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Toys to leave out, and toys to save for when you're home

When you're gone, nobody is there to take a toy away if it starts to fall apart. Leave out only toys that hold up to your dog's chewing, and save the rest for when you're home.

Bear, a chocolate Labrador, on a bed holding a bright green rubber toy bone, looking at the camera

Toys to leave out while you're gone

  • Hard rubber toys made for chewing, in the right size for your dog. Stuff one with food and freeze it the night before.
    Look for: stuffable chew toy
  • Food puzzles and treat-dispensing rubber toys.
    Look for: dog puzzle feeder
  • A lick mat with a smear of plain yogurt or pumpkin, if your dog licks it rather than chews it.
    Look for: lick mat
  • One favorite toy your dog has had for months without tearing it up.

Every toy you leave out should pass the checks below.

Toys to save for when you're home

  • Squeaky toys. Many dogs work to get the squeaker out, and it can be swallowed.
  • Stuffed and plush toys. Stuffing isn't digestible, even the kinds labeled for children.
  • Rawhide and other edible chews. Give them only while you can watch, and take away pieces small enough to swallow.
  • Tennis balls and other small balls. They can be chewed apart, and the pieces swallowed.
  • Rope toys. Great for tug-of-war together. Throw them out once they fray.
  • Anything with ribbons, strings, eyes or small parts. Remove them or put the toy away.
  • Bones, hooves and very hard chews. They can crack teeth. Ask your vet before giving them at all.

Check every toy before you leave

  1. Size. It should be too big to fit all the way in your dog's mouth. Balls especially.
  2. The fingernail test. Chew toys should be soft enough to dent with your fingernail. Harder ones can crack teeth.
  3. Wear. Throw it out once stuffing shows, rope frays, rubber cracks or pieces come off.
  4. Track record. Only leave out toys your dog has already used while you watched.

Quick checklist before you leave

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet which toys and chews suit your dog.

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