Looking for the best toys for deaf dogs?
I’ve got you covered!
Today, we’ll check out ten fantastic toys that stimulate your dog’s other senses and provide hours of entertainment!
We’ll also quickly go over what to consider when buying deaf dog toys.
Let’s get started!
Related: Meaningful Gifts to Celebrate Your Love for Your Deaf Dog
What to Consider When Buying Deaf Dog Toys
Before we check out my top ten favorite toys for deaf dogs, let’s very quickly talk about what you should look for when you’re shopping.
Overall, buying a deaf dog toys isn’t much different than buying them for a hearing dog.
In fact, you can even buy them squeaky toys!
Just because they can’t hear the sound doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy the experience of tearing the squeaker out!
That said, I do have a few tips on buying toys that your hearing-impaired pup will enjoy! Let’s take a look.
Go for toys with a fun tactile experience
Puppies spend just as much time exploring with their mouths as they do with their ears and eyes.
Tactile toys like crunchy water bottles, soft plush, and rubber teething toys give your dog a chance to experience new textures.
Along with buying some of the toys below, you can also make your own fun crunchy dog toy!
Just put an empty plastic water bottle inside a sock, then tightly tie the sock shut. I keep all my mate-less socks now just for this purpose!
Choose mentally stimulating toys
Interactive puzzle toys offer plenty of mental stimulation for your deaf dog.
I personally love “hide a treat” type puzzles (like #8) because they not only mentally stimulate but also engage your dog’s sense of smell.
Choose visually stimulating toys
Visually stimulating toys like glow-in-the-dark balls or light-up toys engage your dog’s sense of sight (obviously) and may even help calm him down.
A study performed on rescue dogs (hearing dogs, but it applies here, too) found that visually stimulated dogs barked less and seemed less agitated overall.
Don’t forget the plush!
Plush toys may not seem all that stimulating, but they’re still an important feature in your deaf dog’s toy box!
First, some dogs love to cuddle with soft toys, so they act as a comfort toy. A “lovey” if you will.
However, even if your dog just tears it to pieces, it still gives them a chance to have a little destructive fun!
I have a dog with an incredibly high prey drive and destroying a plush toy helps alleviate some of her frustrations over not being able to catch Mr. Chipmunk.
Now that you have a general idea of what to look for in toys for deaf dogs, let’s check out my top 10 favorites!
By the way, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Top 10 Best Toys for Deaf Dogs
1. BarkBox Subscription
If you want a constant supply of fun new toys for your deaf dog, consider getting a BarkBox subscription!
We tried out one of their boxes (Destroyer’s Club) and my dogs had a blast. Yes, they destroyed all of the toys, but that was kind of the point!
Features & Pros
- Every box comes with at least $45 worth of toys and treats for your dog.
- Each month revolves around a different fun theme and goodies are never repeated.
- Gives you a chance to try out new treats as well as toys!
- Toys are exclusive to BarkBox and include some really hilarious designs!
- All of the treats are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
Cons
I’m having a really hard time coming up with cons for BarkBox because our experience has been so wonderful with them.
I do see some customers complaining that the toys aren’t ideal for small dogs, but I think if you’re careful to choose the right box you shouldn’t have an issue.
Recommendation
While you can buy BarkBox on Amazon, I recommend checking out their website for the latest deals.
2. Light-up NERF Barbell Dog Toys Review
Did you know that NERF makes an entire line of dog toys? We’ve had quite a few, including these light-up barbells.
Features & Pros
- LED lights provide a visually fun way to play at night.
- The shape of the toy along with the ridged texture helps keep teeth clean.
- Made from food-grade rubber and designed to be durable.
- The shape makes is super easy for both you and your dog to pick up.
- Barbell shape makes it easy for dogs to pick up and encourages active use
Cons
One of the pros is also the only major con: the LED lights.
This isn’t a toy that you can just give to your dog and walk away.
You need to carefully supervise playtime and remove the toy as soon as they come close to breaking through the rubber.
In other words, the moment you think they’ll be able to get to the LED lights, it’s time to toss the toy.
Recommendation
The lights inside this fun NERF dog toy make it a great visually stimulating toy but only if you very carefully supervise playtime.
NERF toys aren’t indestructible but they do last a relatively long time, even in my house with my aggressive chewer.
3. Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Review
The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel makes for a great “fetch” toy because you can use it just about anywhere.
Features & Pros
- Perfect shape for tossing and fetching!
- The lightweight material floats on water, so you can play with it in the pool.
- Soft enough to throw inside the house, as long as you use common sense and don’t throw it at a lamp or the TV!
- Stimulating colors make it easy for both you and your dog to see.
- Glows in the dark for nighttime fun!
Cons
I see a lot of complaints about how this toy is “nothing like a Frisbee,” which is ridiculous because it doesn’t claim to be one!
Right in the description it states that it’s best for short-range games of fetch.
Once you eliminate the “no really, you don’t say” complaints, the only major con is durability. It’s not really designed to hold up to chewing.
Recommendation
I am a big fan of Chuckit! toys (you’ll notice that another one of their toys follows this one).
The Flying Squirrel isn’t designed for Frisbee champs but it is a fun little toy to toss over short distances!
If you have an aggressive chewer and you want this toy to last, make it a “togetherness time” play toy.
Basically, play fetch with it, then put it away. Don’t let your dog tear it apart.
4. Chuckit! Max Glow Kick Fetch Ball
It’s hard to tell in the picture but the Max Glow is actually pretty big. Think slightly smaller than a soccer ball.
Features & Pros
- Fun for both you and your dog! It’s big enough for you to kick or punt.
- Glows for up to 30 minutes per “charge” (stick it under the light to charge it).
- Made of rubber and foam so it can float on the water, too.
- Grooves make it easy for your dog to pick up.
- Durable enough to hold up to outdoor play.
Cons
While it’s durable in the sense that you can kick it around and your dog can mouth it to pick up, it’s not really designed to hold up to chewing.
Recommendation
While I love the visual stimulation of the glow ball, if you want something that will last a bit longer you can go with the regular orange and blue one.
According to some other customers, this style seems to last a bit longer.
5. Rocco & Roxie Nearly Indestructible Ball Review
If you want something that’s a lot more durable and also supports smaller “boutique” pet companies, try the Rocco & Roxie ball!
Features & Pros
- Every aspect of this ball is made with the safest materials possible. No BPS, no phthalates, no other nasty chemicals or metals.
- Designed to hold up against light chewing and outdoor play.
- Super simple (it’s basically just a ball) yet still manages to be stylish!
- Made in the USA and comes with a money-back guarantee.
Cons
Despite the name, I found multiple customers complaining that it wasn’t quite as indestructible as they though it would be.
I think it’s important to note the word “NEARLY,” as in “still possible to destroy.”
Recommendation
Although it’s a bit expensive for a dog ball, I feel like the safety standards make it worthwhile.
It’s not designed for super aggressive chewers but it should hold up to light gnawing.
6. DIFFLIFE Snuffle Mat for Dogs Review
Snuffle mats are all the rage right now because they encourage your dog’s natural hunting and foraging skills.
I looked at a bunch of different ones and this turned out to be my favorite.
Features & Pros
- Encourages hunting, foraging and nosework.
- Made of strong, durable wool that won’t easily tear.
- Rolls up to store away when your dog is done playing, and includes easy carrying handles.
- Made with upcylced materials.
- Machine-washable.
Cons
You absolutely have to supervise “snuffle” time because your dog can tear off pieces of material and ingest them.
That’s not a con so much as a warning.
As far as cons go, the only minor issue with this particular mat is that the strips could be a little closer together.
Recommendation
I actually tried to make my own snuffle mat for Freya and it’s still half-done in my closet.
It’s doable, but SUPER time consuming! I spent 4 hours just tying the fleece material throughout half of the mat!
Seriously, you’re better off buying one, and this one is a great choice.
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
4.2
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Best Feature:
Ridges help keep teeth clean
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Best Feature:
Soft interactive plush toy
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Best Feature:
Provides hours of mental stimulation
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Best Feature:
Provides hours of mental stimulation
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Best Feature: |
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$8.99
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$34.24
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N/A
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7. Kong Stuff-a-Ball Review
KONG toys are pretty much a standard feature in just about every house with a dog for a good reason: they’re designed to last!
While the standard KONG is fun, I prefer the Stuff-a-Ball for my pup!
Features & Pros
- Made with the same durable rubber as classic KONG toys.
- The patented ridges help clean your dog’s teeth.
- Comes in three different sizes for all dogs.
- Roomy enough inside to stuff with all sorts of goodies!
Cons
This particular KONG toy is not really designed for aggressive chewers.
If your dog chews like crazy, you’re better off with their more durable line of black toys.
Recommendation
KONG toys are great for encouraging your dog to use his nose and his noggin to get the treats out of the middle.
Just remember, the red toys aren’t made for aggressive chewers. You’ll need the black ones for that.
If you need some ideas on what to put in them, check out these treats that you can stuff into a KONG!
8. ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Unicorns in Rainbow Dog Toy Review
We have a few different ZippyPaws hide and seek toys right now but I’m totally loving the unicorns!
Features & Pros
- Let’s start with the obvious: it’s insanely adorable!
- Super durable squeaker in each of the unicorns. While your deaf dog can’t hear the squeak, he’ll still enjoy feeling it inside his toy.
- Great interactive puzzle. Put the unicorns in the rainbow and watch your dog dig them out!
- Just the right size for most dogs.
Cons
It’s a plush toy, so it’s not really going to hold up against heavy chewing.
Also, one thing I’ve noticed with our ZippyPaws toys: the “house” (or in this case, rainbow) isn’t as durable as the characters that go into it.
Recommendation
Although these toys aren’t really made for chewers, for some inexplicable reason my dog has yet to destroy her little animals (she has the panda one).
It’s funny because I see a lot of other dog parents saying the same thing. Their dogs destroy everything in sight, but not their ZippyPaws toys.
They’re relatively inexpensive toys so even if you have a chewer, they’re worth grabbing!
9. Outward Hound Ottosson Puzzle Brick Dog Toy Review
We currently have another Outward Hound puzzle toy, but this one is next on my list to buy.
Features & Pros
- The puzzle provides your dog with mental stimulation while also encouraging their hunting skills.
- This one comes with three different treat hiding features so once your dog bores of one, switch to another.
- Since it’s made of plastic, it’s easier to clean than the wooden version.
Cons
This is another toy that requires close supervision.
Do not allow your dog to chew on it, as the pieces can be dangerous when detached from the toy.
The only other complaint that I see is that super smart dogs can master it fairly quickly.
Recommendation
As I said, we have another version of this toy and my dog loves it.
Yes, she mastered it pretty fast but it’s still a fun bonding game that we play together every night.
As soon as she’s done hunting treats, I put the toy away. That way she never has a chance to chew on it. Ours has lasted over a year so far.
10. PETGEEK Interactive Smart Dog Toy Review
For the ultimate interactive fun experience, try the PETGEEK smart toy!
Features & Pros
- Made with super durable high-quality plastic and each component is locked up so your dog can’t chew his way through to them.
- Toy rolls around and changes directions, giving your dog the thrill of the hunt.
- Activated with just a gentle touch from your dog.
- Goes into standby mode when not in use to conserve batteries.
- Fill it with dog food or small treats. As a feeder, it’s great for gobblers. In other words, it’s a fun slow-feeder option.
Cons
The only major con that I can see is the fact that batteries only last 7 hours in active mode.
While it does go into standby when your dog isn’t using it, I can see my cats messing with it and draining the batteries pretty quickly.
Recommendation
I like this toy as a fun interactive way to get your dog to stop gobbling up all of his food, but since it’s made of plastic it does require supervision.
Remember, whether you have a deaf dog or a hearing dog, it’s a good idea to buy a variety of different types of toys to prevent boredom!
Ideally, you want to engage all of your dog’s other senses, so try to choose one from each category!
