The 5 Best Water Toys For Dogs Who Want To Make A Splash

Our selection of water toys for dogs has you covered, whether it's for poolside playtime with your pooch or for a game of fetch in the sea.

Specially designed for pooches who love playing in the water, water dog toys are typically made from durable, water-resistant materials that can withstand the wear and tear of rough play. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from buoyant balls and frisbees to chew toys and squeakers.

These toys can provide numerous benefits for both you and your pet. They offer an excellent opportunity for exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding between you and your furry pal. They can also help to keep your dog cool and refreshed during hot summer days, and they can even help to improve their swimming skills.

When shopping for water dog toys, it’s essential to consider factors such as safety, durability, size, and the type of playtime you and your dog enjoy. By choosing the right water dog toys, you can ensure that your furry friend enjoys endless hours of fun and entertainment in the water.

Best Water Dog Toys to Consider

Water dog toys are an essential accessory for any pet owner who loves spending time with their furry friend in the water. Whether you have a pool, live by the beach, or simply enjoy a game of fetch in your local river or lake, you and your pup will both enjoy the fun you can share with one of these toys. But with so many options available, how do you know which is right for your furry friend? In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the key factors to consider when buying water dog toys.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose water dog toys that are safe for your pet. Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and are free from small parts or pieces that could be swallowed or choked on. Additionally, be sure to choose toys that are durable and can withstand your dog’s enthusiastic playtime in the water.

Another important factor to consider is the size and shape of the water dog toys. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, some toys may be more suitable than others. For example, smaller dogs may prefer smaller toys that are easier to carry and retrieve, while larger dogs may prefer larger toys that can withstand their stronger jaws and rough play.

When choosing water dog toys, consider the type of playtime you and your dog enjoy. If you and Buster love to play fetch in the water, a buoyant ball or frisbee may be the perfect choice. If your dog prefers to chew or tug, consider a durable, water-resistant rope or chew toy.

Finally, consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance of the water dog toys. Toys that can be easily cleaned are more convenient for pet owners, and they also help to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.

By considering these factors when buying water dog toys, you can ensure that you choose the right toys for your furry friend that are both safe and enjoyable for poolside playtime.

Kong Water Dog Toy

One of the most lauded toys on the doggy market, the Aqua from Kong is a no-brainer for most dog owners. Its simple, no-frills design reflects Kong’s tendency to produce streamlined, high-quality toys. Thanks to its relatively heavy weight, this is a toy that is easy to throw far, even for folks who aren’t great at throwing. It also floats well in the water thanks to its foam core, making it perfect for waterborne games of fetch. Built to last, this American-made toy has a sterling reputation for good reason. We recommend it as the ideal all-purpose water toy for most dogs.

Pros:

  • Design makes it easy to throw far
  • Highly chew-resistant, so it will last a long time
  • Also great for use outside the water

Cons:

  • Not offered in a “small” size
  • Not great for tugging; the rope could slip out of the anchor point

Outward Hound Water Dog Toy

Though we love Kong’s Aqua toy for its simplicity, we also like toys with a bit more personality. This one from Outward Hound is the perfect example. Designed in the shape of various sea animals, the toys in this selection are all fantastic options for waterborne play. Since they float reliably and feature bright colors and patterns, your dog will be able to see them pretty easily. Aside from the unique design, what sets them apart from other floating toys is the squeak ball that’s located inside the toy. Pair these sounds with the fact that the toy bobs in water and the result is a very dynamic toy that your dog won’t get bored of. And we’d like to think your dog doesn’t discriminate, but if the stingray doesn’t cut it, you can choose other varieties, such as a starfish, narwhal, orca, clownfish, and turtle.

  • Bright colors also make this a good toy for wintertime play in the snow
  • Dries quickly
  • Highly affordable price
  • May not withstand the ƒorce of extremely aggressive chewers
  • We wish the quality of the stitching was better

Chuckit! Water Dog Toy

For a dog who loves to play catch with a frisbee, few options can compete with this fabulous flyer from Chuckit! Designed with tough rubber and nylon that can withstand the might of even the most strong-jawed pooches, this frisbee is as durable as they come. But that durability doesn’t come as the cost of the frisbee’s aerodynamic abilities. This thing can truly soar, so it’s perfect for ambitious cogs who want to play a long-distance game of fetch in the sea or lake. That being said, it’s also great for poolside play.  We also appreciate that Chuckit! offers this ball as a cost-saving package deal with other similar toys, such as alongside their ultra-popular Ultra Ball.

Pros:

  • Though the rubber is tough, it’s gentle on teeth and gums
  • Fantastic price means you can buy an extra frisbee as a backup
  • Available in multiples colors

Cons:

  • Flight path can be a little unpredictable
  • May not hold up to intense tugging

West Paw Water Dog Toy

Toys aren’t all fun and games. Affordable as they may be, often, this affordability comes at the cost of harmful production practices that prioritize efficiency and profit-boosting over the health of the environment. This toy takes a different approach. Made in the USA from zero-waste “Zogoflex” material and recycled plastic salvaged from the ocean, this is a toy we can feel good about buying. Aside from its eco-friendly construction, this disc also scores high marks for the degree of fun it’s capable of providing. It works well as both a frisbee and a chew toy. And it floats very well, so you can use it anywhere from the lake, pool, and even on land.

Pros:

  • Great for eco-conscious shoppers
  • Floats well and withstands chewing
  • Sold in different colors, each of which offers high visibility
  • Hole in the middle of the disc makes it easy for your dog to carry
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Doesn’t fly as far as some dog frisbees
  • A bit more expensive than competitors, but that’s largely due to the eco-friendly construction

Ruff Dawg Water Dog Toy

Made in the USA of nothing but high-quality rubber, this toy is as simple as it gets. It’s made for games of fetch that stretch late into the afternoon with your delighted dog not getting bored for a second. Affordable, easy to toss, and highly buoyant, this is a toy that every dog owner should have in their arsenal. The shape of the fish is highly realistic, too, which adds to the fun because your dog may really believe that it’s a fish. Compared with flimsier water toys, this one’s pure rubber construction means it’s more durable, so it’s a good option for any whose dog is a lean, mean, toy-destroying machine. That being said, they’re not indestructible.

  • Made in the USA
  • Dogs may believe it’s a real fish, adding to the excitement of playing fetch
  • Bright colors for high visibility
  • The color of the fish you receive may be different than the one pictured
  • Despite its pure rubber construction, certain dogs may be able to destroy this

Frequently Asked Questions

Are water dog toys suitable for use in saltwater? Or only freshwater?

Most of these toys are designed to be used in a variety of water environments, including chlorinated pools, freshwater lakes, and saltwater oceans. That being said, certain materials may degrade faster in saltwater, for example, so keep this in mind while shopping. If you’re not sure whether a particular toy is appropriate for your needs, we recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines before purchasing it.

Can all dogs use water dog toys?

Generally, yes, but it’s important to choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size, breed, and play style. We suggest always supervising your pooch while they play in the water to ensure their safety. All this being said, remember: we’re not veterinarians. If you have any concerns about your pet’s ability to use water dog toys, consult with your veterinarian.

Can water dog toys help with my dog’s dental health?

It’s possible! Many general-purpose dog toys are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and gums while they play, but usually, water toys are not designed with this in mind. Instead of trying to improve your pooch’s dental health while they’re in the water, we recommend focusing on land-borne efforts. Teeth brushing is always the best bet for improving dental health, but dental chew toys and the like can help as well.

How often should I replace my dog’s water toys?

The lifespan of water dog toys can vary depending on the type and frequency of use. It also depends on the salinity and mineral levels of the water, as these can impact the rate at which the toys degrade. Inspect your dog’s toys regularly for signs of wear and tear, and replace them as needed. It’s best to replace toys that are broken or have become too small to avoid any choking hazards.

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