Christmas is almost here! Did you remember to get something for everyone in your family? Or are you still working on picking out gifts for your family and friends?

What about your best friend...your most loyal and trusting friend who would follow you any where? The one that never judges or criticizes anything you do...your dog of course! Why not have your dog enjoy Christmas along with you and the rest of the family. After all, they are part of the family too. At least that is the way I see it.

This way you can have your dog celebrate on Christmas morning along with you and the rest of the family instead of being ignored by everyone as they get to open gifts. I know the time that I forgot about getting the dogs something for Christmas I felt ridiculously guilty!

Get Dog Toys for Christmas!

So to avoid the accusing "hey, what about me?" stare from my loyal four-legged friends I usually get them at least some sort of small toy or a special treat for them. It does not have to be anything fancy or expensive...dogs do not usually want a "Smart" phone or a new laptop for Christmas...except to chew on it maybe if you are not paying any attention to your dog.

Dog Toys-What are They Made of?

Toys for dogs to play with or chew on are made of all kinds of different materials such as solid rubber, almost solid rubber, rope, plush, and plastic to name a few. Of course, some materials are more durable than others and will last longer.

When buying a toy for your dog, it is a good idea to make sure it is not going to break into pieces when your dog bites into it. The most durable ones are usually made of solid rubber and I have found that they last quite a long time...even with my dogs!

Things to Consider When Picking Out a Dog Toy

• Is your dog full grown or is it still a puppy?
• How big is your dog?
• Is the breed of your dog known to be an aggressive chewer?
• How much does your dog like to chew?
• What are some of your dogs favorite toys already?

If your dog is still growing, make sure you pick out a chew toy that will be the right size still in a month or so. Do not buy something that will be too small in just a month's time without expecting to have to buy a replacement one in a larger size.

Toys that become too small once your puppy has grown are potential dangers to them since they could end up choking on it...it is better to get something that is a little bit larger, but the pup can still handle easily. A toy that is too large may be too heavy for your puppy and often clumsy to play with it. This probably would not be played with very much and therefore a waste of money then.

Loves to Chew?

If your dog really likes to chew and chew, I would not recommend toys that break, tear, or rip into little pieces easily. Toys such as the stuffed plush toys are easily ripped and torn up, especially if your dog is like two of mine that love to chew and chew...until there is nothing left but stuffing and bits and pieces if I would let them.

I, myself do not buy these types of toys anymore because of these two dogs of mine. If you know your dog will not chew the stuffing out of its toys then go ahead and buy one if you wish! Recently, I have noticed that there are some plush-type of toys without the stuffing....hmmm, I like that idea! Although supervision would still be needed while they are playing with them.

Often toys are marked as indestructible...sometimes they are not as indestructible as they claim! It all depends on your dog and how strong they are at chewing. So, I would always recommend to watch your dog while it is playing with or chewing on a new toy!

Watch out for pieces coming off of the toy or if it is starting to come apart. It is time to get rid of it and get a new one. Otherwise, it may cause you and your best friend a lot of grief.

Hopefully, this will help you pick out a perfect dog toy for Christmas for your dog! Have a safe and Merry Christmas!