Why do dogs love squeaky toys so much?

Why do dogs like squeaky toys?

The main theory behind why dogs love squeaky toys so much has to do with their hunting instinct. It is believed that the squeak of the toy is similar to the piercing cry of pursued or caught prey. Once upon a time, the ancestors of dogs had to hunt to feed themselves, so this instinct has been passed on to modern dogs.

Are these toys safe to play with?

In general, there is nothing wrong with playing games with squeaker toys. But you need to follow some rules to avoid unwanted consequences.

1. For some dogs, squeaky toys can be a trigger – they can awaken dormant hunting instincts in a pet so much that he redirects them to other animals. So be careful if you have very small dogs, cats, or rodents in your home.

2. Don’t let your dog chew on squeaky toys. As funny as they are, they can cause injury. Many squeaky toys contain a small plastic squeaker. It can be very dangerous, especially if swallowed whole, as it can cause intestinal blockage requiring surgery or suffocation. Therefore, be sure to watch your dog while playing with such a toy.

3. Offer your pet different toys. Don’t limit yourself to squeakers. Let your dog fulfill his desire to chew something with the help of special toys designed specifically for chewing. And in general: the more diverse the choice of toys a pet has, the less he will be bored.

July 14 2021

Updated: July 16, 2021