FAQ: Toys for dogs

When movement is restricted, calm activities suit the dog: lick mats, stuffable toys and gentle sniffing games. Follow the vet's instructions on which activities are allowed and for how long.

Toys that encourage movement and puzzles filled with part of the daily food rather than extra treats work well. Increase activity gradually and discuss a weight-loss plan with a vet.

Small dogs do well with light, small toys they can carry and tug comfortably, such as small plush toys, smaller balls and soft rubber chews. Even for a small dog, though, the toy must be too big to swallow.

Large dogs need big, sturdy toys that will not fit in the mouth and can withstand strong jaws: large balls, thick rubber chews and strong tug toys. Toys for small dogs can be dangerous for them.

Herding dogs love to move and solve problems, so fetch toys, puzzles and large balls to push around suit them. Besides toys, they need training and active work, or they may start herding people or other animals.

Hunting dogs enjoy sniffing games, retrieving toys and toys with imitation fur or feathers that resemble prey. Searching for a hidden toy makes good use of their sense of smell.

Terriers love to dig, shred and chase, so sturdy tug toys, squeaky toys under supervision and puzzles suit them. They often destroy soft toys quickly, so tougher ones are worth choosing.

Flat-faced dogs find flatter, easy-to-grip toys more comfortable, while very round balls are hard for them to pick up. Play in cooler parts of the day and do not let them overdo it, as they breathe less easily and overheat faster.

Sighthounds love chasing fast-moving prey, so they enjoy toys pulled along the ground on a flirt pole and soft plush toys. Let them run only in a safe fenced area.

It is a pole with a rope and a toy on the end that the owner drags along the ground for the dog to chase. It tires out energetic dogs well, but sessions should be kept short so the joints are not overloaded.

Floating, brightly coloured toys made of foam, rubber or neoprene that are easy to see and grab work well. Do not throw the toy too far into currents or deep water, and put a life jacket on an inexperienced swimmer.

Yes: a dog that repeatedly grabs a toy from the water swallows a lot of water, which in rare cases is dangerous. Take breaks, choose flat toys and see a vet immediately if the dog vomits, staggers or becomes lethargic after swimming.

Floating dog toys can be used if the dog knows how to get in and out of the pool safely. After swimming, rinse the dog and the toys with clean water to wash off the chlorine.

On a hot day frozen stuffable toys, chilled chews and water games in the shade work well. Move active play to the morning or evening, because the dog can overheat in the heat.

Small pieces of ice or frozen broth without onions or seasoning are popular with many dogs on a hot day. Large hard chunks of ice can damage a strong chewer's teeth, so choose small pieces and supervise.

Brightly coloured toys are easiest to spot in snow, while white balls are easily lost. After playing, check the dog's paws and do not let it eat a lot of snow.

In the cold some rubber and plastic toys harden and can crack more easily, so check them more often when playing outside in winter. Keep cold-weather play short for short-haired and small dogs and watch that they do not get chilled.

Dog toys are made of natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic rubber, nylon, silicone, textiles, rope, foam or natural materials. The material determines how hard and durable the toy is and what kind of chewing it suits.

Natural rubber is elastic and durable but can cause a latex protein allergy in some dogs. Thermoplastic rubber is often lighter and softer but may break down faster with a strong chewer.

In rare cases dogs are sensitive to rubber, latex or dyes. If you notice redness, itching or swelling around the mouth after playing with a new toy, stop giving it and consult a vet.