Best Chew Toys For Dogs

Do you have a chewing mad dog? PIA’s, Nadia Crighton takes a look at what the top dog chew toys for our chewing canines are.

Some dogs just love to chew… shoes, chairs, wood-boxes, kids’ school bags, and even underwear! Some are hard chewers – the ones who love to munch on chair legs. While others prefer the soft comfort of kids’ snuggle toys or the sole of a rubber shoe. The best way to stop a problem chewer is to give them something suitable to chomp on.

Once you have deciphered which type of chewer your dog is, then you can see what dog chew toy is best for you.

Bones Bones Bones
We are not talking real bones here. However, a good sized, raw, juicy bone (remember no cooked bones) are wonderful for keeping chewers happy. There are plenty of synthetic bones on the market and these come in a range of sizes to suit all dogs. They can also have flavours added and are great for an inside chewing time. All the benefits of a raw bone, without the mess or smell! They also come in various textures and hardness to suit any type of chewer. This is great for teething puppies and chewing mad dogs! The benefits of these bones are:

• Great for teeth and gums.
• Chewing these bones can help prevent periodontal disease in dogs by helping to remove plaque and tartar build up.
More on Pet Dental Care.
• Some include natural breath freshening extracts, meaning a healthier and fresher dog mouth.
• Can stop problematic chewing.
• Teaches puppies the right thing to chew on (instead of your shoes).

Soft Chewers
Some dogs prefer to chew or suck on a soft dog toy. There are plenty on the market that also contain squeakers and crinkles for that added attraction. If your dog prefers softer things to chew, consider purchasing a softer bone or a rubber chew toy for the daytime. Pull out the nice, soft cuddle dog toy for night/bedtime when your dog is less likely to be destructive. Soft chewers will usually not rip their toys apart. But every once in a while, when that irresistible white fluff appears, they may carefully extract every last morsel until teddy is no longer …well… stuffed. Inspect your soft dog toys daily, and either bin them or fix them. Good ideas for soft chewers are:

• Soft bones
• Squeaker dog toys
• Rubber rings
• Kongs
• Rubber dumbbells
• Ropes – these are also great for your dog’s teeth and can act like dental floss.

TIPS
When choosing toys for your dog it is important to always purchase the correct size. If buying for a puppy, ensure you throw out the toys as your dog grows. A puppy-sized ball or toy for a large dog can be a dangerous choking hazard.

Tips on how to choose and maintain the right toy for your pet:

• Inspect dog toys weekly and throw out any damaged toys. Ingested rubber can cause huge problems, particularly if it gets stuck! Remember that your vet will not be able to see rubber on an x-ray.
• Don’t let your dog chew on tennis balls. These are commonly extracted from dog’s stomachs. They are not suitable for chewers, so once you have finished your game of fetch, pop the ball away.
• Discourage your dog from chewing on sticks as these can cause puncture wounds and splintering. If your dog is stick mad consider purchasing a rubber stick. These are great to throw and are super-safe.
• To get the best life out of your dog’s toys consider rotating them daily. Have dog toys for when you are not at home, when you are home, or when interacting with your canine companion. You’ll be surprised how much-extended playtime your dog will have from one dog toy.