Top 5 Best Dog Water Toys to Take to the Lake or Pool

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Ben Ro
Picture of Ben Ro

Ben Ro

Writer

My name is Ben Roberts, and I’ve been writing about animals for many years. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a much better job, considering I’ve been around animals all my life. I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t at least one cat or dog inside my home. Currently, I’m a proud owner of a Beagle and a Pitbull who make sure my life is never dull.

Fact checked by Nicole Etolen

Updated On :

swimming pup playing with the best dog water toys

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Are you having an issue selecting dog water toys for your water-loving puppy? I feel your pain as I’ve had similar struggles when trying to find reliable ones. But I’ve discovered several high-quality options that will be perfect for any dog’s water adventures. So let’s dive right into them to make this buying process as effortless as possible!

Check out the quick comparison table below for an overview, then read on for the full reviews. FYI, this post includes affiliate links. If you buy anything through them, DogVills earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.

5 Best Dog Water Toys 

Any search on Amazon for dog water toys will show many results. It can be pretty overwhelming, especially for someone unfamiliar with these products. So I decided to share and review my five favorite options to show what makes up high-quality options.

With scorching temperatures hitting all across the US this week, now is definitely the best time to buy them! Grab your favorite, then head to a lake, river, or even a little budget-friendly dog swimming pool in your backyard to cool down!

1. Bully Fit Floating Fetch Toy & Bite Tug 

2-in-1 Floating Fetch Toy & Bite Tug - Tough, Strong, Interactive Dog Throw Toys for Medium to Large Dogs - Perfect for Dock Diving, Training & Fetching - Fire Hose Ballistic Water Pool Dog Fe...

Bully Fit’s Floating Fetch Toy & Bite Tug is one of the more versatile water toys for dogs. Users will have no problem using it on land or water with its multi-purpose design. Your dog will find many ways to entertain themselves with it, from fetching to tug of war.

Features:

  • Handmade design 
  • Two buying options: 2-pack or 1-pack
  • Measures 9.8″ x 2.4″
  • Loud yellow color with blue/red lines
  • Constructed from firehose material

Pros: 

  • Multi-purpose use (fetching, land/water use, tug of war, etc.)
  • Tough, rugged construction
  • Soft outer material
  • Effortlessly floats with lightweight design
  • Suitable for all dogs and ages

Cons:

  • The drying process is longer than expected 

Final Verdict

It’s hard to see how a dog owner wouldn’t love this product from Bully fit. Its versatility alone would be enough to get their attention, but it also has various other excellent benefits. In fact, it’s one of the most durable choices available while offering a soft, gentle outer material. 

The toy’s only notable one was that a few customers noted its drying process took longer than expected. But honestly, I can’t see anyone viewing this issue as a massive deal-breaker.

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03/18/2025 01:22 pm GMT

2. Ruff Dawg Flying Fish Dog Toy

Ruff Dawg Flying Fish Dog Toy

Pet owners seem to adore Ruff Dawg’s Flying Fish Dog Toy for its vibrant and flashy design. It makes the toy much easier to see in the water than most other options. As a result, I can’t imagine many dogs will have trouble finding them during a game of fetch. 

Features:

  • Floating flying fish design
  • Measures 9″ x 4″ x 1 ½ “
  • Vibrant orange color
  • High-quality, natural rubber
  • Rope hole included 
  • Made in the USA

Pros: 

  • Long-lasting, tear-resistant construction
  • Fun toy for all dogs 
  • Effortless to throw 
  • Gentle outer material promotes better teeth/gum health
  • Easy to see from a distance

Cons:

  • Expensive

Final Verdict

Aside from its vivid coloring, I was intrigued by its lightweight design. Multiple customers mentioned it being effortless to throw when conducting a game of fetch. My dog loves going deep into the waves, so this toy would be a perfect match. 

But anyone who considers this product will need to spend a little extra. It’s easily the most expensive option on our entire list. 

Ruff Dawg Flying Fish Dog Toy
$14.96 $13.47
Top Feature: Easy to spot in the water
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03/18/2025 01:32 pm GMT

3. ZippyPaws Floating Shark Dog Toy

ZippyPaws - Floaterz, Outdoor Floating Squeaker Dog Toy - Shark, Blue

ZippyPaws’s Floating Shark Dog Toy has my favorite design of these five products. This floating shark tube is adorable and perfect for various photo opportunities with my dog. It’d be an ideal fit for my dog’s fun-loving personality. 

Features:

  • Floating shark design
  • Measures 7″ x 7″ x 4″
  • Two built-in noisemakers
  • Blue color scheme
  • High-quality fabric and stitching

Pros: 

  • Adorable toy
  • Usable for hours of play 
  • Produces an engaging squeaking noise
  • Lightweight and floatable 
  • Ideal size for small and medium dogs

Cons:

  • Not ideal for heavy chewers

Final Verdict

The adorable design would be more than enough to sell me on it. However, it’s not the only attractive feature this toy offers, as it has two built-in squeakers. I can already see my dog going crazy in the pool when these squeakers start producing sounds. 

But I’d have to keep it away from my other dog for long periods. She’s a heavy chewer who’s often tough on toys like this one. So if you have an aggressive or heavy chewer, this adorable toy might not be the best option. 

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03/18/2025 01:23 pm GMT

4. West Paw Zogoflex Dog Bone Chew Toy 

WEST PAW Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone Chew Toy Floatable Pet Toys for Aggressive Chewers, Catch, Fetch Bright-Colored Bones for Dogs Recyclable, Dishwasher-Safe, Non-Toxic, Small, Aqua

Buying toys for aggressive chewers is a tricky business. But West Paw’s Zogoflex Dog Bone Chew Toy ensures even the roughest chewers won’t make a dent in it. Its rugged construction made from high-quality Zogoflex material can withstand almost anything. 

Features:

  • Bone-shaped chew toy 
  • Three sizes: X-Small, Small, and Large
  • Three colors: Aqua, Granny Smith, and Tangerine
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Made from non-toxic, floatable Zogoflex material

Pros: 

  • Extremely durable construction ideal for tough chewers
  • Outstanding chew toy and fetch toy
  • Suitable for land or water
  • Multiple, convenient buying options 
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Heavy design

Final Verdict

Overall, this product’s durability is its main attraction. But I found myself loving this product’s versatility almost as much as its rugged construction. It has no issues working on land and water while being an excellent chew or fetch toy. 

However, it might be a little difficult for smaller dogs to carry. It has a heavier design that some customers found a little burdensome to throw. So it’s easy to see how a smaller dog could struggle to enjoy this excellent toy. 

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03/18/2025 01:34 pm GMT

5. Starmark Swing’ n Fling Ball Dog Toy

Starmark Swing 'n Fling DuraFoam Ball Dog Toy Large

Playing fetch on the beach will never be more fun than with Starmark’s Swing ‘n Fling Ball Dog Toy. I can easily imagine throwing it far into the lake and seeing my dog dive right after it. He also wouldn’t lose it like other options due to its brightly colored design. 

Features:

  • Ball and rope design
  • Two available sizes: medium and large
  • Made from a patented foam material
  • Bright yellow and blue color scheme
  • 30-day return, replacement, or refund policy 

Pros: 

  • Suitable for all dogs and breeds
  • It offers excellent bounce and floatability
  • Durable, well-crafted construction
  • Outstanding visibility 
  • Usable on land and in water

Cons:

  • Play requires supervision 

Final Verdict

This toy’s brightly colored design and excellent fetch capabilities make it a dog owner’s dream. I didn’t even mention its durable construction or usability on land and in the water. It’s easily one of the best toys for pups that love the water.

However, it would be best if you didn’t let your dog use this toy without supervision. This product is durable when used correctly but won’t withstand constant chewing. So it’s best to use it on beach trips or as a reward for good behavior.  

Starmark Swing 'n Fling DuraFoam Ball Dog Toy Large
$12.06
Top Feature: Use on land and in water
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/18/2025 01:34 pm GMT

Why Do You Need Dog Water Toys?

Dog water toys represent a way to help your pup enjoy their time in the water. After all, these products will encourage and provide an outlet for their time spent in the pool. They could even help an anxious dog get more comfortable with spending time in the water. 

For instance, my dog used to be terrified of water. He would even flinch when I turned on the kitchen sink. But I’ve managed to make him more comfortable with baths and swimming in pools by providing him with a set of toys.

I should also mention that dog water toys offer various health benefits. For example, you can use them to help your dog burn off calories or offer them extensive mental stimulation. So these water toys became valuable items to any dog owner’. 

swimming pup playing with the best dog water toys

What to Look for in Dog Water Toys?

Buying dog water toys won’t be much different than purchasing other pet toys. However, it’s still crucial to understand what high-quality will look like and provide. Here’s a quick checklist of factors to consider before making a final decision.

Durability 

Your dog’s water toys will need to withstand regular use with ease. You’ll replace them much sooner than expected if they don’t. So I’d recommend researching the materials used in making each option. 

This information should offer a detailed picture of the toy’s durability. Look for toys that are made to be tear-restraint or chew-proof. Of course, nothing will stop a dog like my Pitbull from breaking it apart, but these qualities make it more difficult. 

One of the best resources to use would be other customers’ reviews. Nothing will get a pet owner angrier than toys that break or rip apart, so it’s wise to use their negative experiences to your benefit.

Floatability 

One of the more obvious factors would be a toy’s floatability. Any worthwhile dog water toy will float without any trouble to encourage safe, reliable playing sessions. However, if they don’t float, your dog could be in problematic situations when retrieving the toy. 

As a result, it’s a much safer route to ensure a toy’s floatability. It’s essential not to assume a toy floats because its product’s description states it. Please test it before allowing your dog to play with it near water. 

Grip

Some dog water toys tend to get a little slippery after getting wet. These products are an issue because they become slippery and difficult to grip. I can’t tell you how many toys my dog has lost interest in due to their grip. 

So I’d suggest preparing for this issue by investing in toys with a gripping mechanism. It’ll save everyone involved a lot of trouble and money.

Design

Practical designs are a crucial aspect of any high-quality dog water toy. For instance, a brightly colored toy will be much easier to find when thrown into a pool or lake. It’ll ensure your dog doesn’t have trouble spotting it, even in a crowded area. 

So it’s a wise move to invest in brightly colored toys. If you don’t, it becomes much more likely that you’ll be replacing it much sooner than anticipated. According to the American Kennel Club, the best toys for your dog will be those “blue and yellow hues.” 

Multi-Purpose

The best available dog water toys will offer versatility. In other words, these products won’t have issues being used on land and in water. It’s a valuable aspect that lets owners and dogs get the most out of their newly purchased toys. 

Cost

As you can imagine, the prices for dog water toys will vary significantly. So it’s essential to prepare a budget based on your high-valued features. For instance, a person who wants an option that’s usable on land and in water will need to spend more money.

You’ll need to reflect this increased price into your budget. Otherwise, it won’t be a reliable and valuable resource during your buying experience.  

Final Recommendation

If I had to choose one, I’d have to select  West Paw’s Zogoflex Dog Bone Chew Toy. It checks off everything a pet owner could want in a water dog toy with its exceptional features. 

Don’t forget to let us know if any of these dog water toys caught your eye. We’d love to hear about your experiences using them in our comment section. Thanks for reading!

Author

  • My name is Ben Roberts, and I’ve been writing about animals for many years. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a much better job, considering I’ve been around animals all my life. I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t at least one cat or dog inside my home. Currently, I’m a proud owner of a Beagle and a Pitbull who make sure my life is never dull.

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Author

Picture of Ben Ro

Ben Ro

Writer

My name is Ben Roberts, and I’ve been writing about animals for many years. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a much better job, considering I’ve been around animals all my life. I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t at least one cat or dog inside my home. Currently, I’m a proud owner of a Beagle and a Pitbull who make sure my life is never dull.
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