8 Canine Water Toys Every Dog Needs For A Fun Summer!

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[UPDATED MAY 2023]

Are you looking for a fun way to keep your pup cool and active this summer? Look no further than canine water toys!

These toys are specifically designed to float on water and provide a great way for dogs to stay cool while they play.

From frisbees to floating balls, and everything in between, these water toys will provide hours of fun and excitement for your water-loving dog!

Plus, many of these toys are versatile and durable enough to withstand rough play and can be used on land too.

But, before we dive into the specifics, we’ll look at the benefits of water play, as well as the factors to consider when choosing a water toy for your dog.

Benefits Of Water Play For Your Dog

Water play isn’t just a fun way for your pup to beat the heat, it also provides numerous benefits such as:

• Provides Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming and retrieving in the water is a great form of low-impact exercise. Which is easier on your dog’s joints.

• Helps Keep Your Pup Cool On Hot Days: On hot days your pup can still get exercise while staying cool in the water, preventing overheating and heat stroke.

• Can Relieve Joint Pain And Stiffness: Senior dogs and dogs suffering from joint pain or arthritis will find relief from water activities. The buoyancy of the water helps relieve the pressure off the joints.

• Improves Cardiovascular Health: Water play helps improve your dog’s cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow.

• Great Form Of Mental Stimulation: Playing in the water provides a new and exciting environment for your dog to explore, which boosts mental stimulation.

• Reduces Stress And Anxiety: Water play is fun and exciting for your dog and it promotes relaxation and playfulness.

• Strengthens Your Bond: Water play is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, through shared play and positive reinforcement.

Now that we’ve explored the many benefits of water play, let’s take a closer look at the factors to consider when choosing the best water toy for your dog.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Water Toys For Dogs

Choosing the best water toy for your dog is a lot like buying regular dog toys. You want to make sure they are safe, the right size, durable, easy to clean, and of course fun!

But, when it comes to water toys, in particular, there are a few other factors to consider, such as:

High-Visibility

Water toys should be easy to spot from a distance. Look for toys that are bright in colour, neon colours are great as they are highly visible.

Dull-coloured toys that blend in with the water will be harder to see. Plus, if they happen to float away, you’ll have a hard time spotting them.

Good Grip

When toys get wet, they end up becoming slippery. This makes it harder for your dog to grab onto as well as for you to throw.

Water toys should have a good grip on them, such as a textured surface, a rope attached, or a raised bumpy surface.

Buoyancy

Water toys should of course float!! A toy that is too heavy or doesn’t float well will sink to the bottom of the pool or lake, making it difficult and unsafe for your dog to retrieve.

A toy with good buoyancy will float on the surface of the water, making it easy for your dog to see and retrieve.

Fun & Versatile

Water toys should be fun for your dog to retrieve from the water. There are a variety of toys to choose from that will keep your pup engaged and entertained in the water for longer.

Fun toys can be brightly coloured, have fun patterns or designs, or make noise to capture your dog’s attention.

The best water toys will be versatile so your dog can have fun with them out of the water too.

All of the toys that I have listed below can be enjoyed in the water as well as on land.

Top 8 Canine Water Toys

Listed below are the top 8 canine water toys. Let’s take a closer look at their unique features, pros, and cons to help you choose the right toy for your water-loving dog.

1. Ruff Dawg Flying Fish Floating Dog Toy

Nothing says summer fun like catching a fish in the water. The Ruff Dawg Flying Fish makes for one easy and fun catch of the day!

The Flying Fish is great to take to the lake or pool or let your dog retrieve it on land.

It’s made of natural rubber that is lightweight, so it floats, as well as has a great bounce on land!

A rope hole for you to attach a rope to (rope not included) makes reeling it in easier, as well as throwing it.

This toy is 100% made in the USA, of superior quality rubber, that is non-toxic.

The natural rubber is soft and flexible so your dog can easily grab it without hurting his teeth or gums.

You can feel good knowing your dog is chewing something safe and durable. This toy is tear and puncture-resistant and will last through endless games of fetch.

Quick Features:

• Buoyant water toy.
• Made of natural rubber, non-toxic.
• Soft & flexible, gentle on teeth and gums.
• 100% Made in the USA.
• Durable, tear & puncture-resistant.
• Highly visible in bright neon colours.
• Measures 9.5″ long, suitable for medium to large dogs.
• FDA approved.
• Recyclable.

Pros:

• It holds up extremely well, many owners mention this toy has lasted and has shown no teeth marks from their dogs grabbing it.

• When thrown in the water, the fish sinks down a bit and then quickly floats which adds to your dog’s excitement.

• The fish gets slippery when wet, which mimics a real fish and adds to your pup’s excitement.

• It flings really well in the air and it skips in the water.

• Dogs really seem to love this toy, with many owners mentioning it is their dog’s favourite.

• This toy has multi-uses, great for water play as well as bouncing on land.

Cons:

• You cannot choose the colour you want, one is automatically sent to you.

• The rope hole seems to be the first area to be destroyed if you have an aggressive chewer.

• It should not be left out in the sun, or it will become sticky and tacky.

2. Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch And Float Dog Toy

Chuckit! is a well-known brand for designing and making dog toys that are durable and virtually indestructible.

All of the Chuckit! toys come in bright colours which make them easy to spot whether they land in tall grass, on the beach or in the water.

The Amphibious Bumper features an EVA foam and rubber construction which gives the toy its buoyancy for water play.

Its exterior is made of durable nylon which is soft and gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums.

A knotted rope handle makes throwing easier and allows for a non-slip grip during games of fetch.

As with all Chuckit! toys, the Amphibious Bumper is intended for repeated throwing and catching.

It will last a long time and withstand aggressive chewing.

The nylon and rubber exterior is dirt and slobber resistant and can be wiped clean.

All dogs can enjoy this toy, as it is available in both small and medium sizes.

Quick Features:

• Fetching & floating dog toy.
• Bright highly visible colours.
• Made of EVA foam & rubber.
• Durable nylon exterior.
• Knotted rope handle for throwing & non-slip grip.
• Lightweight & floats on water.
• Withstands aggressive chewing.
• Easily wipes clean, & resists dirt & slobber.
• 2 sizes available, small & medium.
• Available in green or orange.

Pros:

• It’s soft and lightweight, making it easy for dogs to grab in the water.

• It dries quickly, so you can easily take it with you.

• You can easily throw this toy long distance, without hurting your arm.

• Designed to float on water and bounce on land, providing versatile play options.

• The bright colour makes this toy easy to spot.

• Very sturdy and holds up well, many owners mention that there are no signs of teeth marks after numerous games of fetch.

Cons:

• Not intended for tug-of-war, even though there is a rope attached to it.

• This is not a chew toy, it is only intended for retrieving. It will not last long if you allow your dog to chew on it.

• A few owners mention that the seams of the nylon exterior come apart easily.

• It is available in green or orange, but there is no choice of colour.

3. Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Frisbee

The Paraflight Flyer by Chuckit! is one of the most popular water toys among dog owners, and it’s actually a best seller on Amazon!

Again, Chuckit! is known for making toys that are tough and durable, and this frisbee is no exception.

This dog frisbee features a multilayer nylon interior to make it durable and a soft rubber rim that’s gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums.

Its aerodynamic shape makes this frisbee perfect for long-distance fetch.

The fun bright colours are easily spotted on the water or land, and its lightweight design makes this toy float on water.

Available in 2 bright colours and 2 sizes, small and large.

Quick Features:

• Floats on water.
• Highly visible colours.
• Lightweight & durable.
• Gentle on teeth & gums.
• Aerodynamic design gradually descends.
• Made of tight-woven multilayer durable nylon.
• The outer rim is soft rubber.
• 2 Sizes available, small 7″ & large 10″.

Pros:

• This frisbee is easy to throw thanks to its lightweight design, and it soars pretty far.

• It’s soft and flexible, and it won’t hurt your dog’s teeth when they catch it.

• Surprisingly durable, this frisbee has held up well to daily use of tugging and tossing.

• It floats on the water and flies great when it’s wet.

• Holds up well even if you leave it outside in the elements, and it can easily be rinsed off when it gets dirty.

Cons:

• It doesn’t perform well in windy conditions, because it’s so lightweight, it easily catches the wind and goes in another direction.

• The frisbee gets gross with dog slobber.

• Not intended as a chew toy, it will not hold up to heavy chewers.

4. LaRoo Dura Ring Floating Flying Dog Disc

The LaRoo Dura Ring is a versatile toy that’s designed to float on water and fly through the air, providing a fun and engaging playtime.

This lightweight toy is made of indestructible EVA materials that will never break down into sharp fragments.

The surface design features raised nubs that help clean your dog’s teeth, and the ribbed handle design makes it easy and comfortable for you to throw.

Thanks to its lightweight design, this toy won’t hurt your arm and it has great buoyancy.

Plus, it’s soft, making it easy for dogs to carry and retrieve, without hurting their teeth and gums.

It’s available in different sizes making it suitable for all breeds, and it comes in bright colours for high visibility.

Quick Features:

• Made of high-quality & food-grade HD EVA ABS material.
• Soft & gentle on your dog’s mouth.
• Surface design helps clean dogs’ teeth.
• Versatile toy used for throwing, fetching, tug-of-war, & chewing.
• Floats on water.
• Bright highly visible colours.
• Available in multiple sizes.
• Easy to clean.

Pros:

• This toy gets great reviews from dog owners who have heavy chewers. This ring has lasted extremely well with the daily use of aggressive play. It does show teeth marks, but this toy is pretty much indestructible.

• It is super lightweight, so throwing it is easy on your arm as well as your dog’s mouth when catching it.

• This toy is very versatile, it floats in the water and it bounces on land.

• A great toy for dogs of all sizes.

• Made of safe non-toxic materials, it will not break down into small dangerous fragments.

Cons:

• It doesn’t fly as far or as smoothly as other Frisbee-type toys due to its shape and weight distribution.

• Make sure to choose the appropriate size for your dog. If you get a ring that is too large, it could fit around your dog’s body and be dangerous if your dog gets stuck.

• Some aggressive chewers were able to destroy this toy.

5. Spunky Pup Fly & Fetch Duck

The Spunky Pup Fly & Fetch Duck is a realistic-looking toy that appeals to your dog’s natural prey instincts.

This versatile toy is designed to float on water and soar through the air. It can be used for a variety of water games, or land games like fetch, tug of war, and more.

It features a built-in bungee to make it launch up to 100 feet in the air.

The exterior is made of ballistic nylon which is super tough and durable, the inside is plush and there is a cotton rope on the end for easy throwing and retrieving.

If you are training your dog to retrieve, this toy would be ideal, it’s great for the lake, beach or pool.

Quick Features:

• Made of ballistic nylon, plush & cotton rope.
• Launches up to 100 feet with a built-in bungee.
• Floats on the water.
• Great retrieval toy.
• Other animals are available such as an eagle & fish.

Pros:

• Dogs seem to love realistic toys the best, and this one is great for bringing out your dog’s natural hunting instincts.

• It is lightweight and has great buoyancy.

• A fun toy that is great for teaching your dog to retrieve, especially Golden Retrievers and Labs.

• Flies at a great distance.

• The unique duck-shaped design is easy for dogs to grab and carry.

• Made of durable chew-resistant material.

Cons:

• This toy is not ideal for heavy chewers, it is intended for dogs who are gentle with their toys.

• The stitching comes apart easily.

• Some reviews mention that it doesn’t fly as far as the toy claims.

6. Outward Hound Floatiez Interactive Dog Toy

The Outward Hound Floatiez Turtle is adorable and is the perfect toy for taking to the lake, pool, or beach.

If your pup is hesitant to get in the water, this interactive toy will help entice and encourage your pup to become a better swimmer.

This water-fun toy is made from heavy-duty quick-drying nylon, tennis ball, and noodle foam materials.

It features a squeaker inside that makes a giggler sound every time your pup bites it or shakes it.

Unlike other floating toys, this one floats upright to make it easier to see and grab in the water.

The bright colours of this turtle make it easy to spot from a distance, whether it’s in the water or in tall grass. It also doubles as a winter toy that can be used in the snow.

If your dog isn’t a fan of turtles, there are other sea-inspired creatures in the Outward Hound Floatiez collection to choose from.

Quick Features:

• Measures 10″ wide by 10.5″ long.
• Made of sturdy nylon, tennis ball & noodle foam.
• Squeaker inside that makes a giggler sound.
• Floats upright in the water.
• Highly-visible colours.
• Versatile toy, great for water and in the snow.
• Quick-drying.
• Safe and non-toxic.

Pros:

• This is a great toy for dogs who love squeakers and plush toys.

• Fun colourful design that dogs enjoy.

• The giggler noise makes it even more enticing to your dog.

• It is easy to grab and gentle on your dog’s mouth.

• The turtle is well-made with sturdy construction.

• It is lightweight and can be thrown like a frisbee.

Cons:

• It is definitely not a chew toy and is best suited for dogs who are gentle with their toys.

• Some owners have reported durability issues with the seams of the toy coming apart.

7. Chuckit! Amphibious Fetch Balls Set of 3

The Chuckit! Amphibious Fetch Ball is unsinkable and floats high on the water, and thanks to its fun bright colours it’s easy to spot on land and in the water.

This set of 3 is a great value and they are compatible with the medium-sized Chuckit! Launcher.

The Amphibious Fetch Ball is lightweight, made from durable materials, and designed to not pop when your dog fetches it.

Unlike other tennis balls, this one is soft and gentle on your dog’s mouth.

The interior of the ball is made from foam, while the exterior is made of durable nylon fabric. It remains lightweight and doesn’t soak up any water.

Take your next game of fetch to the lake, pond, or pool with this great toy! Of course, it can also be used for endless games of fetch on land too.

Quick Features:

• Pack of 3 balls.
• Lightweight, unsinkable & floats high on the water.
• Easy to grab.
• Highly-visible.
• Soft & gentle on your dog’s mouth.
• Measures 2.5″ in diameter.
• Easy to clean.
• Made of durable material.
• Compatible with the medium-sized Chuckit! Launcher.

Pros:

• This ball is easy to grab in the water because it is soft and squishy, and unlike regular tennis balls, it doesn’t hold water.

• Can also be used indoors because it is lightweight and will not break anything when thrown.

• When thrown, this ball has the ability to skip on the water, which just adds to your pup’s excitement.

• Super lightweight, which makes this ball easy to throw long distances. Plus, it’s compatible with the Chuckit! Launcher.

• A durable ball for both salt water and chlorine.

Cons:

• The ball has a sewn-on tag, which is usually the first thing that gets ripped off by aggressive chewers.

• It is not a chew toy, and should strictly be used for games of fetch.

• Many people wish this ball had a squeaker inside, but it doesn’t.

8. West Paw Zogoflex Rumpus Floating Dog Chew Toy

If you struggle to find toys that will stand up to heavy, aggressive chewers, look no further than West Paw!

The Zogoflex Rumpus is a chew toy that floats on the water!

It’s made of Zogoflex material, which is a plastic blend that is virtually indestructible.

In fact, all West Paw toys come with a Love It Guarantee, which means if your dog doesn’t love it, or happens to destroy the toy, West Paw will offer a one-time replacement or your money back!

Thanks to the bright colour, the Zogoflex Rumpus can easily be seen on the water or in tall grass.

Not only does this solid toy float, but it also has an unpredictable bounce when thrown on land. Plus, it features 3 chew lobes to keep your chew-fanatic pup engaged.

It’s made in the USA of non-toxic material, and it’s dishwasher safe making it easy to clean.

Quick Features:

• Floats on water & bounces on land.
• Made with zero-waste & recyclable Zogoflex material.
• Super durable, designed for aggressive chewers.
• Made in the USA.
• Dishwasher safe.
• BPA-free, Latex-free & FDA compliant.
• Safe & non-toxic.
• Backed by a Love it Guarantee.
• Recyclable.
• Available in 2 sizes; small & medium.
• Available in 3 bright colours.

Pros:

• Made from durable and non-toxic materials that can withstand aggressive chewing.

• Designed to float and bounce, making it great for interactive playtime in water or on land.

• It is made in the USA and does not have any chemical smell, like many other toys.

• This toy is solid so it stands up to heavy chewing, but it is lightweight and floats, perfect for water-loving dogs who love to chew.

Cons:

• A bit pricey, however, it will last long and is backed by a guarantee. So the price is worth it.

• West Paw toys are often sold out and hard to find, due to their popularity.

• Some dogs are just not interested in this toy, because of its unique shape and weight.

Safety Tips When Using Water Toys With Your Dog

Canine water toys are designed to get your dog in the water.

Whether your dog is a natural-born swimmer or just starting to get his paws wet, you’ll want to keep these safety tips in mind.

• Make Sure Your Dog Can Swim: Before tossing any toy into the water, make sure your dog is comfortable and confident in the water and is able to swim.

• Choose Suitable Toys: Choose water toys that are suitable for your dog’s size and swimming ability. Large or heavy toys may be difficult for small dogs to retrieve, while smaller toys could pose a choking hazard to larger dogs.

• Always Supervise Your Dog: Supervision is a must when it comes to water play. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, accidents can happen. It’s important to be there to help if needed. A dog lifejacket is a good idea as well!

• Toss Any Damaged Toys: Regularly inspect your dog’s water toys and look for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, remove the toy immediately to prevent any small pieces from being accidentally ingested by your dog.

• Take Breaks: Some dogs will play fetch in the water endlessly without knowing they need a break. It’s important to monitor your dog and keep water play sessions short to prevent exhaustion.

• Hydration: Most pups will drink water from the lake or pool that they’re swimming in. However, it’s important to have fresh clean water for your pup to drink before, during, and after water play to prevent dehydration.

• Beware Of Water Intoxication: While it’s important for your dog to stay hydrated, drinking too much water too fast can be dangerous. Known as water intoxication, dogs that engage in water play, swimming, or diving, are at a greater risk because they tend to swallow excessive amounts of water.

• Sun Protection: Dogs can get sunburned just like humans. Especially if they’re lighter in colour, and have shorter fur. It’s important to apply a dog-safe sunscreen to exposed areas such as the nose and ears.

• Be Careful Of Sand Ingestion: Wet toys on the beach tend to get sand stuck on them, and your dog could ingest the sand. Too much sand ingestion can cause sand impaction, which is when the intestines get blocked by sand. Be sure to monitor your pup and wipe off any excess sand from your dog’s toys.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your dog’s water play with toys is both fun and safe.

Water Play Activities For Dogs

Now that we’ve covered the top canine water toys, let’s look at some other water play activities that your dog can enjoy this summer.

Final Thoughts

Water play is a fun and beneficial activity for your dog, and choosing the right water toy can make all the difference.

When selecting water toys for your pup, make sure to consider factors like buoyancy, durability, safety, and of course fun factor.

The eight toys I’ve highlighted in this post are sure to provide your pup with hours of excitement and mental stimulation.

So, next time you’re headed to the beach, pool, or lake, be sure to pack some of these top canine water toys and be ready to have a splashing good time with your furry best friend!

Are you excited to try out some of these top canine water toys with your pup? Does your dog have a favourite water toy? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!