A Guide to Dog Chew Products

Dogs like to chew, and not always on dog chew toys. Whether your dog is a troublesome chewer and makes a meal of your favorite pants, shoes or furniture, or he chews occasionally when you aren't home, it is important for dogs to have a healthy outlet for this natural behavior. Different types of chew toys work best for different types of dogs.

Big Chewers

Dogs that are big chewers may do best with tough, rubber chew toys. These are toys that are harder, more difficult to destroy and can last for longer periods of time. Invest in rope chew toys, bones and dental chews for dogs like this. Rubber toys are best for aggressive chewers because they can withstand damage for longer. Few chew toys last forever.

The Active Dog

If your pet loves to run, jump and play, give him a dog chew toy that he can chase. Tennis balls, rubber balls and retrieving toys work best for dogs with a lot of energy. Consider dog Frisbees or dog disks and toys that your dog will have a difficult time capturing to help them release some of that energy. If you want to combine dental health with fun, consider toys made of rope or floss.

Small Dogs

Small dogs need chew toys, too. Consider plush toys for dogs that are less active and just want something to cuddle with or nibble on. The benefit of toys like these is that they can also serve as a temporary replacement for human companionship when you have to be away. Be sure to inspect them often to make sure no toy eyes, limbs or attachments have come loose that could potentially harm your dog.

Tips

Be careful of small dog chew toys or toys that can be easily shred and pose a choking risk for your dog. Don't leave plush toys alone with destructive dogs, or make sure to keep a very close eye on them while they are in their possession. Inspect and replace chew toys on a regular basis to keep them safe and fun for everyone.

Be wary of using bones as dog chew toys. While some bones are safe for dogs, others can splinter and break. Bone splinters can become lodged in your dog's throat and cause them a great deal of pain. Even worse, some larger bone splinters can cause choking. Err on the side of safety and forego bones altogether except for those you purchase made just for dogs at a pet store.

Chew toy shopping can be a process. What one dog loves, another one may detest. Experiment with different types of dog chew toys to see what works best for your pet. Once you have found the right chew toy for your canine companion, keep plenty of them on hand at all times—chew toys tend to go fast. As long as you reinforce their use of the chew toy with positive praise and treats, your dog should be weaned off your clothes and furniture and hooked on their chew toy in no time at all.

 

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