"Beyond Entertainment: Why Toys are Essential Tools for Pet Enrichment"

Of course, you are an amazing pet parent! And you are an incredible friend for your pet and we trust it is vice versa. 

But…. Does taking your pet to walk and vet enough to keep them happy and bubble with joy and energy? 

Well! Not really. Continue reading to know more about what we are speaking!

Similar to humans, when bored or staying idle for a long time can cause dogs and other pets to suffer from separation anxiety.

Especially if you are parenting hyperactive and highly energetic breeds like Dalmatian, beagle, etc., they start to show behavioral problems when they are bored.

But, how can I play and engage with my pet all day, every day?

We got that and that is where toys come into the picture. Pets are often associated with the term “high maintenance”, it isn’t real if you start to know and fulfill their basic requirements. 

For example, while your dog is teething you can notice a tremendous change in their behavior; you may notice them chew on every object of yours.

Understanding the underlying cause and helping them based on that makes the entire process of rearing them super easy and trouble-free. In case of teething, you can soothe your puppy by providing them with chew sticks, plush toys, rawhide bones, etc.

Teething toys for your puppies are a natural way to soothe their oral irritation and pain. They are one of the best coping strategies too.  And selecting the right size of toy for your puppy based on their age can help them develop their fine motor and problem-solving skills.

The takeaway message is that toys are one such inseparable thing for a pet. Toys just don’t include balls and games don’t include asking them to fetch things.

Though many consider it an unnecessary expense, toys have a vital role in their behavioral patterns and in fulfilling their different types of needs.

“Toys aren’t a luxury but are a basic and essential need for pets”

Toys are a form of company and they prevent boredom

Dogs provide the best form of companionship to humans, and they are often called Canine pals.

Since dogs require a lot of exercise along with physical activity, toys are an excellent way to channel their energy in the right way and boost their overall health.

Not all the time, as a parent, you can be available for them. And thus introducing them to safe and different types of toys keeps them entertained and prevents them from having separation anxiety and suffering from boredom.

Toys help in developing the skills of your pet

If you are adopting a puppy, toys can facilitate their learning ability, develop more skills linked to exploring, experimenting, etc.

Plush toys and soft stuffed toys are suitable for puppies, hence they feel comfortable with them at ease. But remember to stay cautious once they grow old and start teething.

Fun fact: Dogs often carry around and play with your old clothes, things you frequently use because they feel safe and comfortable around them as they smell like you!

Toys provide them with adequate physical activity

Pets are naturally energetic and active regardless of the breed and type. And they have to have enough space and time for physical activity. Needless to say, toys fill in the space for their physical activity and are a great source of exercise. 

Help them stay independent and builds autonomy

In case of your absence, pets can develop anxiety and they also feel a loss of energy. But once you start introducing them to toys, they start staying independent as they find toys a major source of entertainment. With proper training and supervision, both you and your pets can get the required space without much trouble.

Prevents mental health problems in senior dogs

Half the dogs after age 11 are prone to dementia. Apart from dementia, they can frequently experience symptoms related to Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), such as increased aggression, restlessness. These can be managed by providing them with enrichment toys. Enrichment toys are available for both cats and dogs, and these are interactive toys that challenge them and reduce their stress levels to a great extent.

Things to keep in mind before purchasing toys for your pets

• Keep the age and growth phase of your pet in mind before purchasing, soft toys for adult dogs and teething puppies can be dangerous for them.

• When you are introducing toys to your pets for the first time, make sure they play under your supervision for the first few weeks.

• Pets are open to exploring and experimenting, so make sure to keep your essential stuff safe as they can hardly differentiate your things from their toys. We highly recommend you to pet-proof your home as well :)

• Rotate the toys you provide them and engage them with different types of toys, as this can encourage them to play as well learn more.

Not one size fits all and not one toy fits every need of your pet. They can reject a toy this week and carry the same all the time the next week, so rotate, and provide varieties and different types of toys to your pet.

Happy pet parenting!