What types of dog toys does Things Square sell?+โ
Things Square sells dog toys across multiple styles โ chew toys (natural rubber, nylon), fetch toys (balls, frisbees), tug ropes, squeaky toys, plush toys, puzzle feeders, treat dispensers, crinkle toys, and lick mats. All toys are made from non-toxic, pet-safe materials and are available in sizes suitable for small, medium, and large breeds.
What is the safest chew toy for aggressive chewers?+โ
For aggressive or power chewers, the safest options are solid natural rubber toys (like Kong-style toys), reinforced rubber chews, and hard nylon chew toys. These are durable enough to withstand powerful chewing without breaking into pieces. Avoid antlers and real bones which can crack and cause dental fractures. Always size up for power chewers โ a larger toy is safer and lasts longer than a size-appropriate one for this chew style.
Are rope toys safe for dogs?+โ
Rope toys are safe when used under supervision โ they are excellent for interactive tug play and moderate chewing. The safety concern arises when rope fibres are chewed off and swallowed, potentially causing intestinal blockage. Always supervise rope toy play and replace when the rope has frayed into short, loose strands that can be ingested. Never leave dogs unsupervised with rope toys that have loose threads.
How do I clean my dog's toys?+โ
Rubber and nylon toys can be washed with warm soapy water and thoroughly rinsed โ or placed in the top rack of the dishwasher without detergent. Plush toys can typically be machine-washed on a gentle cycle and air-dried. Rope toys can be submerged in water, wrung out, then microwaved for 1 minute to kill bacteria โ allow to cool completely before returning to your dog. Clean toys regularly, especially chew toys that accumulate significant saliva and food residue.
How many toys does my dog need?+โ
A well-stocked toy collection should include 8โ12 toys across different types โ at least one chew toy, one fetch toy, one tug toy, one interactive/puzzle toy, and a couple of plush or comfort toys. Rotate them in groups of 3โ4 weekly to maintain novelty. Having variety across toy types is more important than quantity โ it ensures you can match the toy to your dog's mood and energy level on any given day.
When should I throw away a dog toy?+โ
Replace a toy immediately when: the rubber has large cracks or chunks missing, the squeaker is accessible, plush stuffing is exposed and accessible, rope strands have frayed to short loose pieces, or large pieces have been bitten off. Do not wait for a toy to be completely destroyed โ the more damaged a toy becomes, the more dangerous it is. Regular weekly inspection is the best practice for safe toy management.