Old Dog Products

Quality of life & the last chapter

Safe Toys for Senior Dogs: Choosing Toys for an Older Dog

By The Old Dog Products team · Published

Not veterinary advice. This article is general information to help you care for your dog at home. It isn’t veterinary advice and can’t replace an exam. If you’re worried about your dog, call your vet.

Your dog may have shredded every toy in the house at three. At twelve, they might just carry a soft toy around or nose a ball across the floor. Older dogs still enjoy toys, but what’s safe and fun changes as their teeth, jaws and energy change.

If you only have a minute

  • Pick toys too big to fit whole in your dog’s mouth, but not so big they can’t hold them comfortably.
  • Avoid very hard toys and chews; they can damage teeth.
  • Supervise new toys, and throw away anything that’s breaking into pieces.
  • Call your vet if your dog swallows part of a toy.

Emergency: if your dog is choking, or has swallowed part of a toy and is vomiting, not eating, or seems to have belly pain, call your vet or an emergency vet now.

What makes a dog toy safe?

Size

A vet at Texas A&M’s veterinary school puts it this way: a good toy is “not small enough to swallow or fit whole into the mouth,” but also not so large that your dog can’t comfortably chew on it (Texas A&M). The ASPCA advises choosing products designed for your dog’s size and chewing habits (ASPCA).

As toys wear down they get smaller. The ASPCA says durable chews worn down at the ends can break off in thin pieces that get swallowed, and should be thrown out before they get that worn (ASPCA).

Hardness

VCA notes that hard products such as hard plastic and bones can injure teeth even if they aren’t swallowed (VCA). That matters more for older dogs, who may already have worn or sore teeth. If your dog has had dental problems, ask your vet which toys suit them. Our senior dog dental care guide covers signs of a sore mouth.

Pieces that come off

The ASPCA says rubber and hard plastic toys shouldn’t break into pieces that can be swallowed, and toys that do shouldn’t be given to any dog (ASPCA). Check for loose eyes, squeakers, strings and stuffing.

Good toy types for older dogs

  • Soft toys for dogs who like to carry or cuddle something. Check seams often.
  • Food puzzles and stuffable rubber toys for a bit of sniffing and problem-solving. VCA suggests choosing a size that can’t be swallowed, an easy difficulty level, and supervising at first (VCA).
  • Balls sized for your dog, rolled gently along the floor rather than thrown high.
  • Toys with a smell or sound may be easier for some dogs with fading eyesight to find. Supervise squeaky toys, because squeakers can be swallowed (Texas A&M).

Start easy. An older dog who gets frustrated with a hard puzzle may give up on it.

Supervision and checking toys

VCA advises supervising pets with all toys, at least at first, and says that if a pet chews pieces off a product, it isn’t suitable for them (VCA). Make a habit of checking toys every week or so and throwing out anything that’s cracked, split or shedding pieces.

If you have more than one dog, VCA notes some pets guard food-filled toys, so you may need to give them in separate rooms (VCA).

When to call your vet

The Texas A&M vet advises contacting your vet if you think your pet has swallowed any part of a toy (Texas A&M). The ASPCA says to consult a vet right away if your dog swallows a chunk of chew material (ASPCA).

Frequently asked questions

Do old dogs still play with toys?

Many do, just more gently. Try a few different types to see what your dog enjoys now.

Are rubber chew toys safe for senior dogs?

Many are, if they’re the right size and not too hard. Check them often and replace them when they wear down.

What should I do with toys my dog no longer uses?

If they’re clean and in good condition, a shelter may take them. See what to do with old dog toys.

Sources

Products mentioned

Products don’t treat any condition. They can make the home safer or easier. Ask your vet what suits your dog.

More picks in our product guide: Home setup & routine.