Some dogs treat a new toy like a treasured possession. Others see it as a challenge to be completed in under ten minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog falls into the second category, you’ll know the routine. You buy a toy that promises to be almost indestructible, only to find stuffing scattered across the living room and a squeaker abandoned under the sofa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that there are toys designed to cope with enthusiastic chewers. The trick is understanding how your dog plays and choosing something that’s both durable and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Some Dogs Destroy Their Toys?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chewing is perfectly natural for dogs. It can help relieve boredom, provide mental stimulation and give them something enjoyable to focus on. Puppies also chew as part of teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs are simply more enthusiastic than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breed, age, personality and activity levels can all influence chewing habits. Labradors, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and many terriers, for example, can be particularly determined when it comes to pulling toys apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Young dogs may also go through a phase where nothing seems to survive for very long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It helps to understand your dog’s chewing style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing which description fits your dog makes choosing suitable toys much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which Dog Toy Materials Last the Longest?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all toys are designed for enthusiastic chewers, regardless of what the packaging says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Natural rubber<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good-quality rubber toys are often a sensible choice for dogs that chew enthusiastically. They’re usually flexible enough to have some give while being durable enough to withstand regular use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hollow rubber toys that can be filled with treats or food are particularly useful, as they give your dog something rewarding to work towards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Durable nylon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs enjoy nylon chew toys, especially those that prefer sitting quietly and chewing rather than chasing or tugging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, extremely hard nylon can damage teeth, and worn toys may develop sharp edges. Choose carefully and check them regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thick rope toys<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rope toys can be great for games of tug and interactive play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They’re less suitable for dogs that immediately pull them apart, as swallowed strands can cause serious digestive problems. Keep rope games supervised and remove damaged toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soft and plush toys<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every dog needs a heavy-duty rubber toy. Some enjoy carrying a soft toy around or settling down with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if your dog removes the stuffing within minutes, plush toys are best reserved for supervised play or avoided altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Careful With Very Hard Chews<\/p>\n\n\n\n A toy doesn’t have to be rock-hard to be durable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antlers, cooked bones and exceptionally hard chews can cause painful tooth fractures. As a general guide, if you can’t make any impression on a chew with your fingernail, it may be too hard for your dog’s teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re unsure which toys are suitable, ask your vet for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting the Size and Shape Right<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size matters just as much as material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A toy that’s perfectly suitable for a small dog could become a choking hazard for a much larger one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose toys that cannot fit entirely inside your dog’s mouth, and always follow the manufacturer’s size recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shape is worth considering too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs love irregular rubber toys that bounce in unexpected directions. Others prefer longer toys they can hold between their paws while chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be particularly cautious with toys that have holes or openings where a dog’s tongue or jaw could become trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make Tough Toys More Interesting<\/p>\n\n\n\n Durability is important, but there’s little point buying a toy that your dog completely ignores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes the best approach is to make playtime more rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try rotating toys rather than leaving everything available all the time. Bringing out a favourite toy after a few days can make it seem exciting again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food-filled rubber toys are another good option. Some can be stuffed with a small amount of your dog’s usual food or a dog-safe treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can even freeze suitable food-filled toys to make the contents last longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember to account for extra treats as part of your dog’s daily food allowance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interactive games are worth including too. A few minutes of tug, fetch or a simple search game can provide stimulation that chewing alone might not offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Should You Replace a Dog Toy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the toughest dog toy won’t last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regularly check toys for signs of damage, particularly if your dog is an enthusiastic chewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a toy is starting to fall apart, replace it rather than waiting for your dog to finish the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swallowed pieces can cause choking or intestinal blockages, so it’s always better to be cautious. If you suspect your dog has swallowed part of a toy, contact your vet promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding Dog Toys That Can Withstand Heavy Chewing<\/p>\n\n\n\n When shopping for durable toys, it’s worth looking beyond claims such as “tough” or “indestructible”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read reviews from owners with dogs of similar sizes and chewing habits, and check whether the toy is designed for chewing, retrieving or interactive play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different countries also have different products available. For example, Australian dog owners can explore this guide to tough dog toys for aggressive chewers<\/a>, which covers a range of options for dogs that are particularly hard on their toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wherever you’re shopping, prioritise suitability and safety over promises that a toy will last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Happier Dog and Fewer Destroyed Toys<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog destroys every toy you bring home, don’t assume they’re being naughty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many dogs, chewing is simply an enjoyable part of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right materials, getting the size right and providing different ways to play can make a real difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by observing how your dog uses their toys, introduce new ones under supervision and replace anything that becomes damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n