.

2. Ping Pong balls

In addition to being a popular game, ping pong balls make for great cat toys. Their lightweight and bouncy nature keeps cats busy and entertained for hours. Whether batting them around the house or throwing them in the bathtub, these balls are sure to provide endless entertainment for your feline friend. Plus, they're affordable and easy to find at most sporting goods stores.

3. Puzzle Cat Feeder or Treat Ball

If you want to mentally stimulate your cat when you're not home, try using a puzzle treat feeder or ball. Simply take a portion of your cat's daily biscuit or treat allowance and place it in the feeder. Your cat will need to use their cognitive abilities to retrieve all the treats, which will keep them occupied for several hours.

4. Wand/Fishing rod

There are various types of fishing rod toys available, such as mice, birds, fish, and feathers, among others. These toys are useful in mimicking the movement of small animals or birds. Cats often enjoy chasing after these toys as you move them across the floor or dangle them in the air, just out of their reach.

5. Tunnel

Including a tunnel in your cat's playtime can be a great addition to several toys mentioned on our list. You may choose to hide a toy mouse in the tunnel, dangle a fishing rod in front of it, or toss a ping pong ball through for your cat to chase. Additionally, tunnels make excellent hideout spots for your cat to either stalk or pounce out of. If you prefer a cost-free alternative to a tunnel, a large paper bag can be used, but make sure that it has no handles that could get caught around your cat's neck, and never use a plastic bag.

Conclusion

By providing your pets with toys and games that cater to their interests and needs, you can prevent destructive and boredom-induced behavior.

Pet owners have a wide range of options of toys and games to choose from, ranging from interactive games and puzzle toys to chew toys. However, it is crucial to select toys that are age-appropriate, durable, and safe for their pets. By incorporating these toys and games into their daily routine, pet owners can create a stronger bond with their furry companions.