Plush Animal Toys for Dogs

While all of us want "man's best friend" to frolic and play with toys unhindered, many dog owners have also discovered the challenges of eyes chewed off and fluff scattered across the floor as a stuffed dog toy is disemboweled by Fido. Whether you offer a plush animal toy for playtime, a sense of security or a reward, finding a toy that fits your dog's personality and needs will yield the most satisfaction for you and your furry friend.

  1. Size-Appropriate and Safe Filling

    • With so many breeds of dogs, consider the size of your particular dog, your dog's mouth and the toy under inspection. The plush animal should be proportionate to the size of prey the dog might actually hunt, so for a small dog, try a plush toy such as an extra-small duckie; for a larger dog, browse plush squirrels. The toy should be big enough to avoid being a choking hazard.

      If you give your dog a child's plush animal, make sure it is safe for children under three, and review the filling ingredients; avoid toys with a bean or pellet filling.

    Different Purposes

    • Plush animal toys serve different purposes in canine play; a dog may carry, "kill" or baby toys depending on its breed or its mood. For intelligent dogs that are high energy, plush puzzle toys, such as those made by Iqube, are an option. These feature several small stuffed animals in one large plush puzzle box birds in a birdhouse or squirrels in a tree trunk. Let your dog see you insert and remove the plush animals from the box several times to pick up the idea of how to play with the puzzle.

    Organic Options for Pooch

    • For eco-friendly pet owners, a variety of organic plush animal toys are sold by companies such as Simply Fido (www.simplyfido.com). These dog toys are made of organic cotton, untreated, unbleached and tinted with natural dyes. You can do double good with an all-natural soybean-fiber eco-plush penguin or polar bear from Defenders of Wildlife (www.defenders.org); profits from the organization's sales support wildlife-protection legislation. A great option for pets that continually rip apart stuffed toys, "stuffless" organic plush dog toys will entertain your dog without shedding stuffing all over the floor or yard.

    Hazards for Dogs

    • While all these plush toys will appeal to different dogs, consider potential hazards, especially if your dog has a habit of removing features from its toys. Plastic eyes, strings, ribbon and squeakers can all constitute choking hazards or be harmful if swallowed. Some stuffing can be dangerous to your animal if it is ingested. You may also wish to protect your dog from potentially harmful dyes or chemicals used in the manufacturing of the toy.