Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys So Much?

Squeaky toys for dogs come in a whole range of shapes, sizes and textures for pups that love to play, but have you ever stopped to wonder why they seem to love them so much? Today we’ll be examining some of the potential reasons and answering the age-old question, why do dogs like squeaky toys so much?!

• Squeaky toys stimulate the prey-drive

Researchers think that dogs perceive toys the same way that wolves perceive prey. So, for some dogs the high-pitched sound of a squeaker actually reminds them of a wounded, scared or injured prey animal that triggers (and satisfies) their innate animalistic desire to hunt, capture and kill.
This also explains why so many squeaky toys for dogs are made to resemble small animals like rabbits, birds, and squirrels – it’s because they’re prey animals!

• Squeaky toys are instantly rewarding

The Canine Journal suggests that instant gratification is another reason why dogs like squeaky toys so much. It’s because every time they chomp down, they’re rewarded with a squeak – the squeak tells them that their bite is strong and effective which encourages them to continue playing. Each squeak is essentially a dopamine hit for your dog!

• Playing with squeaky toys elicits attention from you

Another possible reason dogs like squeaky toys so much is that it elicits attention from you!
When dogs play with their squeaky toy right next to you it’s often because they’re inviting you to play with them, explains Vet Dr Matthew McCarthy via Readers Digest.
When you engage with them by picking up the squeaky toy not only do they get a hit of the “happy hormone”, dopamine (from playing with the toy), but they also get a hit of oxytocin too, from interacting and bonding with you.

Always inspect dog toys regularly

Like all other types of dog toy, it’s important to supervise your pup when they are playing and to inspect your dog’s squeaky toys regularly to prevent possible ingestion of any loose or damaged parts.

For dogs that like to play rough, be sure to check out our range of tough plush squeaky toys for dogs made with strong stitching and thick fabric layers that are made to last!