Why You Should Give Your Pet a Toy

We’re debunking some myths about pet toys!

We all need a balance of work and play in our lives––even our pets! In today’s article, we’re debunking some myths about pet toys, and hopefully this could steer you in the right direction for your next trip to the pet store! 

Chew toys will influence my dog to bite everything 

Wrong! 

Expert animal trainers find no evidence for this and argue that dogs can easily distinguish toys from regular items. In fact, chewing on a safe toy for ten minutes a day can actually be healthy for your dog’s teeth! 

Cats don’t need to play 

Wrong! 

Cats need both physical and mental exercise––and toys are a great source for that! Playing with your cat can encourage good habits and prevent disruptive behavior too. 

I can just give my dog a tennis ball to play with 

Wrong! 

While great for fetch, tennis balls can be harmful for your pet when chewed on. Since the outing of a tennis ball is abrasive, it could wear down your pet’s teeth and even make it difficult for them to eat in the future. 

A ball of yarn and string is a safe toy for my cat 

Wrong! 

Despite what we see in movies and shows, yarn and string can actually be a choking hazard for your cat. When swallowed, string can also unfortunately get stuck in their digestive tract. 

Playing tug-of-war with dogs makes them more aggressive 

Wrong! 

If you notice your dog growl and bite down on a toy when you play tug, there’s no reason to worry! The act of tugging is actually a natural instinct for your pet. Plus, animal experts say that playing tug with your dog can even increase their trust in you. 

Pets aren’t choosy. I can give them any toy I find in a store! 

Wrong! 

If you’ve ever been to the toy section of a pet store, you’d know that there are plenty of options to choose from. You have to consider your pet’s size and personality––plus, inspect the toy’s quality and safety. Sometimes, you need to do a bit of trial-and-error with your pet to figure out what toy suits them the most. 

Confused when you’re shopping for your pet? You can approach attendants at any Pet Express branch to ask for their advice. We also highly recommend consulting your vet for questions about toy preferences and safety.

Share on: