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Safe Chew Toys for Your Dog

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. All dogs investigate the world with their mouths, especially during puppy hood. Teething, unease, monotony and inadequate exercise can be contributing factors. However, chewing behaviors can be directed toward inappropriate items, such as furniture, pillows and shoes. It is up to you to teach your dog what is appropriate to chew on. One way to do this is to offer your dog a variety of chew toys.

When choosing toys for your dog, you should always consider what would be safe for your dog. Chew toys should always be size-appropriate for your particular dog. For example, a Great Dane could easily strangle on a small rawhide chew. Any strings, buttons or loose fabric should be cut off the chew toy. There are some toys that should only be given to your dog when supervised. Some examples are cow hooves, rope toys and stuffed toys. Cow hooves can splinter and cause choking, while rope and stuffed toys can fray or become unstuffed and cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Any toy with a squeaker should be closely supervised, as most dogs find it necessary to destroy the squeaker, which may then be consumed.

It is a good idea to rotate your dog’s toys periodically. If your dog stops playing with a toy, put it away. In a few weeks reintroduce the toy. Your dog will think it’s new. This will break the monotony, and save you money. Keep a variety of types available for your dog.

All chew toys have a certain element of risk involved. Extra strong chewers can tear apart just about anything, even so called indestructible rubber. Some toys can cause chipped teeth, while others can cause gastrointestinal problems. But with forethought and supervision, you can make your dogs toys as safe as possible.

Here is a list of some safer chew toys for your dog: