by Tom Ken
Some dogs are born blind, while others lose their eyesight as they age or as a result of health issues. While such dogs often require extra attention and care, they still need to play like other pets. One of the easiest ways to keep such a pup entertained is with the best toys for blind dogs.
Besides entertainment, these toys are essential for mental stimulation and to ensure the pet remains physically active as it has it often jumps or runs around when playing. What's more, a good toy can help your blind dog build confidence and allow you to bond with the canine as you play together.
Toys for blind dogs often use sound, scent, and texture to keep the pet engaged. Here we show you how to choose an ideal one for your pet and provide several recommendations with our detailed review.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Wobble Wag Giggle Ball (Best Overall) |
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2. Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Ball Dog Toy (Best Inexpensive) |
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3. Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball (Best for Sound Simulation) |
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4. Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball Flashing Dog Toy (Best Interactive) |
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5. Multipet Deedle Singing Mouse Plush Dog Toy (Best Fetch) |
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6. Ethical Pets Sensory Ball Dog Toy (Best Scented) |
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7. Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Fish (Safest) |
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The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is our best overall toy for blind dogs as it is effective at enticing the dog to play, easy to use, and safe for the pet. With this toy, you get some enticing giggles that can encourage almost any dog to play, and it does not need any batteries to work.
With the 6 clutch pockets on the dog toy, it is easy to pick up for any pooch when playing. Additionally, the ball is made from a high-quality vinyl material that does not include any phthalate, making it pet-friendly.
Dogs can use the ball for indoor and outdoor play, which makes it very convenient, and because the material is tough, the ball can take a lot of abuse.
Although the noise tubes do not seem very snug, they still work well, and unless you have a highly aggressive chewer, they should last a long time.
Pros:
Cons:
The Hartz Dura Play Dog Toy is the most affordable option on our toys for blind dogs review and will be the perfect choice for pet parents who do not want to spend much. However, it is still handy for play as it has a pleasant bacon scent that attracts and entices the pups to play more.
At 0.02 pounds, this toy is more lightweight than most others out there, meaning it is easier to pick for any pet. What's more, its soft and flexible texture makes it easy to use even for senior dogs, but it is still highly durable thanks to the firm latex exterior.
Some pet parents might not like that this toy squeaks a little too much. However, the squeaks are very handy at enticing blind dogs to play. Also, for aggressive chewers, this might not be the best toy, but for all other pups, it should still hold up well.
Pros:
Cons:
With 20 different wisecracks and sounds, the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball is the perfect option for you if you have a blind pup that seems to love noises. Besides entertaining the pet, the noises entice it to play and make the toy easier to find even when the dog cannot see it.
You can be sure this toy will not break apart easily as the high-impact ABS construction can withstand even the most aggressive chewers. Dogs also have an easy time playing with the toy as it switches on and off automatically and has a perfectly textured surface with grooves for easy touch interaction.
Although this is not a battery-free dog toy, the batteries can last up to an impressive 6 months. While the hard surface can make the toy hard to pick up for some pets, most still enjoy playing.
Pros:
Cons:
If you prefer the interactive dog toy types, the Pet Qwerks Blinky Dog Toy is an unbeatable option. It is a motion-activated toy that produces up to 28 different sounds to keep your dog's mind stimulated and ensure it is always entertained.
After the play, the toy switches off automatically to ensure it never uses the battery when the pet is not playing. The battery can last up to 6 months, even with daily use. What's more, this is a highly durable toy with a heavy-duty ABS construction.
Since this ball is highly sensitive, even minor vibrations can switch it on, leading to battery wastage, but this is hardly a concern if stored properly. Also, the plastic is quite hard for some pups, but you can be sure it is still safe to play.
Pros:
Cons:
For the pet parents looking for a good toy to play throw and fetch, the Multipet Deedle Singing Mouse is perfect. What makes it one of the best fetch toys for blind dogs is that it also has a voice box, which emits some unique tunes when the dog squeezes it for easy location.
Also, the toy is plush-filled to make it nice and cozy, which dogs find more interesting and will hence want to play more. What's more, it is just the perfect size and weight because, at just 0.16 pounds, any dog can handle it with no issues.
If you have an aggressive or excessive chewer, this toy might not hold up very well, but it should last long enough for all other pups.
Pros:
Cons:
The pleasant beef flavor on the Ethical Pets Sensory Ball Dog Toy is irresistible for all dogs as they want to smell and taste the toy. Therefore, you can be sure your pet will always look forward to playing with this toy.
What's more, it is interactive for blind dogs as it has multiple sensory textures on the surface. Better still, it makes some stimulating squeaks that do not linger very long and lovely jingles for stimulating your pup. One more thing pet parents love is it is a durable toy that can withstand even aggressive chewers thanks to the thermoplastic rubber material.
The top layer on this dog toy seems to come off fairly quickly, but the good news is the toy remains useful even without the outer cover.
Pros:
Cons:
With the 100% natural rubber material, the Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Fish is designed to be one of the safest toys for your blind dogs out there. It does not contain any BPA or lead, and the manufacture makes it with the same standards as toys for kids.
The toy has a perfect texture that effectively stimulates the pup's senses even when it cannot see the cute fish. What's more, the surface is gentle on a dog's delicate jaws, and since this is a handmade and hand-painted toy, you can be sure of maximum attention to detail.
While this toy might not withstand aggressive chewers, you can be sure they will still enjoy playing with it before tearing it apart. Better yet, there are no harmful substances that can pose safety risks, even if the pet was to tear the fish apart.
Pros:
Cons:
The Tamu Style Chicken Squeaky Toys are as fun to play with as they look. This toy triggers a pet's natural fetching instinct, and you can be sure even your blind pet will chase after the chicken. Better still, it is made for safety with a natural, non-toxic rubber material that is also washable for easy cleaning.
Another fun aspect of this toy is it creates some enticing squeaking sounds to encourage the pet to play. What's more, it works for all breed sizes as it is easy to handle for any dog.
Key Features
The realistic animal sounds of the Multipet Look Who's Talking Frog Dog Toy are very effective at enticing your blind pup to play. Even when the pet cannot see the toy, it can confidently figure out its purpose.
At 6 inches, the toy is the perfect size for all life stages as any dog can grasp it with ease. Better yet, the plush surface ensures it feels fantastic on the pet's mouth. Also, the fabric is quite tough, and the toy has good quality stitching to ensure durability.
Key Features
Whether you are looking for a puppy, adult, or senior dog toy, the 7-inch Multipet Look Who's Talking Cow Dog Toy is perfect. Besides being just the right size, the toy is very enticing as it makes realistic animal sounds that encourage dogs to play.
The toy's overall construction is also to notch, and it includes the use of nice terry cloth for the outer cover. Additionally, this is a plush and cute-looking dog toy. Besides play, it comes in handy when the pet wants something for snuggling up.
Key Features
The best toys for blind dogs are always those that appeal to various sensory organs, such as the Pet Qwerks Animal Sound Interactive Toys. This highly interactive toy is motion-activated and makes over 20 realistic animal sounds to keep the pet entertained.
Additionally, the dog toy is built to last a long time with a high-impact ABS material that can take a lot of abuse, even from serial chewers. Also, it switches off automatically after play to help save battery.
Key Features
Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Caterpillar is an all-natural rubber dog toy that does not contain any harmful substances like lead, BPA, or phthalates to ensure maximum safety for your pup. Also, this is a handmade toy, which allows utmost attention to quality.
Despite the rubber material being tough, it is still gentle on the pet's mouth. Additionally, the rubber smell and other things like soft texture and squeaky sound make this an ideal toy for blind dogs as they allow for easy interaction.
Key Features
If safety is your number one concern as you shop for a good toy for your blind pup, the Lucas b Natural Crocodile Sensory Dog Toy is a fantastic option. The toy is 100% free of chemicals, BPA, and all kinds of toxins thanks to the all-natural rubber material.
As this is a texture and sensory toy, blind dogs have an easier time interacting with it for mental stimulation and play. Additionally, the rubber material makes cleanup more straightforward, so you never have to worry about bacteria.
Key Features
The Sheraton Luxuries Bouncy Dog Balls effectively entice blind dogs to play by making some slight vibrations that resemble live prey. Additionally, these are safe and durable balls with an all-natural rubber construction.
If your pet still has some slight sight left, the unique blinking LED light-up can be impressive. Better yet, the balls make some funny musical sounds you can be sure your pet will love. Also, these sounds induce the pup to play more.
Key Features
ChuckIt! Locator Sound Ball is the kind of dog toy you can be sure you will never lose and that your blind pup has an easy time finding it when playing fetch. The ball emits an audible pulse sound which both the pet parent and dog can pick up quickly.
You can use this ball with a launcher if you have one, making it even more enjoyable. Better yet, dogs have an easy time picking up the ball thanks to the textured surface, and it will be ideal for both day and night playing.
Key Features
Toys for blind dogs come in several types, and one of the first decisions pets parents have to make is the right one to buy. While you can always have several types, the right one depends on your pet's preferences but here are the most common options.
Toys with Sound Stimulation
Like any other dog, blind ones still have an incredible sense of hearing which is sometimes even better than those that can see since they rely on it more for interaction with the world. Therefore, toys with sound simulation are some of the best for these pets.
Squeaky toys or those with some funny sounds, such as the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball, are easiest to find for dogs who cannot see and hence more enjoyable to play with.
Mental Stimulation Toys
Mental stimulation toys are those that challenge the pet's brain and often keep it occupied for several hours as it tries to figure things out. These toys often make a different sound when the pet presses them in a certain way. Also, some come as puzzles the dog has to solve.
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are also an excellent way to challenge and stimulate the pet's brain. These toys have a pocket that holds treats, and as the pet interacts with them, it has to figure out how to get the goodies inside.
Scented Toys
Dogs have a superior sense of smell compared to most other animals. Therefore, you can be sure a scented toy is handy at motivating the pet. A food-scented toy like the Hartz Dura Dog Toy, which smells like bacon, encourages the pup to play more as it tries to get to the smell's source.
Tough Chew Toys
These are ideal when your blind pup is teething as they help soothe the urge to chew on something for some gum and teeth relief. Also, tough chew toys can help clean teeth and exercise your pet's jaws, which is vital for its overall health.
As you shop for the best blind dog toys, you have to consider their texture as this is vital to ensure the pet can interact with it well even when it is unable to see the toy.
The absence of eyesight often enhances the pet's sense of touch. Hence, a toy's texture is vital in ensuring the pet can quickly tell it apart from other things such as concrete surfaces or grass when it is playing.
A distinct toy texture ensures the pet interacts with it easily with its paws, tongue, or even teeth.
A toy meant for blind dogs needs to utilize the pup's heightened sense of smells and taste. Since the dog cannot see the toy, it needs to smell or taste anything you buy to ensure it can tell it apart from other things.
As you choose a toy, make sure the pet likes the specific smell or taste to ensure it will want to play and not ignore the toy. Meaty flavors like beef, chicken, or bacon are the most popular as they seem to impress almost any dog.
Sound is one of the most important things for a blind dog as it is often the primary way it will interact with things around it. When choosing a play toy, you need to make sure it makes some sound.
However, the kind of noise the toy produces matters a lot. It should be more dog-friendly and not scary to ensure the pup is not frightened. More prolonged noises are better than squeaks for most blind dogs as they are engaging for mental and physical stimulation.
Note: It is vital to consider the pet's behavior and reaction towards the sound the toy makes. While some prefer high-pitched sounds, others are more comfortable with low pitches.
Any toy you buy for your pet, whether it is blind or not, needs to be safe. However, safety is an even more significant concern if you have a blind pooch since it cannot see the toy when playing.
Some of the elements that affect safety are the toy's size and material. A good toy should be large enough to make it impossible for the dog to swallow and have tough materials which are hard to break into small pieces.
While dog toys tend to be quite affordable, you still need to make sure what you buy is durable enough to get value for your money and ensure your pet's safety.
Also, dogs tend to get attached to their toys, and so the more durable the toy, the better as the pup gets to play with their favorite toy for a longer time.
A: Yes, blind dogs can play with toys with no issues. However, you need to pick an ideal toy for your visually impaired pet to ensure its safety. What's more, as a pet parent, you have to watch the pet more keenly as it plays with the toy and make sure it does it in a safe environment.
A: The best way is to give the pet enough time to interact with the toys and get used to them. Most pets eventually start playing with them without you having to do anything as they are naturally playful. Scented and interactive toys are also beneficial as they encourage dogs to play.
A: Yes, you can play with your blind dog, and it is even an excellent idea as it helps build its confidence and is a good way for you to bond. However, keep in mind that the pet requires extra care, and you have to play in a safe place with no potential hazards.
A: Dogs with visual impairment are more challenging to train than those that can see. Hence, they require more patience, understanding, and consistency. However, by utilizing training tools that use their other senses such as smell, sound, and touch, you can still train them successfully.
Pet Qwerks Interactive Dog Toy - Walmart Link
Ethical Pets Spot Sensory Rubber Sented Ball Dog Toy - Walmart Link
SPOT Ethical Pets Sensory Ball Dog Toy, 3.25" - Walmart Link
Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball Interactive Chew Toy for Small Dogs - Walmart Link
Pet Qwerks Animal Sounds Babble Ball Interactive Chew Toy for Small Dogs - Walmart Link
The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball - Walmart Link
The Hartz Dura Play Dog Toy - Walmart Link
the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball - Walmart Link
the Pet Qwerks Blinky Dog Toy - Walmart Link
the Multipet Deedle Singing Mouse - Walmart Link
the Ethical Pets Sensory Ball Dog Toy - Walmart Link
the Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Fish - Walmart Link
The Tamu Style Chicken Squeaky Toys - Walmart Link
the Multipet Look Who's Talking Frog Dog Toy - Walmart Link
Multipet Look Who's Talking Cow Dog Toy - Walmart Link
the Pet Qwerks Animal Sound Interactive Toys - Walmart Link
Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Caterpillar - Walmart Link
the Lucas b Natural Crocodile Sensory Dog Toy - Walmart Link
The Sheraton Luxuries Bouncy Dog Balls - Walmart Link
ChuckIt! Locator Sound Ball - Walmart Link
the Hartz Dura Dog Toy - Walmart Link
the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball - Walmart Link
the Hartz Dura Play Dog Toy - Walmart Link
Pet Qwerks Interactive Dog Toy - eBay Link
Ethical Pets Spot Sensory Rubber Sented Ball Dog Toy - eBay Link
SPOT Ethical Pets Sensory Ball Dog Toy, 3.25" - eBay Link
Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball Interactive Chew Toy for Small Dogs - eBay Link
Pet Qwerks Animal Sounds Babble Ball Interactive Chew Toy for Small Dogs - eBay Link
The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball - eBay Link
The Hartz Dura Play Dog Toy - eBay Link
the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball - eBay Link
the Pet Qwerks Blinky Dog Toy - eBay Link
the Multipet Deedle Singing Mouse - eBay Link
the Ethical Pets Sensory Ball Dog Toy - eBay Link
the Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Fish - eBay Link
The Tamu Style Chicken Squeaky Toys - eBay Link
the Multipet Look Who's Talking Frog Dog Toy - eBay Link
Multipet Look Who's Talking Cow Dog Toy - eBay Link
the Pet Qwerks Animal Sound Interactive Toys - eBay Link
Lucas b Natural Dog Toys Sensory Caterpillar - eBay Link
the Lucas b Natural Crocodile Sensory Dog Toy - eBay Link
The Sheraton Luxuries Bouncy Dog Balls - eBay Link
ChuckIt! Locator Sound Ball - eBay Link
the Hartz Dura Dog Toy - eBay Link
the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball - eBay Link
the Hartz Dura Play Dog Toy - eBay Link
Even if your pup is blind, whether it is born that way or not, it is crucial to keep it engaged and stimulated by providing some appropriate play toys. But, with this guide, finding the best toys for blind dogs should now be a breeze.
From our review, the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is our top overall recommendation as it scores highly in all aspects, from its build quality to the capability to entice blind pups to play.
However, for pet parents looking for something inexpensive that is still fun and easy to play with for visually impaired dogs, go for the Hartz Dura Play Dog Toy.
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
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