Dogs and puppies love to gnaw and chew on things — it’s a big part of their nature and it can also help them to maintain a healthy mouth. However, finding the right chew toy for your pooch is a little easier said than done, with more opinions on what’s safe and what’s not than ever. Along with safety, you also have to consider durability, value for money, and your dog’s enjoyment, so finding the right toys can be confusing.
Are rope toys safe for dogs? How many chew toys should a dog have? Can you still throw a dog a bone? This article will answer those questions and more.
There are various factors that you should always consider when getting your dog chew toys.
One of the major aspects of shopping for safe dog chew toys is taking your dog’s age into consideration. A teething puppy will benefit from gentler toys, while a dog in its prime might want something a little more substantial, and older dogs will need something in between.
It’s also worth noting that to keep a puppy entertained, you should keep around 10-15 toys in the house. This will not only give them more options for play but will help you to retain the toys for longer periods of time.
Beyond age, you also need to shop according to the size of your dog. The best chews for puppies and smaller dogs will of course be smaller and perhaps a little less dense, but a larger dog is at risk of swallowing toys like this, so make sure to choose something suitable in size.
Along with their size and age, your dog’s compatibility and safety with different chew toys will depend on the way that they chew things, which you can discern through trial and error. It’s generally accepted that there are 3 main different forms of chewers in dogs, and each of these chewing styles is better suited to a different type of chew toy.
Along with the vigour of your dog's chewing, you also need to consider their broader tendencies when it comes to chewing. Might they try to eat any dislodged parts of a toy or just gnaw on them? Even average chewers may need more specific toys if they have a tendency to inhale whatever’s in their mouth.
While every dog is different, there are plenty of dog chew toys that you should avoid in general for the sake of their safety. Note that some of these should always be avoided, while others can be used but only with supervision. Consult further with your veterinarian if you have specific questions related to your pet.
So with all this in mind, what types of dog toys are safe for different chewers? Below, we have listed some suitable toys and the chewers they’re most compatible with.
Now that you understand how to search for a dog chew, it’s time to get looking! There are plenty of blogs online with options better suited for aggressive chewers, while others are perfect for puppies.
Remember that regardless of the chew toy that you choose, every dog (and cat) owner should consider pet insurance, so you’ll have a contingency plan in place, should the worst happen. Get a pet insurance quote for your pet from PHI Direct to discover more.