Especially for dogs, toys are necessary for mental and physical stimulation, provide comfort when you’re away from the house, and prevent behavior problems from developing, notes the Humane Society of the United States. And according to a study published in March 2018 in Stress & Health, playing with our four-legged friends can even help us de-stress.
As anyone with a cat who loves cardboard boxes and crumpled paper can attest, you don’t need to splurge on expensive toys, but it’s good to have options to keep pets interested and entertained.
It’s also important to know where toys come from, and make sure products are free of toxins and potentially hazardous chemicals. A study published in the journal Chemosphere showed that exposure to plastic chew toys containing phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics, may interfere with hormones in dogs. Cheap novelty gifts that fall into this category may be cute, but they aren't the safest choice for your pet’s well-being.
To make choosing a little easier, we dug up some of the top gadgets, toys, and accessories that will keep your dog or cat safe, healthy, and happy all year round.