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Summer months call for beach days, camping by the lake, and splashing in the pool—all with your best friend by your side. And just like us, a lot of dogs love having games to play in the water. Whether a pup is fetching a floating ball, diving off the deep end for a bumper, running through a sprinkler, or trying to capture a bobbing squeaker, water toys help our dogs burn energy, engage their brains, and bond with their human playmates.
Even pups who are wary of the water benefit from a good dog water toy, since playing in the shallows can help build a dog’s tolerance and comfort—important considerations for water safety. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you find the best dog water toys for your particular pup’s play style.
- Best Skipping Stones for Dogs Who Love Fetch: Kurgo Skipping Stones
- Best Floating Fetch Ball for Chew-Happy Dogs: Ruff Dawg Indestructible Ball
- Best Outdoor Swimming Pool for Dogs Big and Small: Frisco Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool
- Best Floating Puzzle Toy for Fetching Fun: West Paw Qwizl Treat
- Best Diving Toy for Super Chewers: Nerf Mega Tuff TPR Foam Competition Stick Dog Water Toy
- Best Floating Rope Toy for Fetch-Loving Dogs: Kong Aqua Floating Fetch Toy
- Best Dog Water Toy for Tug-of-War Fans: Starmark Swing ‘n Fling DuraFoam Ball Dog Toy
- Best Dog Water Toy That Squeaks: Outward Hound Floatiez Dog Toy
- Best Water Float for Pools: SwimWays Paddle Paws Spring Float Dog Raft
- Best Splash Pad for Dogs of All Sizes: Peteast Dog Splash Pad
Best Skipping Stones for Dogs Who Love Fetch: Kurgo Skipping Stones
Kurgo’s skipping stones are a popular choice for dogs who love a good game of fetch in the water. Each rubber “stone” bounces along the water’s surface just like a real skipping rock, except they stay afloat! They earn high marks for durability and buoyancy, and they’re brightly colored for visibility in the water, though a few reviewers have noted they’re curiously easy to lose on land, since they look like, well, rocks.
Highlights:
- Made from non-toxic rubber
- Dishwasher safe
- Stones measure 3 inches x 2 inches x 1.5 inches
Best Floating Fetch Ball for Chew-Happy Dogs: Ruff Dawg Indestructible Ball
You want a reliable ball that floats when playing fetch in the water. Add in a super chewer pup, and you want to make sure that ball makes it back to the shore in one piece—and this one will. The Ruff Dawg Indestructible Ball is made from solid rubber, providing a nice bounce while never popping. Choose from two different sizes—2.5 inches and 3.5 inches—depending on your pup’s size for a day filled with water fun.
Highlights:
- Two sizes: 2.5 inches for dogs up to 40 pounds and 3.5 inches for dogs over 40 pounds
- Made in the USA
- Designed with non-toxic, durable rubber (can be heavy for smaller breeds)
Best Flyer Toy that Glows in the Dark: Chuckit! Paraflight Max Glow Flyer
Ideal for nighttime romps, this glow-in-the-dark dog frisbee makes a great dog water toy for sunsets at the beach or camping by the lake. Made of lightweight material, it catches extra air time and floats well. The strong nylon canvas is also wrapped around a rubber ring, making it soft and durable—though supervision is still strongly recommended to make your flyer last.
Highlights:
- Aerodynamic and buoyant construction
- Glows in the dark when left under bright lights
- Light material not suitable for especially windy conditions
Best Lightweight Floating Water Toys for Non-Chewers: Chuckit! Amphibious Mega Ball
If you’re looking for a lightweight ball to play fetch in the water with, this is it! It’s light enough for small doggos to carry around while tough enough to withstand the normal wear and tear of playing in a lake or ocean. These soft fabric balls float in the water but are best kept away from chew-happy pups, as the material isn’t meant for aggressive chewing.
Highlights:
- Balls fit in Chuckit! Launchers
- Good for games of fetch on land and water
- Material is lightweight and gentle enough for dog breeds of all sizes
Best Floating Chew Toy for Chew-Loving Pups: West Paw Rumpus Dog Chew Toy (Verified Review)
The West Paw Rumpus Dog Chew Toy not only floats in water but is also known to stand up to tough chewers. Made in Montana by a family-owned business, this dog water toy is free of toxic materials, so you can pop it in the dishwasher or recycle it once your pup is done with it…if ever. Bright colors also make it stand out when you’re tossing it in the water.
Rover test pup Roo tried this toy firsthand and found it held up to her super-chewer chompers. We did find it to be a bit on the heavier end, however, which could prove to be a challenge for puppies or smaller dogs.
Highlights:
- Design has three chew lobes to entice your pup
- Has a fun bounce when thrown on land
- Floats in water but isn’t super buoyant due to its weight
Best Flying Disk for Super Chewers: IMK9 Flying Disc for Dogs
This soft, natural rubber flying disc was created, according to the manufacturer, for better visibility—blue is one of the colors dogs can see. They also offer an “all-chewed-up” guarantee: if your dog demolishes this toy with their teeth, they’ll replace it or give you a refund.
Highlights:
- A lightweight aerodynamic design makes for easy flight
- Soft natural rubber prevents splitting
- Though the toy is durable, it’s still not a good idea to leave play unsupervised
Best Outdoor Swimming Pool for Dogs Big and Small: Frisco Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool (Verified Review)
Enjoy watching your pup splish and splash in this outdoor dog pool that you can even hop in, too! This easy-to-assemble pool requires no air pump—just unfold it and fill with water for a chill bonding activity for both you and your pup. When you’re done, drain the water and let the pool dry out before folding it up for easy and compact storage.
It’s made specially to combat dog nails, and though we think a determined pup could puncture it, it should hold up to most kinds of pooch play. Water-hesitant Rover test pup Roo gave this pool four paws up.
Highlights:
- Designed with a PVC mesh center for extra protection against holes from sharp nails
- Includes a patch kit for quick repairs
- Available in two sizes: X-Large and XX-Large
Best Multi-Use Dog Water Toy: Starmark Treat Dispensing Pickle Pocket
Keep your pup busy as you drive to the lake with this quirky pickle-shaped puzzle toy, then toss it into the water once you get there to encourage your pup to join the party. Starmark has designated training treats that fill the crevices, but you can also use your own. Deli meats, wafer-type treats, and peanut butter are all popular options.
Made of a durable material that’s stronger than rubber, this double-duty floating toy is a solid option for super chewers. While some reviewers have reported wear and tear, others claim this dog water toy holds up to sharp teeth that come in all sizes—from Maltese to Huskies.
Highlights:
- Dishwasher safe
- Bounces and floats in water
- Free of latex, vinyl, and phthalates
Best Floating Puzzle Toy for Fetching Fun: West Paw Qwizl Treat
Another option from West Paw, this floating puzzle toy is known for making coveted treats go the extra mile. The curved shape of the Qwizl makes it easy for wet paws to grasp, while the side openings let out the enticing aroma of the food inside—but challenge your dog to get it out. Pop a high-value chew into the middle, or slide in a frozen treat so they can enjoy a pupsicle by the pool.
This is an especially nice pick if your pup is on the fence about water, since a landlubber can still get a lot of mileage out of it—even if they never drum up the courage to get in the pool.
Highlights:
- Made of non-toxic, recyclable material
- Floats in water
- Designed for tough chewers
- Dishwasher safe
Best Diving Toy for Super Chewers: Nerf Mega Tuff TPR Foam Competition Stick Dog Water Toy
An official dog water toy used by North American Diving Dogs, this Nerf floating stick can hold up to some serious competition. Reviewers have noted that it’s incredibly durable (a 120-pound Rottweiler was reported to chew on it with minimal damage) and easy for dogs to spot with its bright yellow color.
It’s worth noting that your dog doesn’t have to be a professional dock diver to appreciate this toy—it’s a great way into the sport, even if the only competing you ever do is with your pup’s personal best.
Highlights:
- Made of rubber foam and nylon
- Handles are also great for tug
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
Best Non-Slip Dock Toy: Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float Toy (Verified Review)
A non-slip, knotted rope handle provides leverage to throw this bumper toy far. And the memory foam material offers great buoyancy in the water, making it easy for your pup to find once they’ve come back up for air.
This was Rover test pup Roo’s favorite water dog toy out of all the ones she tried. The foam material is super exciting to grab and floats well in the water, though it did start to come apart at the edges after a week of her sharp shark teeth.
It’s a nice option for smaller pups and those not quite ready for the longer official diving sticks.
Highlights:
- Available in small and medium sizes
- Comes in bright colors
- Easy to wipe clean after a day at the beach
- Might not be the best option for aggressive chewers
Best Floating Rope Toy for Fetch-Loving Dogs: KONG Aqua Floating Fetch Toy
One of Amazon’s top choices in the dog rope toy category, this dog water toy is great for larger active dogs. Filled with a floatable foam core and attached to a rope, the classic KONG design can go quite the distance as a lure for your dock diving dog.
It really is for dock diving, though, and not beach chewing; the rope is easy to shred, and a few clever dogs have managed to work the foam out of the toy, rendering it unable to float. For a fetch game, though, it’s golden. Plus, KONG offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Highlights:
- Comes in medium (15–34 pounds) and large (30–65 pounds)
- Rope offers maximum flinging power
- Made in the USA with globally sourced materials
Best Dog Water Toy for Tug-of-War Fans: Starmark Swing ‘n Fling DuraFoam Ball Dog Toy (Verified Review)
This simple rope and foam ball toy works well for a game of tug. While the lightweight foam ball doesn’t throw far, it has a great bounce in the water.
Roo found the design super fun to toss and shake when (consistently) winning tug-of-war. The material of the ball and the rope held up well to her antics, but the rubber wrap around the rope did start to fray after a week of intense tug—which makes it better for supervised joint play than solo chew sessions.
Highlights:
- Foam ball is lightweight, offering a lot of bounce in water
- Knotted end provides launch leverage for throwing
- Comes in medium and large
Best Duck Diving Toy for Energetic Dogs: Chuckit! Amphibious Duck Diver Dog Toy
If you’ve got a dog who can’t get enough of fetch, shake it up with this floating duck diver water toy that’s easy to spot in the water. This toy is made using soft material that’s gentle, lightweight, and easy to clean while still being durable enough to keep up with your pup in the water. This floating toy prides itself on always being visible due to being designed with self-righting technology, so your dog can happily chase after it to their heart’s delight.
Highlights:
- Soft material is not recommended for super chewers
- Lightweight to throw
- Comes in a few sizes and styles, including shark fin and gator
Best Dog Water Toy That Squeaks: Outward Hound Floatiez Dog Toy (Verified Review)
Pooltime and baths are way more enjoyable with these floaty pals. Offering several varieties, these cute sea creatures make unique silly sounds, providing an alternative to the typical squeaker.
Roo tried the stingray and had a blast shaking it as it “giggled.” The noodle design and fabric were also quite durable and bobbed well on the surface of the pool.
Highlights:
- Inside noodle adds bounce and buoyancy
- Makes a fun “giggler” sound
- Available in 10 different sea creature designs
Best Water Float for Pools: SwimWays Paddle Paws Spring Float Dog Raft (Verified Review)
What’s more relaxing than floating in a pool on a hot day? Not much! Let your dog join in on the relaxation with their very own pool float. This float is made with puncture-resistant, claw-proof fabric to keep it from popping and comes in two sizes to support dogs big and small. An inner spring design reinforces the edge and will keep your pup comfortable and above water for a day of pool lounging.
Our testers had an excellent time trying to figure out how to float.
Highlights:
- Easy to inflate and deflate for quick set-up and storage
- Great spot for breaks at the pool or lake
- Doggos may need a boost getting on the float
Best Splash Pad for Dogs of All Sizes: Peteast Dog Splash Pad (Verified Review)
Let your canine in on the sprinkler fun with this dog splash pad designed with adjustable sprinkler height and direction. The pad uses BPA-free PVC material that’s durable; it can get slippery, however, so make sure to clip your dog’s claws before playtime. To set up, just unfold the sprinkler pad, hook it up to your hose, and watch as your pup prances through the water on a hot day.
Highlights:
- Sprinkler height is adjustable
- Sprinkler direction adjusts two ways
- Easy set-up
- Not for determined chewers or clawers (a pre-pool nail trim is wise regardless)
How We Chose
The dog water toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized toys based on buoyancy, materials, durability, and play style. 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.