Do you know Kongs? If you have a dog, there is a decent chance you’ve heard of them. Loved among pet parents far and wide, Kongs are conical, rubber toys with a hollow center perfect for filling with treats. Virtually indestructible, Kongs are popular among pet parents with young dogs or dogs that love to chew. If you are not familiar with this time-tested toy, here is everything you need to know about Kongs:
Why are Kongs So Great?
Kongs are a perfect all-around toy for a wide variety of dogs. Non-toxic, dishwasher safe, durable and inexpensive, Kongs provide all-day entertainment for canine companions. Aside from its streamlined body and durable construction, however, the Kong’s #1 selling feature is its hollow inside compartment. Perfect for stuffing with treats, peanut butter or food rewards, Kongs are ideal for keeping restless or anxious dogs occupied in a healthy and non-destructive way.
Are There Different Types of Kongs?
Yes. Kongs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The toy comes in a model designed for full-grown, large-breed dogs as well as several aimed at small dog breeds and teething puppies. Kong also makes toys for cats. Some versions of the Kong toy even come with built-in tug ropes or fun sensory additions for dogs that need extra mental simulation.
How To Get the Most out of a Kong Toy
Kongs can provide your pet with hours of entertainment, as there are literally dozens of ways to use it. The toy can be stuffed with virtually any type of food and can be used for mental stimulation or simply for slowing down rapid eaters.
To use it for dogs that eat too fast, simply put the contents of the dog’s meal into the Kong’s hollow body. Because the dog has to manipulate the toy in order to get to the food within it, Fido will be forced to slow down and mealtimes will last longer.
To use it to decrease boredom and provide fun entertainment, pet parents can stuff the inside of the toy with peanut butter, cottage cheese, canned dog or cat food, mashed banana or even small treats. Once the Kong has been filled, the dog will enjoy figuring out how to get the treat out of the Kong.
What are the Benefits of a Kong?
Many pet parents with animals who suffer from separation anxiety favor Kongs. By providing a fun, long-lasting treat inside of a Kong toy, pet parents can alleviate some of their pets’ anxiety while also providing a fun puzzle that helps exercise the pet’s brain. Although the toy is simple, having something to focus on is a huge factor when it comes to soothing anxious pets.
Even if your pet doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety, a Kong toy can still provide lots of fun play and, since it is virtually indestructible and entirely non-toxic, pet parents can rest easy knowing the Kong is as safe as it is fun for their four-legged friends. By keeping pets occupied while home alone, Kongs can also help to stop destructive chewing. Kongs can be found at pet stores as well as online.
Photo ©iStock.com/ Eldad Carin
