Plush dog toys help soothe a puppy’s teething pain by providing a soft surface to chew on, similar to a baby’s teething ring. They also offer comfort by mimicking the feel of littermates, which can ease separation stress. Common teething problems puppies face: As teeth begin to develop, puppies can experience: If suitable toys or dental products are not available, puppies may chew items that could cause more pain or damage to their oral health. How soft plush toys soothe sore gums and provide comfort Plush toys can be used in the very early stages of teething, to help develop the chewing instinct and to help soothe gums as teeth start to erupt. They act as an introduction to more robust chewing aids, such as harder rubber toys, which may be unsuitable for the baby teeth of small puppies. As puppies would naturally be born as part of a litter, they instinctively look to have close contact with siblings for comfort. A selection of dog toys can help your puppy to mimic those natural behaviours. Types of plush toys good for teething puppies When choosing, be sure to buy toys which are 100% safe and will not come apart easily with normal chewing or expose sharp edges or components. Good options include: Always check the toy is well-stitched, free from detachable parts, and made from non-toxic materials. While many toys come in fun designs, focus on those that are built for teething, not just for decoration. Their primary job is to relieve discomfort and encourage healthy chewing habits, so safety and intended use should always come first. Final thoughts – keeping plush toys clean and supervise play. Most toys will come with full cleaning and care instructions but if these are lost, it’s important to remember that soft toys need to be cleaned with pet-safe detergent, or preferably no detergent at all. With some toys, a simple hand wash with a mix of warm water and vinegar is all that’s needed. Remember that your puppy’s mouth and gums may be sore, and as teeth begin to appear or grow, they could be more prone to infection – hence the need for a good cleaning regime. In addition, the toy should not be returned to your puppy until it is 100% dry, to ensure there is no risk of mould or mildew being present. As such, we recommend you have a selection of dog toys so you can rotate the cleaning cycle. As part of your play routines at this important time in your puppy’s development, it’s always best to regularly check that the soft toy is intact and not damaged. Frequently check that your pup can effectively chew by providing a toy that is appropriate for their size. Always reward your pup for playing with their toy and using it correctly, but don’t discipline them for misdirected chewing behaviour, or for nipping your fingers! Just be more interactive by enticing them away with the correct toy and if necessary, reward them with small treats. It’s also recommended to have regular but short sessions rather than prolonged chewing activity, and make sure teething play sessions are gentle rather than boisterous, which could result in the encouragement of aggressive behaviour. Helping your puppy through this difficult phase in the correct way will bring benefits for the future, and will help with bonding at this early stage in their lives.
Offering a mix of dog toys helps prevent boredom for your pup, activates various senses and promotes their natural instincts. By providing different types of toys like chew toys and puzzles, it keeps your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Further Reasons Why Dog Toy Variety Matters Mental and Physical Stimulation Toy variations can not only help maintain mental stimulation, but also physical which is particularly useful for dogs whose owners are at work all day or who have less opportunity for walks. Bonding with Your Dog Toys also encourage bonding, particularly between dogs and their owners. Rope toys are perfect for interactive play, along with throw and fetch toys. Comfort and Anxiety Relief Puppies and older dogs may enjoy plush toys for soft, gentle play, which can greatly reduce anxiety. Dental Health Benefits Rubber toys specifically designed for chewing can help keep teeth and gums healthy which is essential for any dog no matter the breed or age. Owner Gratification We all love to shop, and we love to spoil our dogs! If it makes your pooch feel better, it probably makes you feel better too. Choosing the Right Toys for Your Dog All dogs display similar behaviours and instincts to some degree, but some are more suited to certain types of toys depending on their breed and personality. We suggest owners consider this when choosing toys. A “well balanced” toy box will probably include examples of the following types: Our Recommendation We, at Dog Accessories UK, recommend introducing new toys regularly and rotating the style of toy to discover what your dog likes best and to maintain their interest. Check out our range of dog toys, we are certain you will find all that you, or more importantly your pooch, needs.
In the majority of cases, it’s entirely normal, but possible causes for a dog dragging their blanket round the house can be: marking territory with their scent, instinctual nesting behaviour, or seeking safety and comfort. Other examples of natural causes: While the 3 examples above are the main causes as to why your dog brings their favourite dog blanket everywhere with them, there are other causes which should be noted: When to be concerned about blanket dragging While excessive blanket chewing or obsessive dragging can signal stress or boredom, owners should observe if their dog seems overly fixated or if the behaviour causes damage. If this is the case, it is advised to consult a vet or dog behaviourist. How to support your dog’s blanket-dragging behaviour At Dog Accessories UK, we always recommend that you have multiple blankets so your pooch can always find comfort in the event that a blanket goes missing or is destroyed and in need of a replacement. Thankfully we offer blankets at an incredibly affordable price at just £7.99! Along with soft, washable blankets, always try to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated via walks and interactive dog toys. In conclusion: Your dog is probably demonstrating entirely natural behaviour, learned instinctively from their ancestors who also moved around their habitat marking territory and finding safe places for shelter and sleep. Although, they probably didn’t have the benefit of today’s soft and plush pet specific blankets!
Ease your dog’s separation anxiety with our range of comforting dog blankets designed to provide familiar scents and comfort. These blankets help your dog feel safe and relaxed in your absence while also being affordable at just £7.99! Discover how the right blanket can make a real difference to your pet’s wellbeing and why having multiple blankets can be a game changer for managing anxiety. Can a dog blanket help with separation anxiety? Yes, a soft dog blanket can offer a sense of reassurance that helps ease their anxiety when owners head out. All dogs look for familiarity when left by themselves, even for a short period of time. A blanket that carries your scent, or one they regularly snuggle into, can quickly become a comforting item they can rely on in your absence. How to tell if your dog might display anxiety: How does a dog blanket help? Familiar smells can provide a level of emotional comfort, helping to ease anxiety when your pet is left alone or is away from their usual surroundings. A more comfortable and relaxing environment can help to induce calm and aid sleep, while the blanket can also signal to a dog that their owners are not too far away! Further options and considerations to help with anxiety: Pairing the blanket with a dog toy can help to further reduce unnecessary stress. Why not have 2 or 3 identical blankets, especially if you regularly have to transport your pooch, or use kennels due to work commitments. It’s best to rotate blanket use, so your collection always appears familiar to your dog. This is better than giving them a brand-new one that doesn’t yet carry your scent or theirs.
Most dog blankets should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on how heavily they’re used and how well they wash. If your dog’s blanket smells even after washing, is torn, or causes irritation, it’s probably time to treat your pet to a fresh, soft blanket. We’re often asked by fellow dog owners: “how frequently should you replace your dog’s blanket?” The truth is, it depends on a few key signs. For some, it will be a financial decision, but with the great value dog blankets we supply at Dog Accessories UK, that’s not really a valid excuse if you love your pet. Key signs it’s time to replace the dog blanket There are many aspects to take into consideration if you think your pet’s blanket has seen better days. These include: If you notice any of the above, it’s a good moment to browse our selection of affordable dog blankets starting from just £7.99! Why buy multiple dog blankets? Because blankets are relatively inexpensive, we recommend buying 2 or 3 of the same design that your dog loves. That way: At Dog Accessories UK, our dog blankets combine both quality and value, helping you truly care for your pet without breaking the bank. Ready to Upgrade Your Dog’s Blanket? Check out our full range of soft pet throws, available in various sizes and patterns. Give your dog the comfort they deserve today!
