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Water toys for dogs are essential for canines who love to swim. There’s nothing more entertaining than watching your four-legged friend frolic and splash in the water, especially on a hot summer’s day. So, having water-resistant toys not only stimulates their playful instincts but can also provide an excellent form of exercise, cool down, and training opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best water toys for dogs, ensuring your canine companion stays both active and safe in the water. However, if your dog doesn’t enjoy swimming, don’t force them to play in the water.
Best Dog Water Toys
- Glides through the air for a fun game of fetch
- Made of durable yet lightweight polyester canvas
- Bright colors improve visibility
- Comes in three sizes
The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Spinning Dog Toy is a flying frisbee designed for large dogs. It’s lightweight and buoyant, making it suitable for playing fetch in water as well. The toy is made to withstand chewing and tossing, with curved sides for easy retrieval. Additionally, the toy has bright colors and glows in the dark for nighttime play. With three sizes, water-loving dogs of all breeds can enjoy it!
- Floats in water
- Made of thick, durable materials
- Perfect for playing fetch
- Comes in a variety of shapes, including a ring
The SuperChewy Tough Floating Dog Water Toy is a durable and versatile toy that’s designed for energetic dogs who love to fetch or engage in tug of war. The toy not only provides a fun and interactive experience for both dogs and their owners but also serves as a tool to redirect and retrain bad behavior. Its unique design allows it to glide through the air and continue bouncing and rolling after impact, making it suitable for use in various environments such as snow, grass, sand, and water. Furthermore, the toy is made of safe and non-toxic materials, ensuring the health and safety of dogs during play.
- Pack of four squeaky dog toys
- Floats in water
- Made of tough, bouncy TPR material
- Texture can help clean teeth while chewing
The CoubonTail Dog Squeaky Toys Pack includes four different shapes of squeaky dog toys, designed to grab a dog’s interest and provide entertainment. The toys are made of safe and non-toxic TPR material, making them tough and bouncy for interactive play. They can also float in water, making them ideal for games of fetch in the pool, lake, or sea. The toys have a textured design that can help clean a dog’s teeth while encouraging them to chew. Overall, these toys are a good choice for interactive play and can help alleviate a dog’s anxiety and boredom.
- Perfect for water retrieving training
- Easily floats on water
- Made of a durable exterior with a foam core
- Comes in two sizes
The KONG Aqua is a floating fetch toy designed for water play and water retrieval training, especially for large dogs. It features a foam core that allows it to float easily, and its bright neon color ensures it’s easily visible in the water. The toy also includes a rope that helps users throw the toy further for interactive play and exercise for their dogs. It’s available in two sizes and is made in the USA with globally sourced materials.
- Floats in water
- Textured to encourage play
- Has nylon flaps on each side
- Comes in two sizes
The ChuckIt! Rugged Bumper Dog Toy is a durable and sturdy toy designed to withstand tough dogs and rough play. Its contoured shape makes it easy for dogs to pick up and play with. It also floats, making it suitable for both land and water play. Additionally, the toy includes nylon flaps on both ends to stimulate dogs’ prey instincts. It’s important to note that this toy is intended for interactive fetch play and is not designed to be used as a chew toy.
- Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant
- Textured disc for playing fetch
- Vibrant colors improve visibility
- Comes in a variety of colors
The Nerf Dog Rubber Tire Flyer Dog Toy is a durable and lightweight disc that’s designed for fetching and teaching your dog new tricks. Its bright blue color makes it easy to spot in any environment, and its weather and water-resistant qualities make it perfect for use at the beach or pool. With a 10-inch diameter, it’s suitable for medium and large dog breeds, and it has been tested for safety to provide endless hours of family fun.
- Great for retrieval training
- Weighted for easy throwing
- Floats in water
- Comes in two colors and two sizes
The Sport Dog Brand SAC00-11685 Canvas Dummy is a training tool designed for sporting dogs of all ages. Made of heavy duty canvas, these dummies are weighted for easy throwing and can simulate the size and weight of actual game. They are also designed to hold game scent better than plastic dummies and are versatile enough to be used on land or in water. SportDOG is a well-known brand for dog training, focusing on creating high-quality gear that’s durable and reliable.
- Sprays water when your dog steps on it
- Attaches to a hose
- Made of durable steel
- Perfect for playing outdoors
The Dog Water Fountain Outdoor Dog Dispenser is a convenient and easy way for your pet to have constant access to fresh water. It eliminates the need to constantly refill water bowls and ensures that your pet will not be thirsty when you’re not at home. The fountain is made with high-quality materials, including a brass valve and sturdy hose, for durability and resistance to rust. It can be easily connected to a garden hose and features a pedal with a paw design to encourage your pet to activate the fountain themselves.
- Textured material cleans your dog's teeth as they chew
- Floats in water
- Squeaks
- Comes in three colors
The IDOLPET Dog Chew Toys are versatile products that combine playtime, dental care, and water fun. The squeaky toy is great for tossing and fetching, keeping dogs active and entertained. The starfish shape allows for toothpaste to be applied in the crevices and helps clean and massage the dog’s gums. Additionally, it can float on water, making it a suitable toy for swimming or baths. Made of natural rubber, it’s safe for pets and easy to clean.
- Pack of two dog toys: red and orange
- Floats on water
- Durable, textured material is good for teeth
- Attached rope makes it easy to pick up
The Segzwlor Dog Float Toy is an interactive training bumper and fetching dummy designed for outdoor play. It’s lightweight and floats on water, making it suitable for pool play and water training. The toy features bright colors that attract the dog’s curiosity and stimulate their instincts. It’s a great gift option for dogs who love to run around outside, especially near water.
- Perfect for games of fetch
- Made of durable, lightweight nylon
- Soft, rubber edges are easy on teeth and gums
- Comes in two colors and two sizes
The ChuckIt! Paraflight Flyer Dog Frisbee Toy is a large, 10-inch frisbee designed for long-distance flight during games of fetch. It’s specifically made for outdoor play, as it floats on water, making it suitable for playing at the pool, beach, or lake. The durable design of this frisbee includes a multilayer nylon interior with soft rubber edges, ensuring it’s gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums. Additionally, ChuckIt! offers a range of other pet toy products that promote bonding and engagement with pets.
How to Choose a Water Toy for My Dog
When selecting a water toy for your dog, there are several key factors to keep in mind:
- Safety: This is the most important factor. The toy should be made from non-toxic materials and be appropriately sized for your dog. Too small, and it might pose a choking hazard; too large, and your dog may struggle to play with it. Ensure the toy is durable to withstand rough play without breaking into small, ingestible pieces.
- Buoyancy: Since these toys will be used in the water, they need to float. This feature ensures that your dog can easily spot and retrieve the toy without needing to dive underwater, which could pose a safety risk.
- Visibility: Bright colors or neon shades can make the toy more visible in the water, making it easier for your dog to spot and fetch.
- Durability: Water can be tough on toys. Look for ones made from robust materials that can withstand being soaked in water, exposed to the sun, and chewed on.
- Ease of Clean: Water toys can become dirty and harbor bacteria over time, so choose one that’s easy to clean and dry.
- Size and Weight: The toy should be suitable for your dog’s size. A small dog might struggle with a large, heavy toy, while a big dog might easily destroy a toy designed for smaller breeds.
By considering these factors, you can ensure you choose a toy that not only provides fun and exercise for your dog but also keeps them safe.
Related: 12 Best Dog Puzzle Toys
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Toys for Dogs
Why should I buy water toys for my dog?
Water toys are excellent for dogs, especially during the hot summer months. They provide a way for your dog to cool off while still getting exercise and having fun. These toys can also help improve your dog’s swimming skills and confidence in the water.
What type of water toys are safe for my dog?
Always choose water toys that are made from non-toxic materials and are appropriately sized for your dog. Check for small parts that could be a choking hazard and avoid these. The toy should also be sturdy enough to withstand chewing.
How do I introduce my dog to water toys?
Begin by allowing your dog to familiarize themselves with the toy on dry land first. Once they seem comfortable, you can slowly introduce the toy in shallow water. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog to interact with the toy in the water.
Can I leave my dog unsupervised with a water toy?
As a general rule, it’s always ideal to supervise your dog when they’re playing, especially with water toys. This ensures that they don’t accidentally swallow parts of the toy, and you can intervene if the toy becomes damaged or if your dog appears to be struggling in the water.
Are water toys okay for puppies?
Yes, water toys can be introduced at a young age to help puppies get used to water. However, you should always ensure the toy is suitable for their size and supervise playtimes to ensure safety.
How often should I replace water toys?
This depends on the quality of the toy and how rough your dog is with it. As soon as you notice signs of wear and tear, it’s best to replace the toy to prevent your dog from ingesting any broken off pieces.
How do I clean water toys?
Most water toys can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Always rinse the toy thoroughly to remove all soap residues and let it dry completely before giving it back to your dog.
Do all dog breeds enjoy water toys?
Not all dog breeds naturally enjoy the water. However, water toys can be a good way to encourage and train dogs to be more comfortable around water. Always make sure the experience is positive and never force your dog if they’re scared.
What if my dog is afraid of water?
For dogs that are fearful of water, introducing water toys slowly and using plenty of positive reinforcement can help. Start with shallow water and gradually increase the depth as your dog’s confidence grows. However, never force your dog to play with water toys if they don’t enjoy it.
Do water toys help with training?
Yes, water toys can be used as training aids, especially for retrieval training. They can also help train your dog to be comfortable in and around water, which can be important for safety, particularly if you live near a body of water or have a pool.
Conclusion: Best Water Toys for Dogs
Whether your dog is a seasoned swimmer or prefers to stay in shallow water, the right water toy can make their aquatic adventures much more fun. Remember, when choosing a water toy, consider your dog’s size, breed, and personal preferences, and always prioritize safety. A well-selected water toy can open up a whole new world of play for your dog and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. Just remember to always monitor your dog while they play in the water.
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you.
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