Are there any safe CHEW TOYS for your pup?

It can feel, sometimes, like nothing is safe for dogs anymore. Bones, antlers, rawhide, and even Nylabones are all controversial when used as chew toys for dogs, and they all carry potential health risks.

Anna Burke, akc.org

You’re the human, and you’re the adult. It’s your responsibility.

Chewing is a very natural thing for puppies, so they should never be punished for chewing. It’s your responsibility to first “puppy-proof” your home. Don’t leave expensive shoes or socks or books or your cell phone laying around within reach. Instead, offer your new family member safe, healthy items to chew on and everyone will be happy. But with all the warnings out there, are there any safe chew toys for your pup?

Chew toys are a useful tool…

One of the hardest habits to break in puppies is problem chewing. Puppies chew to help relieve pain when growing new teeth. Older dogs chew to keep teeth and jaws strong. Puppies and older dogs also chew simply because they’re bored. Often dogs chew for fun and sometimes it’s just because they miss you when you’re gone. Simply put, puppies are going to chew. Accept it.

Just as you’d offer something to a baby human to chew on, it’s important to provide an alternative to the puppy. So what’s best? Rawhide? Nylon bones? Ears? Knuckles? Aren’t they all dangerous?

With all the warnings, how do dogs ever survive?

Anything a dog puts in his mouth can be a hazard. So be realistic, logical and responsible when giving your pup a chew toy. Heed the warnings, but realize that anything can be dangerous. Bones, rawhides and toys can be choking hazards, can break teeth and can cause upset stomachs. But so can socks, shoes, children’s toys and pieces of furniture, carpet or walls (or whatever else a bored puppy might chew when you’re not watching).

The point is that you must be a responsible pet owner. Always provide healthier alternatives for your pet to chew. And always supervise your pet when he chews on these objects.

Anything can be dangerous to your pup!

A pencil left on a short table. A shoe left in the floor. A child’s toy left out in her room. Anything can be a hazard. So it’s important that YOU take responsibility for your pet. Keep potentially dangerous items picked up and always supervise your puppy when using a chew toy.

And never, ever give your pet cooked bones. Cooking the bone can make it brittle and it can splinter, causing sever damage.

So what do we use?

We prefer the following chew toys for our pups and dogs. We also recommend using larger than necessary chew toys to avoid choking hazards. NEVER use toys that are too small for your pet!

Deer antlers – Deer antlers are natural, provide protein and last a very long time. An aggressive chewer can break the antlers and this can be dangerous. We prefer deer antlers to elk and only because our dogs have seemed to like them better.

Himalayan Dog Chews – Himalayan dog chews are natural and are generally considered safe. An aggressive chewer can chew through these quicker than other options, so cost might be something to consider.

KONG Chew Toys – KONG chew toys are safe and virtually indestructible. With many shapes and sizes, they’re a terrific option for your dog of any age. However, we haven’t had much success with our dogs enjoying these toys. It’s worth a try though!

When in doubt, try to be natural…

So are there any safe chew toys for your pup? Is everything dangerous? We try to be logical and as natural as possible here at Lost Creek Farm, which is why our first two recommendations are antlers and Himalayan Chew Toys. KONG Chew Toys are fantastic as well, if your dog likes them.

And finally, know your pet. Does your pet take her time? Is he an aggressive chewer? Is she likely to try to swallow the toy when it gets small? Always supervise your pet when chewing these types of toys, especially if your dogs is an aggressive chewer.

Watch for our next post highlighting the good and bad of our recommended chew toys!