For dogs and other pets, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity. Toys are important to your dog’s well-being. When they are all alone at home, toys keep them entertained and reassure them when they're anxious. Even the development of some negative behaviours in your dog can be prevented with the use of toys.
Things to Consider When Choosing Safe Dog Chew Toys:
- What kind of chewer is your dog?
- Does the toy present a choking hazard?
- Can the toy cause dental trauma?
- Is the toy safe if bits of it are swallowed?
Unsafe Chew Toys:
Bones : The danger with bones is that they can splinter and pierce the mouth or break and become a choking hazard. Chicken bones are particularly hazardous in this respect.
Cow hooves : Like bones, cow hooves can break your dog’s teeth, or splinter into small shards. Their circular shape poses an additional threat, because hooves can get looped around your dog’s lower jaw, behind the canine teeth, and often require removal by a veterinarian.
Tennis balls: A little bit of fetch in the park from time to time won’t really do much damage to your pup’s oral health. The real harm of these popular, dog play toys is when they carry them for prolonged periods of time or chew them to pieces. The rough and abrasive nature of gnawing on the tennis ball’s fuzzy exterior can lead to tooth pain and other dental problems. Tennis balls can also pose a choking risk if your dog likes to tear them to pieces.
Ice cubes: The larger and the harder the ice cube, the more potential there is for fractures or broken teeth to occur. If you want to use ice cubes as a way to ensure your dog gets a little extra hydration, consider using ice chips or breaking the ice cube into pieces that are small enough not to pose a choking hazard.
Rawhides :These popular chews are made of chemically processed animal hides, and can become contaminated with bacteria that can make you and your dog sick. Large rawhide pieces can get stuck in the digestive tract, and removal sometimes requires abdominal surgery.
Safe Toys for your dogs:
Nylon or rubber chew toys — Look for nylon or rubber chew toys that are firm enough to withstand serious chewing, with enough “give” that they won’t cause tooth damage. Some rubber toys are hollow, allowing you to hide treats inside, or stuff them with peanut butter. Freeze the stuffed toy for a long-lasting, delicious treat for your dog.
Edible chews — Edible chews tend to be more digestible for your dog, and any product approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has been proven to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Balls — A hard rubber ball is great for a game of fetch, as long as your dog cannot chew the ball into pieces. Also, ensure that the ball is the appropriate size for your dog.
Thank you!
For taking the time to read this blog! We hope we helped you and your loved one. For any additional queries or information feel free to reach out to us!