Dog toys for older dogs
An older dog usually still wants to play, just in a gentler way than they did as a puppy — softer toys that are easier on ageing teeth and gums, and enrichment toys that engage the mind without demanding the same speed and impact as a game of fetch once did.
Softer toys for an older mouth
Years of chewing and playing can leave an older dog's teeth and gums more sensitive than they were, and a very hard toy that was fine at three can be uncomfortable, or simply ignored, at twelve. Softer plush toys or gentler rubber options tend to suit an ageing mouth better.
If your dog has stopped playing with toys they used to love, it is worth checking whether the toy itself has become too hard for them to enjoy comfortably, alongside considering whether a dental check with your vet is due.
Enrichment over exertion
A puzzle feeder or a slow-release treat toy gives an older dog mental stimulation without asking their joints to do the sudden sprinting and jumping that a game of fetch involves. This kind of play tends to suit a dog whose body has slowed down but whose mind is just as sharp as ever.
It is also a genuinely good way to keep an older dog engaged during the day, particularly if they are sleeping more and moving around less than they used to — a bit of mental work can be as satisfying to a dog as physical exercise.
Watching how they actually play
Keep an eye on how your older dog interacts with a new toy in the first few sessions — reluctance to chew on one side, dropping a toy repeatedly, or losing interest quickly can all be worth mentioning at their next vet check.
There is no need to stop play altogether as a dog ages; adjusting what kind of play is on offer, rather than removing it, is usually the better answer, and most older dogs are still keen for the right kind of game.
Toys that suit a quieter routine
A snuffle mat or scatter-feeding toy turns part of a meal into a slow, sniffing activity rather than a few seconds at a bowl, which suits an older dog who benefits from gentle mental engagement spread across more of the day rather than one short burst of excitement.
Soft squeaky toys that do not require much grip strength or jaw pressure to enjoy are often a better fit than a tough chew toy for a dog with worn or missing teeth, and still give plenty of dogs real satisfaction from the sound and the texture alone.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Interactive Activity Ball Dog Toy with Cover
A bouncy activity ball in a tough zip-on cover that keeps dogs chasing, nudging and herding for hours.
From£23.99
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs with Pump
A large inflatable herding ball with pump that taps into your dog's chase instinct.
From£19.99
Remote-Controlled Jumping Ball Dog Toy
A self-rolling, light-up ball that jumps and rolls to keep dogs entertained. A paw-shaped remote sets three activity gears, so both small and large dogs can chase and play. Rechargeable and tough against chewing.
From£19.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs
A large inflatable ball too big for a dog to pick up, with a bite-resistant double-layer shell that slow-deflates if punctured, for high-drive chasing and nudging.
£23.99
Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs
A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.
£29.99
Durables Toy Crocodile
The crocodile from Red Dingo's Durables line: solid hardware, hard-wearing materials and a five-year manufacturer guarantee, which is rare enough to be the reason to buy.
£20.49
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Tuffy Junior Zoo Hippo
A junior-sized Tuffy hippo built in bonded layers with webbed, multi-row stitched seams, light enough for smaller dogs and puppies, that floats and is machine washable.
£18.99
No-Stuffing Crinkle Plush Dog Toy
A cuddly stuffing-free plush lion with built-in crinkle and dual squeakers to keep small and medium dogs entertained. Less mess if chewed open, and the soft body is machine washable for easy cleaning.
£10.99
Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw
Meet the Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw — one of the toughest dog toys we stock. Tuffy build their toys in multiple bonded layers with several rows of stitching and protective webbing on the seams, so they stand up to serious chewers far better than an ordinary plush. They float, and they’re machine washable (air dry).
£13.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Common questions
- Should I stop playing fetch with my older dog?
- Not necessarily, but it is worth watching how they cope with sudden sprints and hard stops, and scaling back the intensity — shorter throws, softer ground, less repetition — if they seem stiff or slow to recover afterwards.
- Are puzzle toys good for older dogs?
- Yes, they are often a particularly good fit — they provide mental stimulation and a sense of achievement without requiring the physical speed or impact that more active games do, which suits a dog whose body has slowed down more than their mind has.
- My older dog has lost interest in toys altogether — is that normal?
- It can be a normal part of ageing, but a sudden change is worth mentioning to your vet, since reduced interest in play can also be linked to pain, reduced mobility or other health changes that are worth ruling out.
- Are chew toys still safe for an older dog with worn teeth?
- A softer chew is usually a better fit than a very hard one once teeth have worn down or gums have become more sensitive, and it is worth watching how comfortably your dog manages any chew rather than assuming it still suits them the way it once did.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.