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Just like humans, some dogs are natural fish in the water, while others are more akin to a seal sunning on the sand—and we love them just the same. For the dogs that enjoy splashing beside us, playing in the water not only provides a fun exercise outlet but can also strengthen the pup and pet-parent bond. Even if your dog prefers to keep their paws dry, having exposure to water can be vital for their safety—and play is a key component to helping them feel comfortable.
But do you really need water-specific dog toys, or will any old squeaky ball do? Read on to learn more about dog pool toys, if they’re essential for keeping pups motivated and comfortable in the water, and what to look for if you do decide to buy one for your pup.
The Perks of Dog Water Toys According to the Experts
As pet parents, we know that not all dog toys are created equal—especially when adding water to the mix. Traditional options like stuffies and tennis balls can get waterlogged and bog down in the waves. They aren’t typically built to hold up to the stress of water and could quickly become choking hazards as seams get wet and fray. Plus, if you can’t properly dry them, water-soaked toys could become a mold risk, potentially making your dog sick.
That’s why dog water toys have an extra leg up. They’re more durable in the water, built to float on the surface, are textured for easy gripping, and come in bright colors for visibility. With a wide variety of toys available, they also cater to the individuality of our pups. You can find water toys for every dog activity, from fetch and tug to diving and chewing.
Dog toys for easing pups into the water
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs naturally know how to swim or immediately love being in the water. There’s nothing wrong with a pup who has a vested interest in staying on dry land, but it’s still important to help your dog cultivate some degree of comfort around water. It’s not just about saving yourself a headache at bath time, either.
A dog who’s unfamiliar with or scared of water may not understand how to stay afloat long enough for rescue to arrive, and drowning or serious injury can take place in seconds. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to get a dog comfortable around water.
Even the most landlocked pup will likely encounter a body of water in the course of their adventures, be it a pond at a local park, a friend’s swimming pool, or a stream on a hiking trip—and an aversion to water may not be enough to keep them from falling in.
Whether you’re acclimating a new puppy, helping an anxious adult, or working with a seasoned pro, toys can be some of the best tools to help a dog learn how to paddle themselves afloat. Not to mention that they can be great motivators for senior dogs and pups with mobility issues who can benefit from hydrotherapy.
For those just starting on the journey, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) Audrey Nett of Auddogs advises taking water exposure slow and emphasizing play. “Focus on cooperative care and take your time introducing water in a fun, positive way,” she says.
A dog’s growing confidence around water can also transition into other areas, Nett points out, making baths easier and strengthening your bond with your pup. “Playing, in general, is just a really good way to build a relationship between dogs and their guardian,” she says. “As long as the dog is enjoying himself, it can really build trust around water.”
Different Types of Water Toys for Different Types of Dogs
Matching the toy to your dog’s sense of fun can make playing in the water more enticing if your pup is feeling a bit reluctant.
For example, if your dog likes to fetch, try something like a floating rubber ball with a different texture that makes it easy to grab in the water. Toys like the KONG Wet Wubba, which has two fabric-wrapped balls and an eye-catching tail, are great for splashy retrieving. You can also find unique options like Kurgo’s Skipping Stones. These popular water toys are shaped like flat rocks and bounce along the water’s surface but never sink!
If your dog loves toys that make noise, opt for a floating toy with a waterproof squeaker. For some hunty pups, a squeaky toy can trigger their prey drive, causing their excitement to override their anxiety about the water.
In our testing, we found the Outward Hound Floatiez Dog Toy to be a lot of fun with its “giggly” sound. The noodle design also held up to Rover test pup Roo’s sharp chompers, and the fabric bobbed well in the water, making it great for pool play. Try giving this toy in a shallow bath or dog-safe kiddie pool to build up your pup’s tolerance for splashing (or standing) around.
If your dog loves to chew, West Paw has a collection of durable toys that not only stand up to tough chewers but also float in the water. The Hurley and Rumpus offer bone-like shapes without the risk of splintering, while the Jive Ball’s high bounce makes it exciting to chase and chew on all terrains. For heavy-duty chews that float and double as puzzle toys, check out the Qwizl and Tux.
Pro-tip: Try offering the Qwizl or Tux on land with a spreadable treat, then move it into shallow water and let your pup go after it. It’s probably going to be chewed on dry land—but a dog who will go get it is learning to move around in the water.
Is your dog already a water pro? Try dock diving! The Nerf Mega Tuff Competition Stick is the official dog water toy used by North American Diving Dogs for dock diving competitions, while the ChuckIt! Amphibious Bumper stands in for more casual fun.
Still Testing the Waters? Try These Beginner Tools for Water Play First
You don’t have to use a water-specific toy to show your dog the ropes of swimming and splashing—but toys that float can be really handy for the job.
If you’re on the fence, try investing in a toy that serves double duty for land and water. Pool dog toys like the Chuckit Ultra Squeaker Ball offer a great middle ground. While the squeaker ball can float and bob in the water, it’s also super fun on land—bouncing erratically and mimicking prey, making it especially intriguing for high-drive dogs.
A dog life jacket is a good investment that can help take some of the shock out of a pup’s first experience with water, especially if you’re looking to teach a puppy or have a less-than-graceful water ballerina on your hands (we’re looking at you, Bulldogs, Pugs, Corgis, and Dachshunds). In fact, they’re a good idea for even strong swimmers.
Dog swimming pools can also be a nice, gentle way into water comfort—and a fun way to splash around and bond with your pup when the weather’s hot.
Whatever you decide, ensuring all your dog’s aquatic interactions are positive will help you both enjoy a cool time in the water.
The Final Verdict: Do Dogs Need Water Toys?
Do dogs need water toys? If we’re talking about the doggy version of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, maybe not; toys of any type still fall way below things like food, water, and shelter. Some dogs may rarely (if ever) encounter a body of water, and others are happy to paddle about sans toys.
But for dogs that regularly dip their paws in the deep end or pups who need some extra help being comfortable even in the shallows, there’s valuable enrichment to be had. In particular, we think dog water toys could be a big hit for some pups, including:
- Natural swimmers who enjoy playing fetch and other games in the waves
- Water-cautious pups who need a distraction or encouragement to play in or around water
- Older and mobility-challenged dogs that need gentle exercise—and a bit of fun too
- Dock-diving pros who like a rotation of toys to keep them motivated
How We Chose Our Dog Toys That Float
The dog water toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with certified trainer Audrey Nett of Auddogs. We evaluated toys based on buoyancy, durability, dog appeal, and distraction power. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.