Most senior dogs are young at heart and still enjoy playtime. Just like younger dogs, they need mental and physical stimulation as well as interaction with their beloved owner. There are lots of wonderful toys on the market which are suitable for senior dogs, allowing you to enjoy that precious playtime together.
The Best Dog Toys for Senior Dogs2023 Review
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The Best Dog Toys for Senior Dogs
Editor's Choice
KONG Senior Dog Toy- Best all-rounder
- Soft, sturdy rubber for senior mouths
- Sizes for all breeds
Runner Up
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy- Best plush puzzle
- Provides mental and physical stimulation
- Plush texture soft on old mouths
Also Good
Trixie Activity Flip Board Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy- Best puzzle toy
- 3 puzzle types in 1 toy
- Mentally stimulating
More Detailed Senior Dog Toy Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Senior Dog Toy review
Features
- Best all-rounder
- Soft, sturdy rubber for senior mouths
- Sizes for all breeds
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Senior Dog Toy is 1 of the best dog toys for senior dogs on the market, specifically designed with seniors in mind. The soft yet sturdy, all-natural rubber is gentle on your senior dog’s teeth and gums yet still strong enough to chew. The toy can be filled with spreadable or solid treats to keep your old friend interested for hours.
I found that the unique shape creates an exciting bounce which got my dog moving during games of fetch. With a range of sizes available, this toy is suitable for all breeds of senior dog. It even comes at an incredibly low price.
Pros
- Many owners said that this was their senior dog’s favorite toy
- Owners found this toy kept their dog occupied for hours when paired with treats
- Several said they felt the toy helped to keep their senior dog active
- Gentle on senior dog’s teeth which many owners appreciated
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, which owners found helpful
- Some owners found that it helped to calm their dogs, especially for senior dogs with dementia or those who struggle with separation anxiety
Cons
- Some owners found the rubber scent overpowering
- Some said that even though the rubber was softer than other KONGS, it was still too hard for their senior dog to chew
- Some felt that the size descriptions were not clear, leaving them with a toy that was too small for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy review
Features
- Best plush puzzle
- Provides mental and physical stimulation
- Plush texture soft on old mouths
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy is a fantastic option for senior dogs who love a plush toy and a puzzle game. Being plush, it’s soft on old mouths while the puzzle gets their mind working. Soft, squeaky squirrels hide in a soft trunk, encouraging your dog to figure out how to access them!
My small breed dogs in particular enjoyed this puzzle, finding it mentally stimulating and engaging. This puzzle comes in a range of sizes, suitable for all breeds. At a very reasonable price, this toy will keep both owner and dog happy.
Pros
- Many owners said that their dog found this toy exciting and engaging, with it keeping them busy for a while
- Some said that the toy was more durable than they expected, even during rough play
- Stimulates natural behaviors such as hunting, foraging, and digging
- Soft enough for old mouths, those with dental issues, and small breeds
- Some said it encouraged their dogs to be more physically active while at home
Cons
- Not designed to be chewed, so supervision during play would be recommended for dogs prone to chewing their toys
- Some owners found that this toy didn’t last very long during rough play, stating they wished the material was more durable
- Some felt that the toy was too expensive and wasn’t good value
- Dogs who are experienced with puzzles may find this toy too easy, with owners saying they weren’t interested in the toy
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Trixie Activity Flip Board Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy review
Features
- Best puzzle toy
- 3 puzzle types in 1 toy
- Mentally stimulating
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Trixie Activity Flip Board Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy is a fantastic toy for older dogs who need more mental stimulation. Even if your old pal can’t be very physically active, this puzzle will get their mind working and keep them entertained. I found the puzzle captured my dog’s attention for a while and it was great fun to see them trying to figure it out.
Treats can be hidden inside the compartments, which your dog has to figure out to access using a variety of different puzzle types. This puzzle is suitable for most small to medium breeds. It comes at a great low price.
Pros
- Many owners said this toy provided great enrichment, keeping their dogs entertained and mentally stimulated
- When used to feed meals, can slow down fast eaters as well as making mealtimes more interesting
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, which owners found convenient
- Owners generally felt this toy was of good value and high-quality
- Some felt that this toy was a great way to reduce boredom for their dog
Cons
- Supervision during play is required as the toy isn’t designed to stand up to chewing and removable parts can pose a choking risk
- Not challenging for many dogs who are already skilled at puzzles
- Once solved, dogs can lose interest in the puzzle which owners found disappointing
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy review
Features
- Best for active senior dogs
- Perfect for games of fetch
- Soft rubber gentle on old mouths
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy is 1 of the best toys for older dogs who are still active. The classic, durable yet soft and flexible KONG rubber is soft on your senior dog’s teeth and gums. The shape is easy for old mouths to hold and carry around.
This toy is designed for fun-filled games of fetch, getting your senior dog running around like a puppy. I found that my spaniel enjoyed playing with this toy and it stood up to average chewing. The frisbee comes in 2 sizes to suit most breeds and is low in price.
Pros
- Stands up to average chewers, with many owners finding this toy durable
- Great for both fetch and tug of war, with many saying this was their dogs favorite toy
- Perfect for exercising active dogs, providing both mental and physical stimulation
- Most owners felt this toy was good value for money
- Flexible material makes games of fetch safer and the toy more suitable for old or sensitive mouths
Cons
- Not designed for power chewers, with some owners saying their dog was able to destroy this toy
- Some owners felt this toy was too heavy, finding it hard to throw very far
- Some found that this toy wasn’t as durable as they hoped, breaking after a period of regular play
Ann-Marie Sharpe
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys, 3-pack review
Features
- Best squeaking toy
- Great for fetch, tug, and solo play
- Soft for senior mouths
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys, 3-pack is 1 of the best toys for senior dogs. You get 3 adorable, cute, plush toys for a low price, great for dogs who really love plush toys or for multi-dog households (my dogs loved being able to have 1 each). The toys squeak, providing great excitement during playtime.
These toys are great for snuggling up to, as well as for games of fetch and tug, and solo playtime. They’re soft on your senior dog’s mouth and have no stuffing to reduce mess if a toy breaks. The toys come in 1 size, which is suitable for medium to large breeds.
Pros
- 3 pack makes these excellent value, with many owners stating they felt it was money well spent
- No stuffing means they’re safer for unsupervised play and less messy if your dog does destroy them
- Many owners of all breeds and life stages said these were the dogs favorite toys and that they would repurchase
- Great for fetch, tug of war, and snuggle time, with owners saying they felt the toy was very versatile and kept their dog occupied for hours
- Some said these toys were more durable than they expected
Cons
- Not recommended for strong chewers, as they are plush and not designed to stand up to chewing
- Some felt that these toys weren’t as high-quality as they expected
- Some said they weren’t large enough for their large breed dog
- Some found the squeaker stopped working after a period of regular play
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy review
Features
- Best treat dispenser
- Provides mental stimulation
- Gets senior dogs moving
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy is a brilliant choice to mentally stimulate older dogs and help them be more active. Internal chambers can be filled with treats or kibble, while a unique shape and weighted base make the toy bob around as your dog tries to access them. This promotes natural behaviors, gets your dog mind engaged, and gets them moving around.
Being very food-motivated, I found my dogs enjoyed the challenge of this toy. The toy comes in 2 sizes, suitable for small to large breeds. At a mid-range price, this toy is excellent value for money.
Pros
- Many owners said their dogs loved this toy, with it keeping them busy and mentally stimulated for long periods
- Some said the toy was very durable which they were pleased about
- Variable difficulty keeps things interesting
- Great for making mealtimes more exciting and slowing down eating
- Many said this toy was useful for dogs who weren’t able to be very active, whether due to age, illness or injury, as it prevented boredom
Cons
- Hard plastic construction means it can be loud during play as it moves around the floor and hits surroundings
- Not designed for power chewing, with owners saying their dog chewed up the toy during unsupervised play
- Some said their dog figured out how to adjust the treat dispensing hole
- Some felt the toy was too big or heavy for their dogs
- Some owners found the toy harder to fill with treats than they would have liked
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Plush Duck Dog Toy review
Features
- Best for small senior dogs
- Comes in 2 small sizes
- Great for play and snuggle time
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Plush Duck Dog Toy is a truly fantastic toy for small breed senior dogs. It’s fluffy and soft, making it gentle on your dog’s mouth and perfect for snuggling up with. Its quality materials and squeaker make it perfect for some fun play sessions.
This toy’s squeaker is even removable, giving you the best of both worlds, which I found really handy. It comes in 2 small sizes, perfect for toy and small breeds. Perhaps best of all, it’s an absolute bargain.
Pros
- Many said this toy was the perfect size for their small breed or puppy, allowing them to play with it safely and easily
- Many said this duck was their dog’s favorite toy, being great for fetch, tug, and snuggling
- Owners felt this toy was very affordable and excellent value
- Comes with an extra squeaker in case of breakage during rough play, which owners felt was very handy and made the toy last longer
- Several owners said the toy was easy to clean which they appreciated
Cons
- Some owners felt that this toy was too small for their dog
- Not designed for aggressive chewing, with some owners finding the toy broke easily when chewed
- Some owners felt the toy didn’t look like a duck and wasn’t as cute as they hoped
Things to Look for in a Toy for Senior Dogs
Just like humans, your dog’s needs change as they age. Let’s take a look at some important factors to keep in mind when you’re looking for a toy for your senior dog:
Features To Stimulate Their Senses
Some older dogs may have reduced senses like sight, smell, and hearing. This means they need their toys to really stimulate their senses so they can still enjoy playtime. Older dogs may enjoy toys that are brightly colored, which make a lot of noise, or which have a unique texture or smell.
Softer Toys
It’s common for older dogs to have lost some teeth or have sensitive teeth and gums. This means softer, flexible toys are essential. Many rubber or chew toys suitable for seniors have softer rubber. If your dog’s mouth is very sensitive, they might prefer a plush toy.
High-Quality Materials
Choosing a toy made from high-quality materials means it’s more likely to last, as well as being better quality overall for your beloved senior pup.
Correct Size for Your Dog
It’s essential to always choose a toy of the right size for your dog. This allows them to play with it properly and make the most out of it.
The Benefits of Play for a Senior Dog
While senior dogs might play differently or slow down a little, playtime is still crucial and has so many benefits. Regular playtime engages a senior dog’s mind and helps to keep their cognitive skills sharp. It can even help to keep doggy dementia at bay.
Senior dogs might need less exercise, but it’s still vital that they keep their body moving. Play can be a fun way to encourage your dog to be a little more active. This activity helps to:
-
- keep joints and bones healthy
- reduce inflammation
- alleviate pain
- prevent weight gain, as a dog’s metabolism slows down as they age
- slow the progression of arthritis
- reduce the risk of other health issues
- boost your dog’s mood
- provide plenty of fun!
How to Play With a Senior Dog
Playing with a senior dog is very similar to playing with your dog when they were younger, except you need to reduce the intensity and duration of playtime. Like humans, as they age, your dog won’t have as much stamina, so keep play sessions short. Look for signs that they’ve had enough of playing, such as panting, seeming tired, and being reluctant to keep the game going.
Many games may need to be toned down to avoid injury, as your dog’s bones, joints, and teeth won’t be as strong as when they were younger. Be a little more gentle and let them lead the way. If your dog has arthritis or reduced mobility, try to focus on more mentally stimulating games that don’t require vigorous movement.
General Toy Safety Advice
Even senior dogs can destroy toys if they feel like it, so it’s generally a good idea to keep an eye on your dog while they’re playing. If a toy breaks, remove the toy and stop playtime for your dog’s safety.
Dog Toy for a Senior Dog FAQ
At what age is a dog a senior?
The age a dog becomes a senior depends on your dog’s breed and size. In general, a dog becomes a senior between the ages of 7 to 9 for medium and large breed dogs, while small breeds may not be considered senior until they are 10 or 11.
Will a toy mentally stimulate your senior dog?
Yes, the right toy will provide mental stimulation. Look for features that will get your dog’s mind working, such as puzzles and other challenging features.
Do senior dogs still need toys?
Some dogs might not be as interested in toys as they age, but many will still love a toy. You will be able to tell by your dog’s behavior whether they still need toys. Most older dogs are still puppies at heart and love playtime.
Conclusion
Finding the right toy for your senior dog can provide both owner and dog with tons of fun. Playtime for senior pups has many benefits, so be sure to get involved with your dog to help them stay active.
The Best Dog Toys for Senior Dogs
Editor's Choice
KONG Senior Dog Toy- Best all-rounder
- Soft, sturdy rubber for senior mouths
- Sizes for all breeds
Runner Up
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy- Best plush puzzle
- Provides mental and physical stimulation
- Plush texture soft on old mouths
Also Good
Trixie Activity Flip Board Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy- Best puzzle toy
- 3 puzzle types in 1 toy
- Mentally stimulating
