There are many things to love about our canine pals, but one of the best things about them is the fact that they are so playful. Fido is super cute when he’s joyfully chasing after his favorite ball or toy. Read on for some great tips from a local Matthews, NC vet on playing with your dog.

Make Playtime Part Of Your Daily Routing

Try to spend at least a few minutes a day playing with your pup. This is actually one of the best things you can do for him! Running and jumping will give your furry pal a great workout, which will help keep him in shape physically. It will also burn off any excess energy he has. This can be really helpful in dealing with problematic behaviors, such as digging or chewing. Plus, playing helps keep your pet calmer, as he’ll be tired after a fun play session. It also offers Fido entertainment and mental stimulation. Last but not least, it’s a great way for you and your pet to spend some quality time together.

Safety For Kids

If you have children, always supervise play sessions. Young kids can move suddenly or make loud noises, which can startle dogs. You’ll also need to make sure that Fido doesn’t try to take your child’s toy, or vice versa.

Choose Suitable Toys

Choose toys that are suitable for your dog’s age, breed, and size. Fido could get seriously hurt playing with something that’s too big or too small for him! Quality is also important. Avoid toys made overseas. Not all countries enforce—or even have—safety regulations for dog toys. It’s also important to regularly inspect and clean Fido’s playthings. Repair anything that’s torn, or just discreetly toss and replace it.

Tug-O-War

There are some things to keep in mind before engaging your pup in a game of Tug-o-war. For one thing, this isn’t a good idea for dogs that have aggressive tendencies and/or are very territorial. You don’t want to provoke Fido! That said, some dogs really enjoy it, and it’s fine for friendly, well-behaved pooches. Hold the toy at about waist level, so as not to encourage your canine friend to jump on you. Let your pet ‘win’ sometimes: this will help build his confidence. As your Matthews, NC vet clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Please contact us anytime!