Entertaining your dog while at the pool, lake, river or beach is a fun bonding experience. Your dog is part of the family and deserves to have fun in the sun too! Since many dogs love to fetch in the water, you’re going to need toys that are built to float and survive in water environments.
Water dog toys are popular among pet parents who have pools or like to take their dogs along on adventures that involve water. Whether it’s a floating stick, ball, frisbee, or ring, we have plenty of options to entertain your dog in the water.
The following list contains the best dog water toys available in the market today! We’ve tested many of these dog toys with our Goldendoodle who loves to swim in pools and fetch toys in the ocean! You’re going to have hours of entertainment with your dog out on the water.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Perfect dog water fetch toy!
- Floating toy made of nylon, rubber & EVA foam
- ChuckIt! is a highly reputable brand making dog toys
- The toys come in bright colors to get your dogs attention
- Cons
- If your dog is a super chewer they may destroy this toy
This fun and colorful water toy is perfect for pool time fun with your dog! It’s made from memory foam, nylon, and rubber which means that it will float in water. In addition, it is a lightweight toy your dog will love to enjoy fetching in water.
This durable toy is designed to withstand aggressive playing and soft chewing. While it’s not great for super chewing dogs, it is very durable and easy to throw in the water. You can also play tug with your dog because it contains a rope at the end of the toy.
Moreover, it’s also easy to keep clean and is long-lasting. You don’t necessarily have to play with the toy only in the water, but you can also play fetch with it on land. It was meant to replicate a stick and even comes with a rope if your dog likes to play tug.
This fun water toy for dogs is available in multipacks! It comes in a variety of bright colors so you can dog can easily spot these toys in the water. ChuckIt is one of the most reputable dog toy brands in the world and these are great floating toys for the water.
- Pros
- Great float toy for dogs who love to fetch
- Measures 11 inches by 2 inches and is great for all sized dogs
- Bright colors for your dog to easily spot in the water
- This is a sturdy and durable dog toy for water
- Cons
- Not suitable as a chew toy
Interactive toys stimulate your dog’s mind and create a closer bond between you and your pet. This environmentally safe dog water toy is non-toxic and safe to use in the pool, lake, river, or ocean.
The weight of the toy is perfect for fetching, diving, retrieval, and tug of war games. The vibrant color makes it easy to find in any situation for your dog. You can easily throw these toys on land or in the water.
This durable toy is long-lasting but is not suitable for dogs that are aggressive chewers. The dog toy is sturdy and very solid, but the rubber material will break easily with super chewing dogs. These dog pool toys come in a set of two with different colors. Each stick is approximately 11 inches by inches which can fit in the mouth of most size dogs.
- Pros
- Great for tug or fetching in the water
- Lightweight EVA foam and bite-proof design
- Easy to throw into the water
- Works great for two dogs as they can share the ring
- Cons
- Not great for really small-sized dog breeds
This durable Frisbee also referred to as a donut ring, is an ideal toy for medium or large size dogs. It’s EVA bite-resistant, lightweight, and made from a durable material that is soft and easy for your dog to catch in their mouth.
This toy makes a great water toy and is suitable for playing on land as well. The unique design and holes located on the surface of the toy are strategically placed to ensure your dog’s teeth and gums remain healthy and safe.
This easy to clean and colorful water toy is long-lasting, durable, and withstands aggressive chewing. It’s also really easy to throw it in the water and multiple dogs can hold onto the ring.
- Pros
- Bone dog chew toy that floats
- Very durable for dogs who like to chew
- Made of solid bouncy material that floats
- This dog toy was meant to replicate a stick and feels natural for your dog
- Cons
- Don't let your dog swallow the material if they break the toy because they may choke
Vibrant and fun, this dog bone floating water toy is designed to withstand aggressive chewers and provide long-lasting play. This dog water play toy is perfect for water or land and you can throw this toy very far.
It’s an excellent alternative to natural wood sticks that can splinter and cause your dog harm. This toy is completely safe for dogs and made of all non-toxic and recyclable materials. The bright color makes it easy to find in any environment and it’s easy to keep clean.
The manufacturer provides a 100% guarantee against damage. It’s specific designed for tough chewers and is a safer alternative to rawhide bones, antlers, or other sticks which can splinter.
- Pros
- Floating dog toy ring that is perfect for the water
- Extremely durable design and made of foam like some of the other toys
- Great for dogs who love to exercise in the water
- Made of all safe materials for your dog
- Cons
- Doesn't work well for very small dog breeds
This floating dog toy is also a flying disc that is easy on your dog’s teeth and gums. It provides hours of entertainment for your dog and can be used as a Frisbee, tug of war toy, or fetch toy.
This toy always keeps floating which makes it an excellent pool toy too! No matter how many times your dog jumps on it in the water or tries to push it under the surface, it always floats to the top due to the material that was used.
The bright blue color is pleasing to look at and makes it easy to find in any environment such as the bushes, yard, pool, river, lakes, or the ocean. The only downside is that this dog toy is a little big for smaller sized dogs less than 15 pounds.
- Pros
- 9.5 inch floating fish for dogs to fetch
- Premium rubber dog toy that is soft on your dog's teeth
- Made in the United States with FDA approved materials
- Dogs love the fish design and it fits well in their mouth
- Cons
- This dog toy isn't meant for really small dog breeds
This flying fish summer dog water toy is perfect for the pool, river, lake, or ocean. It measures 9.5” tall and is made with 100% FDA-approved recyclable materials. It doesn’t contain harmful ingredients such as BPAs, phthalates, or latex.
This water toy is suitable for medium to large size dogs. It features a durable rubber surface that is gentle on your dog’s gums and teeth. You can attach a string to the tip of the toy and use it as a tug of war or fetch toy. This vibrantly colored water toy is available in an assortment of neon colors which makes it easy to find anywhere.
- Pros
- Squeaky ball toy design that will float in the water
- Made of high-durability that doensn't wear down
- ChuckIt! is a very reputable brand
- One of the most popular dog toys in the world
- Cons
- It wasn't made water
This squeaky ball pool toy will become your dog’s favorite! It features a built-in squeaker that makes it fun when your dog bites down on it and makes a game of fetch super exciting and fun for your pet if you’re throwing it into the water.
This durable toy is specially created to resist aggressive chewing without harming teeth or gums. It also floats on water which makes it the ultimate pool, lake, river, or ocean toy. This is one of the most popular dog toys in the world is great in the water!
- Pros
- Frisbee floats in water
- Quality materials, but is also lightweight and easy to throw
- Specifically designed for medium to large dog breeds
- Made with FDA approved materials and is BPA-free
- Cons
- This is a cheaper version of the MidWest Double Door Dog Crate
This dog toy has Nerf-quality materials that are durable, highly visible, and safe for your pet. It measures 10 inches in diameter and is best suited for medium to large dogs.
This fun dog toy is lightweight and 100% non-toxic for pets. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals such as BPA and it’s FDA approved for your dog’s safety! The vibrant blue color is easy to find in the water and on land.
How to Choose the Best Water Dog Toy
Choosing the right water toy for your dog is fun and easy! There are several options out on the market, but you’ll need to take these factors into consideration before making a purchase.
Size of Your Dog
The first feature you need to consider is the size of your dog and its mouth. Many pet parents accidentally choose toys that are too large for their small dog to grasp in their mouth. Most of the dog water play toys mentioned on the list are ideal for medium to large-sized dogs. Your goal is to choose a toy that will easily fit in your dog’s mouth.
Is Your Dog an Aggressive Chewer?
Dogs that are aggressive chewers go through toys very quickly. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, chances are you have spent a lot of money replacing their toys on a weekly or monthly basis. The good news is many dog water toys are durable and suitable for aggressive chewers.
Durable and long-lasting water toys that are easy to clean and carry along in your beach bag are essential to summer fun! If you’re dog a super chewer, we would recommend getting the Tuff Pupper floating ring as that was the most durable choice on our list.
Color of the Toy
Since the water toys are used outdoors many of them come in vibrant and neon colors that make them easy to find. These colorful toys can be spotted underwater, above water, in the yard, and on land. Moreover, dogs usually have a favorite color and are more attracted to objects of that color. For instance, my Goldendoodle is most attracted to toys that are orange.
Floating Materials
Many of the toys float on the surface of the water which makes it easy for your dog to play. The toys on the list are also created and designed with materials that protect your dog’s teeth and gums as well. Most of the dog pool toys on our list are made of floating foam wrapped around some type of durable shielding. Some of the dog toys on our list are simply made of floating foam. You’ll want to take these factors into consideration before purchasing a water toy for your dog.
Beach, Pool, or Lakes?
When choosing a water toy for your dog determine the use case, such as in the pool or at the beach. If you are choosing a toy for the pool it is best to select the options that float on the surface of the water. However, if you are choosing toys for the beach the flotation options are ideal as well as the fetch and tug of war style toys.
Are water toys safe for dogs?
Yes. The dog water toys mentioned on our list are made with eco-friendly, recyclable, and safe materials. Almost all of the toys are durable and specially designed to withstand aggressive chewing and playtime. However, there are a few softer toys on the list that are geared more towards light chewing habits.
How to Play with Water Dog Toys in the Pool
Playing with water toys in the pool is a fun activity for the entire family. Your dog will love being involved in the family fun as well as have their own toys to keep them occupied. Always place a doggie life vest on your pet to ensure their safety while in and around the water.
The dog water toys that float can be tossed in the pool at any time to encourage your dog to jump in and play. You can also use the same toys to encourage your dog to swim and get more exercise by placing them at a certain distance in the pool.
Almost all of the water toys on the list can be used to play a game of fetch with your dog. You can choose to play on the land around the pool or in the water. Just toss the toy in any direction and encourage your dog to fetch it and bring it back to you.
Most of the toys mentioned above have ropes or knots attached to them or they are specifically made for the purpose of playing tug-of-war. This fun game is a bonding experience between you and your dog as you both pull on the toy until a final winner is determined. The game of tug-of-war can be played in the water or on a flat surface such as a deck.
A fun game of hide-and-seek can be played with any pool toy. You can choose to hide the pool toy in the pool behind other flotation devices or in the garden or area surrounding the pool. Always encourage your dog to find the toy and once they do you can encourage them to jump in the water with the toy as a reward.
Using toys to encourage swim races in the pool is a fun activity for the entire family. Have your dog compete against any family member and swim from one side of the pool to the other. Placing the water toy in the area where you want your dog to swim will help the game be more fun for your pet.
Dock diving is a fun adventure for your dog to enjoy! Encourage your dog to jump from a flat surface such as a dock or low diving board into the water. It’s wise to be in the water at the time to catch your dog if necessary. Once dogs learn to dock dive, they enjoy it and will continue doing it on their own without you needing to encourage the activity.
If you don’t already have a swimming pool you can invest in a kiddie pool and place it in your backyard or on the patio. This specific pool is for your dog only so they can cool off in the summer heat. Tossing several pool toys into the water will encourage your dog to jump into the kiddie pool and splash around.
How to Play with Dog Water Toys at the Beach
Going to the beach with your dog is a lot of fun but cautions need to be taken. The ocean has a current and strong waves that alter the force and water level from minute to minute. When taking your dog to the beach they must wear a life vest the entire time. A life vest will help prevent your dog from drowning and make it easier for you to grab hold of them in case a big wave crashes over you both.
Water toys can of course be used in the ocean but only the ones that are capable of floating constantly. If a dog water toy sinks to the bottom of the ocean there will be little chance for you to recover it which will force you to purchase more toys in the future.
The colorful and fun flotation water toys for dogs can be used to play a fun game of fetch in the ocean and on the shore. Playing Frisbee is also a fun activity that provides your dog with plenty of exercises that also stimulates their mind.
You can use all types of water toys on the shore to play games with your dog. However, only use the toys that are capable of floating when you are close to the water to ensure you can jump in and grab the toy before it gets whisked away.
How many toys should I buy if I have more than one dog?
Pet parents who have more than one dog in their households will need to invest and a specific amount of toys to keep their pets happy.
The amount is determined by your dog’s behavior with each other. Do your dogs like to share their toys? Or, do they prefer to have their own toys? If your dogs are happy siblings that share toys, you can invest a few water toys to make sure they will stay busy and have fun.
However, if your dogs like to have their own toys you will need to choose toys for each dog. Always take into consideration each dog’s personality and their preference for toys while in the house. If your dogs enjoy playing with stuffed animals in the house, consider purchasing lightweight water toys.
If one or all of your dogs are aggressive chewers, it’s important that you choose toys that are chew resistant and long-lasting. Even if only one of your dogs are aggressive chewers while the rest can play with any toy, it’s still recommended to purchase all water toys that can handle aggressive chewing. The reason is, there’s a chance your aggressive chewer will run over and grab the lightweight toys and destroy them quickly.
The good news is the pet industry and toy manufacturers have created specially designed dog toys that are ideal for all types of dogs.
How to Keep Dog Water Toys Clean
Keeping your dog’s water toys clean is essential to their health and overall well-being. While you might think water toys clean themselves because they are in a pool, ocean, river, or lake, the truth is they can grow bacteria that can be harmful to your pet.
it’s important to clean your dog’s water toys immediately to prevent bacteria build-up. Use pet-friendly soap and a soft cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Always store the water toys in a cool dry place to prevent bacteria growth.
Inspecting the toys before using them is also recommended for safety purposes. If toys are stored while still damp or wet there’s a chance they can grow mildew in between uses. Always make sure you are providing your dog with a clean toy. If you notice any damage, bacteria, or mildew that cannot be safely removed from the toy, you need to replace the toy with a new option.
Dog water toys are essential for dogs who love to play outdoors and splash around in the water! Playing a game of fetch and splashing around in the water with your dog creates bonding moments that will become cherished memories.
If you are looking for water toys that will keep your dog occupied and happy while playing at the pool or beach, choose any of the options from the list shown above.
Conclusion for Best Water Dog Toys
You can feel confident with all of the toys on the list because they are safe and made with pet-friendly materials that allow you to focus on the fun instead of worrying about your dog. The toys are all waterproof and easy to use in the water, on the deck, and on the shore.
Many pet parents decide to purchase several water toys so their dog has a variety to choose from each time they go to the pool or beach. Once you determine which toys your dog gravitates towards, you should invest in similar toys to ensure fun will be had every time! Start building your dog’s water toy collection today by choosing from the awesome pool toys listed above!
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For more inspiration, look at how much fun your dog could be having!
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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