Puppies chew for a variety of reasons. But it’s a normal process. The action helps the animal to learn and explore. However, some breeds chew more than others. One example is the Boxer. They have a playful character. However, biting can be annoying for the owner. Addiction can lead to serious damage to shoes and other household items. The damage is all the more serious with adult dogs. To meet its psychological needs, it is advisable to buy a solid dog toy. But it doesn’t have to act alone, because you also have to educate your dog.
What are the criteria for choosing a plush toy?
Dogs can quickly tire of their toys. So you need to consider a mix. As well as a cuddly toy, you can add a down jacket or a ball to the mix. That way, all you’re doing is changing the trinket on that fateful day. Then, after a while, all you have to do is reuse the item. The animal will then think it’s a new gadget. Another tip is to vary the cuddly toys available to you. Here are the characteristics to look out for:
Indestructible plush
First of all, a dog can bite with the full force of its jaw. A fragile plush will then be torn and shredded. Then you’d have to buy another one. To avoid this inconvenience, it’s best to opt for indestructible plush. They are strong because of the material they are made from. In principle, manufacturers use rubber. Sometimes, the thicknesses of the toy are even doubled to meet this requirement.
For a quality plush toy, take a look at our previous article, which shows you how to find quality plush toys.
The right size
Once on the market, you’ll come across several different sizes of soft toy. The buyer should select the toy according to the size of the animal. A tiny toy is not suitable for large dogs such as German Shepherds or St Bernards. The dog’s mouth is too big. So it could accidentally swallow its teddy. The toy will then settle in his throat. On the other hand, a chiwawa will have a problem when chewing on a huge cuddly toy. So it won’t use the object. So you lose money without achieving the desired objective.
The safety aspect
Toys can be dangerous for our dogs. Examples include ribbons and strings. These decorative elements should be absent from our plush toys. The eyes are also a risk factor, as is the nose. They are made of plastic and sometimes detach from the body of the toy. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to forget baubles with detachable parts. If you have children, please refer to the information on the label.
The different types of dog plush
There are three types of soft toy you can buy in a pet shop. There’s the squeaker plush, the rope plush and the downless version.
Squeaky plush
The squeaky plush makes a sound when pressed. The animal will be amused as it discerns the sounds. It’s also a great idea to keep your dog occupied for a while. He’ll do everything he can to reach the room that’s emitting the noise.
The accessory is available in a variety of sizes and textures. There are several reasons why dogs love squeaky toys. Firstly, our companions see the sounds they make as wounded animals looking for help. In short, their hunting instincts come to the surface. Secondly, it reassures the animal that its bites are effective.
Barking will also stimulate the dog. He’ll want to be regularly entertained by his trifle. It is also recommended for throwing games. As they fall, the tones will help your dogs find the accessory quickly. They can then return the toy to the thrower’s hands.
Plush with rope
There are plush toys with a rope. The rope makes it easy for the dog to catch the toy. But that’s not the only advantage. Several games can be organised with this cord. There’s tug-of-war, for example. Here, it is advisable to stretch gently, as the animal could become aggressive. The cuddly toy is not just for entertainment. It can also be used for dental scaling.
Plush without stuffing
Plush can also be stuffed or unstuffed. Versions with padding remain an alternative to cuddles because of their softness. The dog can then sleep with the item. That said, you should always bear in mind the information given above regarding the dangerousness of the element. The non-capitated ranges are the ones to choose if your dog has a tendency to chew everything in its path.
What are the measurements and figures of the plush?
The safest way to choose a size is to measure your dog’s jaw beforehand. Models on the market range in size from S to XL. Smaller cuddly toys are ideal for resting with. On the other hand, if its main function is to play, opt for moderate-sized toys. Its volume should only be a few centimetres larger than its muzzle. The plush will be easy to hold in your hands.
The figurines represented are also varied. You can choose between different types of animal. Ideally, you should choose a model based on pets, such as a cat. If you raise a kitten, it will be difficult for the dog to tell the difference between the toy and the real feline. There’s a risk that he’ll go for the cat’s throat. What’s more, the risks will increase depending on the breed. Some are less sociable than others.
But beyond this recommendation, the owner can adopt ducks, squirrels, hedgehogs or even dinosaurs. There are even prototypes with no visible shape.
What colours of dog plush to choose?
Dogs’ eyes have fewer cones than human eyes. These are the light-receiving cells of the eye. As a result, they can only see certain colours. Moreover, coloured images are less sharp. The cones make it possible to distinguish between wavelengths. Dogs have two cones, whereas humans have three. Your companions are therefore colour-blind.
The choice of toy colour needs to be strategic. Sometimes dogs can’t distinguish the object. Red should therefore be avoided, as should green. These two colours become grey to their eyes. Blue, on the other hand, is easily discernible. You can also choose a purple indestructible plush.
Using the right colours also provides therapeutic care for dogs. The technique is called chromotherapy. Blue, for example, has a relaxing effect. It soothes the animal and reduces stress levels. Purple is suitable for anxious dogs. You should be aware, however, that only a dog trainer will be able to understand his mental state.
Find a washable model
Washing is another point to consider. The plush must be compatible with a washing machine. This is a question of hygiene. All you need to do is set the machine to a delicate cycle. You can use a detergent to optimise cleanliness. Once the stains have been removed, you need to put it in a dryer. Cleaning is essential to protect the fleece from bacteria. Some materials are sensitive when they enter a washer. So it’s a good idea to read the label to understand its weaknesses.
In conclusion, there are a number of selection criteria to check when buying a solid dog plush. Rubber should be your first choice. The safety aspect should not be underestimated.
Solid plush for dogs: How do I find it?
If you’ve bought a plush toy for your dog, don’t hesitate to post a comment to share your experiences.