Providing your dog with plenty of toys is important for many reasons. Bored dogs are unhappy dogs. They’re also more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors. After all, your dog’s ancestors didn’t just sit around the house – they were constantly hunting, chasing prey, running around and exploring outdoors.  

The Dan’s Pet Care team knows how expensive high-quality dog toys can be – and how quickly your pet can destroy them. Making your own dog toys is a great alternative that can save you lots of money. It can also be a fun project for you and your family. But before you start crafting, it’s important to understand the difference between a safe homemade toy and a dangerous one. Otherwise, your dog’s life and health could be at risk. In this article, we’ll explore some ways you can make your own safe dog toys at home. Keep reading for some inspiring ideas using items you’ll find around your house!

What Makes A Dog Toy Unsafe?

First of all, let’s explore a few of the common safety hazards found in homemade dog toys:

• Small pieces on toys that can break off and become a choking hazard

• Toys that are too small and can be partially swallowed

• Flimsy material that will easily break into small pieces once your dog starts playing with it

• Stuffing inside a toy, which can cause intestinal blockage if your dog eats enough of it

These are just a few of the features that can make a dog toy unsafe. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog while they play with any toy, so you can intervene if a problem arises. Even when your dog is playing with a “safe” toy, supervision is the best way to avoid any disaster.

5 Safe Dog Toys Your Pet Will Love

Ready to make a fun homemade treat for your dog? Try one of these easy ideas to get started. You probably won’t even need to leave your house for supplies!

1. Frozen Toys

In hot weather, your dog will enjoy playing with ice cubes made from their favorite foods. Try freezing chicken broth, pumpkin, or even watermelon in an ice cube tray (you might find the broth or canned pumpkin in the back of your pantry). Your dog will have fun licking and chasing the cubes until they melt! For a larger toy, try using a bundt pan or sandcastle mold to create a fun shape.

2. Braided T-shirt Ropes

Next time you’re about to throw out an old T-shirt, why not turn it into a dog toy instead? You can cut it into strips and form a simple braid or a more complicated pattern. However, it’s important to make sure the finished toy is big enough that your dog won’t choke on it.

3. Tennis Ball In A Sock

This simple toy requires only two things: a tennis ball and a sock. Check your garage for an old tennis ball, and look in the back of your closet for a sock that’s seen better days. Then simply place the tennis ball in the middle of the sock. Tie a knot on both ends close to the ball, so it’s held securely in the middle of the sock. Now you and your dog will both have an end to hold onto when you play tug-of-war!

4. Tennis Ball Food Puzzle

Tennis balls come in handy for many DIY dog toys, and this one is a great alternative to expensive food puzzles. Just cut a small hole in the tennis ball and fill it with dry dog treats. Your dog will need to use their problem-solving skills to get each treat out of the hole! Filling the hole the rest of the way with peanut butter can make this process much more challenging. 

5. Water Bottle Chew Toy

If you’ve got an empty water bottle and an old T-shirt, you’re ready to make a chew toy your pet will love. Simply cut a few strips from the T-shirt, then wrap the rest of it around the bottle. Tie the strips around the bottle to hold the fabric securely in place.

Meet The Team That Loves To Play With Dogs

The specialists at Dan’s Pet Care love playing with all kinds of dogs, no matter how large or small. But we’re not just passionate about pets – we’re also experienced, knowledgeable, and  fully trained and licensed. Dan’s Pet Care is Long Island’s favorite pet care service for all of your needs, from grooming to daycare to dog walking and much more. Call us today at (516) 551-1613 or fill out our online contact form!