Do Chihuahuas need exercise and mental stimulation? Yes! What is the best, and the least expensive way to make sure they get it? Kong toys!
Why Is The Kong Toy So Popular?
For one thing, it does double duty. It’s an enormously engaging treat-dispensing toy and a supremely durable chew toy. Eating and chewing…two of a dog’s favorite things. If you have a destructive chewer (yes, a Chihuahua can be a very destructive chewer!) or a high energy Chihuahua, or even if you just want to keep them occupied while you work, do chores, or anything else close by, this is the toy for your Chihuahua!
So Many Choices!
Since that first little snowman-shaped Kong came on the market back in 1976 by founder, Joe Markham it has become so popular that they have come out with all kinds of Kong toys now. Dental chews, pull toys, frisbees, squeakers, and balls, to name a few.
when filled with delicious treats it can keep your Chihuahua happily occupied chewing for hours without damaging his teeth. What makes it so engaging is that it sometimes takes some brain-power to get some treats out from a small hole at the bottom of the Kong toy.
The original Kong comes in various sizes for different sized dogs and in four different rubber types to accommodate all types of chewers.
Kracking The Kong Toy Color Code:
Classic Red
Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs.
Puppy Pink
Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs.
Senior Purple
Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs.
Each color comes in different sizes for your individual Chihuahua’s needs.
- Red: The classic Kong is the original red rubber made for average chewers
- Baby Pink or Blue: Known as Kong Puppy, is specially made for teething puppies and to help soothe gums
- Purple: Known as the Kong senior is made of a gentle but durable rubber formulated for aging teeth and jaws
- Black: Known as Kong Extreme is made of the most durable and the toughest rubber and recommended for the strongest chewers
- Blue (dark or navy): Known as Kong Blue is a variation of the black Kong Extreme and usually available only through veterinarians and made of a radiopaque rubber that will show up in x-rays.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Chi’s Kong Toy
- The key is the hollow center which you can fill with all kinds of food and treats. Without being stuffed it’s a pretty boring chew toy and your Chihuahua will lose interest quickly.
- All dogs love to have a “job” to do. They love to “hunt” for their food. Kong is a fantastic way to keep him physically active and mentally challenged. It allows him the ability to “hunt” or “work”. Finding delicious food and treats is his “pay” or his “reward” for all that “hard work”.
- It’s a good idea to have several Kongs prepared ahead of time with food and treats with different flavors, textures, and smells. This will enrich your Chihuahua’s chewing and “hunting” experience and keep him from getting bored with the same ol’ thing each and every time.
- Preparing several ahead of time will also save you time. It’s a great way to keep your Chihuahua occupied during the day while you are at work or any time you leave the house for a period of time. Just toss them one as you’re on your way out. Hide one and make them “hunt” for it later in the day.
- Besides being practically indestructible, they are no or at least very low maintenance. Just put them on the top shelf in the dishwasher. Wallah! Clean and sanitized.
NEXT UP: The Ultimate Guide To Healthy Kong Stuffing Ideas For Your Chihuahua