Chew on this

Chew on this


Does your canine companion go gaga over chew toys? Dogs love to chew, and some chew toys promote dental health. But chomping on others can be harmful.

Tooth fractures commonly happen when dogs chew on hard objects. These include rocks, nylon bones, animal bones, antlers, hooves and hard rawhide. Fuzzy tennis balls are also no-nos, because their surfaces abrade teeth.

The best chew toys are softer than your dog’s teeth. Good choices are rubber items such as Kongs, balls or bones, as well as soft, flexible rawhide toys. But make sure your dog doesn’t swallow large pieces that can cause gastrointestinal obstructions.

Still other products may promise dental benefits that just don’t stand up. When in doubt, check a product for the sign of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Then let the chewing begin!

 

Related Episodes