I just read an interesting article from The Dog Blog by Nancy Renard about why dog toys are important, and I couldn’t agree more.

Imagine leaving a child alone without anything to keep him or her occupied with. Be it colouring book, a book, toys, a game, puzzles… Imagine that child in a few hours. I’m thinking room destroyed. Maybe napping, but room destroyed.

Same thing with a dog, especially a puppy.

Basically, if you don’t give your pet something to play with, expect havoc to ensue.

But beyond that, games and toys help keep a dog’s mind agile and young, and the same goes for his body.

Don’t think you cat people are off the hook. If one animal was designed to play, it’s the cat. Kitties love to chase, pounce, stalk, and play then kill. They need play to hone their instincts. If you don’t give them toys, and if you don’t interact with them, then watch out shoelaces, dangly jewellery, furniture, kitty will pay those things attention.

And same goes for the mind and body of a cat. Keep the cat active and you’ll see it in her silhouette, in her youthful actions (my cat loves to play at the tender age of ten and everyone thinks he’s years and years younger!).

So, click here to read the entire article; Nancy has some great advice (she’s a former dog trainer) and make sure you get some great toys for your cat or dog. You don’t have to spend a fortune, either.