Finding toys that will keep your dog entertained, engaged, and mentally stimulated can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you’re on a budget. But what if we told you that many household items you already have can double as fantastic dog toys?
That’s right — everyday objects can be used to create fun, interactive, and beneficial playtime for your dog without the need to buy expensive toys from the store.
This guide will walk you through various common household items that can be safely used as dog toys. It will also include practical tips, safety precautions, and ideas to make playtime more fun for your furry friend.
Why Dogs Need Toys
Toys are more than just a source of entertainment for dogs. They serve a vital role in a dog’s physical and mental well-being. Regular play helps dogs stay active, reduces anxiety, prevents boredom, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Toys are also an essential tool for training, helping with teething, and redirecting unwanted behaviors.
Dogs require toys that cater to their instincts, such as chewing, fetching, and tugging. Offering a variety of toys helps satisfy these needs while also preventing destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or shoes.
Safe Household Items You Can Turn into Dog Toys
Many common household items are safe and effective dog toys as long as you take proper precautions. Below are some of the best everyday items you can repurpose for your dog’s playtime.
-
Old Tennis Balls
Why it’s great: Tennis balls are one of the most popular dog toys for fetch, and most households have one lying around. They’re easy to throw and can be used for games of fetch, providing physical exercise and mental stimulation.
How to use: Throw the tennis ball in a safe, open space for your dog to retrieve. Be sure to inspect the ball regularly for wear and tear, as a damaged ball could break apart and pose a choking hazard.
Safety Tip: Make sure the tennis ball isn’t too small for your dog, as it could become a choking hazard. Large breeds should use bigger balls that they can’t swallow whole.
-
Old Socks (or Sock Balls)
Why it’s great: Socks are soft, flexible, and can be tied into knots or rolled into balls, making them great for tug-of-war and fetch. If you have mismatched socks or old ones that have lost their pair, these can be reused as dog toys.
How to use: You can either stuff the sock with another sock or a soft material and tie it in a knot to create a chew toy. Alternatively, you can stuff a few socks into each other to create a fun tug toy or a fetch ball.
Safety Tip: Ensure the sock doesn’t have any loose strings or items that could come loose and pose a choking risk.
-
Empty Plastic Water Bottles
Why it’s great: Many dogs love the crinkly sound that plastic bottles make, which is why an empty plastic water bottle (without the cap) can be an enticing toy for your dog. The bottle’s shape and texture make it fun to chew on, and it’s also great for fetch.
How to use: Simply remove the cap and label from the bottle, and give it to your dog. The crinkly noise is a great source of entertainment for dogs, especially puppies.
Safety Tip: Always supervise your dog when playing with plastic bottles to ensure they don’t chew off pieces or swallow plastic fragments.
-
Old T-shirts (for Tug-of-War)
Why it’s great: Old T-shirts or cotton fabric strips can be braided into tug toys, which provide excellent mental and physical stimulation for your dog. Tug-of-war is a fantastic way to engage with your dog, as it allows for bonding time while also letting them release energy.
How to use: Cut an old T-shirt into strips and braid them together. You can also tie them in knots or roll them into a ball for fetching. This DIY toy is durable and soft on your dog’s teeth.
Safety Tip: Avoid using items with zippers, buttons, or loose seams, as these could come off and be ingested. Always check for wear and tear before allowing your dog to play.
READ ALSO: Proper Dental Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
-
Cardboard Boxes
Why it’s great: Cardboard boxes are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into several different types of toys. Dogs love to tear into cardboard, and it’s a safe and environmentally friendly way to engage their instincts. Cardboard boxes can be used for digging, chewing, and hiding treats.
How to use: You can fill a box with shredded newspaper or other safe materials to create a fun digging activity. Or, simply leave the box intact and let your dog rip it apart. You can also hide treats inside to create an interactive puzzle for your dog.
Safety Tip: Always ensure the cardboard is free from ink, adhesives, or harmful chemicals. Supervise your dog while playing with cardboard to prevent them from eating large pieces.
-
Empty Paper Towel or Toilet Paper Rolls
Why it’s great: Empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls are easy to find and can be used in a variety of ways to create toys for your dog. They can be turned into puzzle toys, chew toys, or even treat dispensers.
How to use: You can fill a toilet paper roll with treats or peanut butter and let your dog figure out how to get the treats out. Alternatively, you can stuff it with crinkly paper or a small toy for added fun.
Safety Tip: Make sure the rolls are free from any leftover paper or small pieces that could be a choking hazard. Always supervise your dog when playing with cardboard items.
-
Old Shoes (without laces)
Why it’s great: Many dogs love chewing on shoes, but instead of getting frustrated with them, you can give them an old pair that you no longer use. Leather shoes or sneakers can be durable chew toys that provide an outlet for chewing behavior.
How to use: If you have a pair of old shoes that no longer fit or are worn out, remove any laces and place them in a safe area where your dog can play with them.
Safety Tip: Make sure there are no small parts or items (like laces) that could be ingested. Shoes with metal parts or small embellishments should be avoided.
-
Plastic Containers (e.g., Yogurt or Butter Tubs)
Why it’s great: Empty plastic containers like yogurt cups or butter tubs can make for excellent, interactive toys. Dogs enjoy pushing these around with their paws, and they can also be used as treat dispensers or puzzles.
How to use: You can fill the container with treats and let your dog figure out how to get them out. If the container has a lid, leave it off to avoid choking hazards.
Safety Tip: Be cautious about small plastic parts that could break off and become a choking hazard. Always supervise your dog while playing with plastic containers.
-
Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Why it’s great: Wooden spoons and spatulas can make great chew toys. They’re durable and safe as long as they’re not splintering. They also provide some mental stimulation when your dog chews on them.
How to use: Simply give your dog a clean, smooth wooden spoon or spatula to chew on. You can also use it as a fetch toy in an open area.
Safety Tip: Inspect the spoon or spatula regularly for signs of splintering. If it starts to break or split, discard it to prevent injury.
-
Ball of Aluminum Foil
Why it’s great: A crumpled ball of aluminum foil can serve as an exciting and noisy toy for your dog. The shiny, crinkly texture is sure to captivate their attention, and it’s small enough to be used in games of fetch.
How to use: Simply crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a ball and toss it for your dog to retrieve. They’ll love the noise and texture.
Safety Tip: Ensure the aluminum foil is free from sharp edges that could hurt your dog. Only use small amounts of foil to prevent accidental swallowing.
FAQs
Are household items safe for dogs to play with?
Household items can be safe if they are used properly and with caution. Always inspect items for small parts or sharp edges that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, ensure that the items are free from harmful chemicals or toxic substances.
How can I tell if a homemade dog toy is safe?
Before allowing your dog to play with a homemade toy, inspect it thoroughly. Ensure that there are no loose parts, sharp edges, or pieces that could be swallowed. Supervise your dog during playtime and remove any damaged toys immediately.
What household items should I avoid using as dog toys?
Avoid using household items that contain toxic materials, such as items with chemicals, strings, or small parts that can be ingested. For example, plastic items with sharp edges, such as old pens, or things with small, detachable parts (like button-up clothing) can be dangerous.
Can I use my dog’s toys for training?
Absolutely! Many dog toys, like tug ropes or puzzle toys, are great tools for training. They can help reinforce commands, provide mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
How often should I replace homemade dog toys?
Homemade toys should be inspected regularly. If they show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them. Always ensure that the toy is still safe to use, and never give your dog a toy that is falling apart or damaged.
Leave a Reply