Toy Safety Tips For Active Pets This Summer

Summer in Aotearoa means long days, sunny skies, and plenty of outdoor play. If your dog is a beach zoomer or your cat loves a good game of backyard jungle hunt, choosing the right toys for the season is essential. But as every switched-on pet parent knows, safety always comes first. That’s why we’ve put together our top toy safety tips, so you and your furry whānau can play hard and stay safe during the warmer months. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.

Choose Toys Made For Summer Action

Not all toys are built for high-energy sun-soaked play. It’s important to select toys that are durable enough to handle rough and tumble fun, especially if your pet is a fetch fanatic or water chaser.

• Look for outdoor toys for dogs made from non-toxic, UV-resistant materials.
• For felines who enjoy garden adventures, opt for interactive electronic cat toys that are safe and stimulation-packed.
• Swap plush toys for chew-resistant options or rubber balls that won’t fall apart after a salty swim or muddy game of tug.

And don’t forget: summer essentials for pets go beyond toys — hydration, sun protection, and shade are key.

Size Matters: Match The Toy To The Pet

Bigger isn’t always better — but size does matter when it comes to safe toy play. A toy that's too small can be a choking hazard, while an oversized toy may be impossible for your pet to enjoy properly.

• Always follow manufacturer guidelines on size suitability — many of our dog toys and cat toys are categorised by breed or weight class for easy matching.
• For toy or small breeds, such as Pugs or Yorkshire Terriers, ensure the toy fits comfortably in their mouth without the risk of swallowing.

Proper sizing supports safer play and helps reduce the risk of mouth injuries or accidental ingestion, especially with rubber toys and balls.

Keep It Cool: Avoid Overheating Toys

Toys left out in the summer sun can quickly become scorchers — especially metal or dark-coloured toys. This can cause burns or discomfort, especially for paw pads and sensitive mouths.

• Store toys in shaded areas or inside when not in use to keep them cool to the touch.
• Choose summer-friendly toys like floating fetchers or cooling tug toys made for warmer weather play.

Planning a beach or park trip? Pop a few toys into a chilly bin-style carry bag to keep them comfy and safe for your adventure buddy.

Inspect Toys Regularly For Wear And Tear

Summer playtime often means extra mileage on your pet’s toys. It’s a good idea to give toys a once-over before every play session:

• Check for frayed edges, loose parts or tears, especially on soft plush toys or fabric mouse toys.
• Discard and replace any damaged toys immediately to prevent choking hazards or digestive blockages.
• Rotate toys to reduce wear — and keep things exciting for your pet!

Psst — we’ve got great finds under $20 in our value toys collection so you can stock up guilt-free on backups.

Match The Toy To The Play Style

Not every pet enjoys the same type of play — some are high-energy chasers, others are methodical chewers, and some are brainy puzzle-solvers.

• For chewers, check out tough-as-nails KONG toys or tug options.
• Active kittens and indoor cats might love M-PETS wands or catnip-stuffed teaser toys.
• High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labradors benefit from fetch and chase toys that encourage movement.

Smart tech toys can also be a smart option to challenge your pet’s mind while keeping them active and safe indoors during the sunniest part of the day.

Be Present For Play

Here’s your gentle reminder that toys are fun, but supervision is key. Whether it’s a high-speed chase through sprinklers or a chill chew session with a new rope toy, always keep an eye on your floofy friend.

• Supervise especially when introducing a new toy
• Limit solo playtime if your pet has a tendency to destroy toys
• Use interactive toys as an opportunity to bond and engage together

Plus, spending time playing together not only enhances safety but helps deepen the bond with your pet — and that’s our kind of enrichment.

Safe Play Is Happy Play

Summer is the perfect season for active fun with your pet, but keeping safety top of mind ensures it stays joyful for everyone. From size and material to toy wear and supervision, every detail makes a difference. So whether your pet is a splash fiend or a backyard explorer, you’ll find the safest playing partners in our wide range of cat and dog toys.

Ready to refresh your summer toy stash? Shop the full summer pet essentials collection and earn rewards with our Pet Perks loyalty programme. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet — and we know this summer’s going to be paws-itively fun.