Interactive toys are great for keeping your pets entertained, stimulated and happy. They offer a fun and engaging way for your pet to play and stay mentally stimulated, even when you're not able to be there with them.
The benefits that interactive dogs provide are:
- They encourage exercise to keep your dogs healthy
- Alleviate separation anxiety (which is common among pets)
- Reduce their stress and anxiety levels
- Redirect destructive behavior
- Reduce aggression and frustration by providing an appropriate amount of mental stimulation that can be like an hour of physical activity outside
When selecting interactive toys for extra active dogs, it's important to consider the size and durability of the toys, as well as the dog's energy level and play style. Always supervise your dog while they are playing with interactive toys to ensure their safety.
For extra active dogs, there are many toys that can help channel their energy
For extra active dogs, there are many toys that can help channel their energy
- Enrichment mat: It’s a type of interactive dog toy designed to stimulate a dog's mind and senses. It typically consists of a flat mat or blanket with various pockets or folds that can be filled with food or treats. The idea is that the dog will have to use its sense of smell and problem-solving skills to find and retrieve the treats hidden within the mat.
- Flirt poles: Consist of a long pole with a dangling toy at the end that can be swung around to stimulate prey. Dogs can chase and jump to catch the toy, providing a great workout.
- Agility equipment: Are designed to challenge dogs’ agility and coordination with obstacles like jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. These sets can be set up in a backyard or at a park and can be great for dogs who need extra exercise and stimulation.
- Treadmills: The ones designed for dogs can be a great way to provide exercise and stimulation for extra active dogs. They’re really useful for dogs who live in apartments or do not have access to outdoor spaces.
- Frisbees and flying discs: These toys can be thrown long distances, allowing dogs to run and jump to catch them. They are great for active dogs who love to play fetch.
- Automatic ball launchers: These toys are great for dogs who love to play fetch but have owners who cannot throw a ball for hours. These launchers can be set up to automatically throw a ball at specified intervals, giving dogs a fun and interactive workout.
- Treat-dispensing toys: These toys, such as KONGs, can be filled with treats or peanut butter and require dogs to work to extract the treats. This can provide a mental challenge and physical activity for dogs who love to chew and play.
- Tug toys: These toys allow dogs to engage in interactive play with their owners, promoting bonding and exercise. Examples include tug ropes, tug bars, and tug balls.
- Rope toys: are great for interactive play and can help clean teeth and massage gums while dogs chew and play.
- Tennis balls: Great for playing fetch and can help provide a workout for dogs who love to run and chase
- Water toys: Dogs who love to swum can benefit from water toys like floating toys, water retrieval toys, and sprinklers.
- Scented toys: Known due to the stimulation they provide to dog’s sense of smell and provide mental stimulation. Natural odors like lavender and chamomile can also help promote relaxation.
Licking mats are also helpful for dogs who get anxious or stressed in certain situations, like when they're getting groomed or going to the vet. The act of licking can help distract your dog and make them feel calmer and more relaxed.
Besides, they’re basically like little rubber mats with little bumps and ridges on them. You can put soft food like peanut butter or wet dog food on the mat, and then your dog can lick the food off the mat. The little bumps and ridges on the mat help slow down your dog's eating, which is good if your dog eats too quickly or has trouble digesting their food.
It's important to make sure your dog isn't biting or chewing on the mat, because that could cause damage or even make them sick if they swallow any small pieces. You should also clean the mat regularly to keep it from getting dirty or moldy.
Besides, they’re basically like little rubber mats with little bumps and ridges on them. You can put soft food like peanut butter or wet dog food on the mat, and then your dog can lick the food off the mat. The little bumps and ridges on the mat help slow down your dog's eating, which is good if your dog eats too quickly or has trouble digesting their food.
It's important to make sure your dog isn't biting or chewing on the mat, because that could cause damage or even make them sick if they swallow any small pieces. You should also clean the mat regularly to keep it from getting dirty or moldy.
