Here’s a challenge for you – imagine a dog that never plays any games, and that doesn’t have any toys. Now imagine this dog being really happy and living their best life. Just about impossible, right?
The simple fact of the matter is that all dogs need regular play to lead thriving lives, and that’s just as true for dignified older canines as it is for bright-eyed pups. For dogs, playing is a source of joy, bonding, exercise and socialization. And after all, who said that playtime was meant to have an age limit?
In this post, we’re shining the spotlight on five of our favorite toys for older dogs. Let’s take a closer look…
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle
For older dogs to stay sharp and engaged throughout their senior years, it’s important for them to keep pushing themselves mentally. The Nina Ottosson Treat Puzzle toys by Outward Hound come in a range of styles and do a great job of challenging your dog in a fun, safe and rewarding way. These toys are easy to clean with soap and water, and are BPA, PVA, and phthalate-free. Difficulty levels range from ‘easy’ up to ‘expert’.
Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
Young pups may be willing to sink their teeth into just about anything, but older dogs have more refined tastes. This fun, plush toy engages your dog’s natural hunting instincts and gets them excited about playtime, every time, while also being gentle on their mouths. Fill the tree trunk with the plush squirrels and let your dog enjoy ferreting them out, or use them separately for a game of fetch. Just be sure to avoid mix-ups with the real squirrels in your neighborhood!
Jalousie 5 Pack Plush Toys
As dogs age, it’s normal for them to start cherishing their naptime almost as much as their puppy counterparts. In fact, full-grown dogs may sleep for 12-14 hours a day, and older dogs may push this to the upper limit. That means your senior canine can really benefit from having calming toys nearby. The kind they can snuggle up to at bedtime. These plush Jalousie toys are great for mild chewing and occasional nuzzling.
ChuckIt! Indoor Ball Fetch Toy
The ChuckIt! Indoor Ball Fetch Toy is a great match for senior canines, for several reasons. For one thing, its bright colors and interesting texture make it stand out. This is helpful, since older dogs often deal with poorer eyesight. It’s also soft and gentle on the mouth, while being great for indoor play. That means your dog can enjoy more relaxed fetch sessions at home, as well as their more adventurous visits to the local park.
The KONG® Senior Dog Toy
KONG knows that older dogs still have the instinctive need to play, while at the same time appreciating a bit of extra comfort. That’s why the Kong Senior is made from a specially formulated rubber that’s friendly on senior dogs’ mouths, while still providing plenty of stimulation and hours of fun, through its treat compartment and erratic bounce.
At YuMOVE, we’re big believers in helping dogs of all ages stay active, energetic and joyful for life. So, if you’ve got a senior four-pawed pal, why not try our YuMOVE Joint Supplement for Older Dogs, and see how it can change their life for the better? While you’re waiting for your order to arrive, check out our 'Exercise for older dogs' blog for more tips on keeping your seasoned canine active for life.
