Cheap Dog Toys
From LoveToKnow Dogs
Next time you visit the pet store, compare the cheap dog toys to the top brands. Many of the generic toys are just as cute and durable. You can also find leading brand-name toys at discount prices. Once you learn to recognize a quality dog toy, you can spoil your dog without overspending.
About Cheap Dog Toys
Types of Dog Toys
The pet supply industry offers a large selection of dog toys in all price ranges. Typical toys include rubber chews, ropes and plush toys. A pet owner generally searches for a safe and durable toy that will appeal to her dog. Most dog toys range in price from $3 to $30. The price does not always reflect the toy's quality. Always examine each toy for defects before purchase. The following chart provides a description of the most popular types of dog toys:
| Type | Description | Durability | Example |
| Hard rubber toys | Chewing toy or for interactive play such as fetch | Holds up well for strong chewers | Kong |
| Vinyl toys | Often has squeakers and makes a good fetching toy | Only for a mild chewer and a dog who likes to fetch | Vinyl shoe with squeaker |
| Hard chew toys | Safe alternative to rawhide or bones and good for teeth | Good for strong chewers | Nylabone |
| Rope toys | For fetch, chewing and tugging | Works for mild and strong chewers | Knotted ropes |
| Balls | For fetch | Only for a mild chewer or a strong chewer under supervision | Pet tennis ball |
| Interactive toys | Balls with treat dispensers, puzzle boxes with plush toys inside | Plush ones are for mild chewers and plastic ones are for strong chewers | IQube |
| Plush toys | Stuffed animals and other soft toys made of fleece, plush or other cloth | Only for mild chewers or dogs who like companion toys | Teddy bear |
| Rawhide chews | Chewing toy that improves dental health | For mild and strong chewers under supervision | Rawhide bone |
Always supervise your pet with a toy, especially if he is a strong chewer. Many toys have inner parts such as stuffing and squeakers that are choking hazards. Dogs can also easily tear apart tennis balls and rawhide unattended. Only a few types of sturdy toys are safe for unsupervised play--hard rubber toys (Kong) and hard chew toys (nylabone).
Finding a Deal
You can find top brand dog toys for less money during sales. Sign up for the mailing list of pet retailer websites and watch for notifications of sales and special discount offers. Periodically, call the local pet stores and ask about toy sales. When you go grocery shopping, walk by the dog supplies aisle to check for toy sales.
Selecting the Right Dog Toy
Recognizing Quality Dog Toys
A well-made dog toy will stand up to reasonable play without falling apart. Look for the following in a quality dog toy:
| Type | Best Type | Example |
| Plush toy | Should have thick material that will not rip easily and no loose seams or holes | Teddy Bear |
| Hard rubber toy | Strong rubber with no tears in the material | Kong |
| Vinyl toys | Working squeaker that is firmly set in the vinyl toy and no rips | Vinyl shoe with squeaker |
| Hard chew toys | No sharp seams or edges and smooth | Nylabone |
| Rope toy | Firmly knotted rope with no unraveling threads that can be torn out easily | Knotted ropes |
| Ball | Hard ball made for pets with good bounce and no tears in the material or ball | Pet tennis ball |
| Interactive toys | Hard plastic ones with no sharp seams or cracks and plush ones with no loose seams or holes | IQube |
| Rawhide toys | American-made 100 percent natural rawhide and dye-free with no splits or loose parts | Rawhide bone |
Consider Your Dog's Size and Play Habits
Buy toys that are compatible with your dog's size and play habits. Large dogs who are aggressive chewers need big, sturdy toys. Small chew toys are easier for a little dog with small teeth to handle. A medium-sized dog may prefer to snuggle with a large plush toy to a smaller one. A dog with a strong curiosity will enjoy interactive toys. Always supervise a strong chewer with toys, especially if he likes plush and vinyl playthings.
Make A Homemade Dog Toy
You can also save money by making homemade dog toys for your pet. Here are two homemade toy ideas:
- Plastic Crinkle Bottle on Rope
- Remove the cap from a clean, empty plastic water bottle.
- Tie one end of a piece of rope to the neck of the bottle.
- Leave at least 12 inches of rope and knot the end of the rope.
- You now have a rope toy that dogs will love to chase and chew on. Dogs also like to hear the crinkle sound of the plastic when they catch it or paw it.
- Plush toy
- Draw a pattern for a bear or other animal on the material of choice. (You can also buy a pre-printed pattern for stuffed animals).
- Cut the pattern out of the material.
- Sew the front and back of the material together except for the head area.
- Fill the toy with cotton stuffing.
- Sew the rest of the toy together. Make tight stitches for durability.
- You have a cuddle buddy for your dog that should stand up to reasonable play.
- Do not add any buttons or beads for facial features to avoid a choking hazard.
Where to Buy Affordable Dog Toys Online
Dog toys don't have to be expensive. You can find cheap dog toys and discounted top brand-name toys online. The following pet retailers offer reasonable prices and frequent sales on dog toys:
Many of these websites also have free shipping deals.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 2,099 times. This page was last modified 08:01, 21 November 2008.
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