Contrary to popular belief, blind dogs can still have plenty of fun with toys just like their fully-sighted canine friends. However, when it comes to choosing the best kinds of toys for blind dogs, some kinds of toys work better than others.
Not only do these kinds of toys provide lots of fun, but they also provide valuable enrichment, and help build confidence in their environment – recognizing what items are around them and also learning how best to interact with each one safely. A variety of textures and smells will help test your dog's skills, while strengthening his mental clarity – thereby developing better problem-solving capabilities overall! This means more fun at home than ever before – an unbeatable combination for any pup!
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to choose toys that can provide your pup with the best possible playtime experience - even if they don’t have full sight.
Sound Producing Toys
Blind pups will love playing with toys that make noise: balls that rattle as they roll, or toys that squeak when they are chewed!
Sound-producing toys provide both physical activity (for retrieving) and mental stimulation. Sensory toys bring a world of joy to blind dogs, and noisy toys are an especially great way for them to have fun.
Take, for example, a talking ball. With just a small nudge, the ball begins to talk! This distinct sound makes it easier for your pup to discover their toy during play and recognize it among other toys. Or how about a squeaky soft toy? Soft, textured, and delightful - plush toys are not only great for blind dogs to play with around the house, but they also squeak or rattle when chewed - some even sing!
Chew Toys
Most dogs love chew toys - they are a great option for providing stimulation, entertainment, and exercise. And for blind dogs, chew toys that come with added scents or sounds that can make the toy even more appealing.
Chew toys also provide added benefit for your pup's dental health - ranging from removing plaque build-up to promoting healthy jaw development through regular chewing.
Scented Toys
Blind pooches tend to rely heavily on their sense of smell, so toys that incorporate smells like bacon, chicken or beef can prove a great attraction. Whether in the form of a bone, ball or tug toy, these uniquely scented companions can help to bridge the gap left by impaired vision.
The smell serves as an effective tool to engage and capture the attention of blind dogs who continue to enjoy playing and chasing after things just like any other canine companion.
Tug Toys
Tug toys are a great way to interact with your dog, and strengthen the bond between you. Even when your dog can't see you (or their toy) too well, they will still enjoy a game of tug! Tug toys come in various forms, and are usually made of rope (for added texture) or rubber. So enjoy some quality time with a tug toy.
Sensory Toys
Stimulate your canine companion with textures and tactile sensations they can enjoy! Rubber balls or braided ropes are ideal dog toys that provide endless stimulation. They come in numerous textures that a visually impaired dog can experience - some may even come with an added enticing scent!
Treat Dispensing / Interactive Toys
To motivate your blind pup to get moving, there is no more ideal solution than a toy that also dispenses treats! Blind dogs will benefit from the combination of two things they love: treat puzzles that stimulate their minds and provide an enjoyable playtime experience.
Snuffle mats ( while not really a toy) also provide a stimulating and engaging puzzle game for furry friends, encouraging them to use their powerful sense of smell while potentially relieving anxiety.
Conclusion:
Overall, playing with a blind pup should be just as rewarding an experience as it would otherwise be—just remember to provide lots of guidance whenever necessary so potential hazards don't end up causing harm.
So even though blindness may bring its own unique set of challenges, there are tons of ways you can help ensure your furry friend still has lots of fun - after all, every pup deserves some playtime no matter their vision level!
Mandy
Chloe
