{"id":3250,"date":"2019-02-06T17:37:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T22:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/?p=3250"},"modified":"2019-02-06T17:37:43","modified_gmt":"2019-02-06T22:37:43","slug":"how-to-choose-safe-chew-toys-for-your-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-safe-chew-toys-for-your-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose Safe Chew Toys for Your Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Anyone who’s ever lived with a pet knows that some habits die hard, especially those that have been ingrained for thousands of years. That angelic fluff ball perched on your couch may look like your furry best friend, but the reality is that our domesticated dogs and cats are basically wild animals masquerading as pets. We\u2019re made acutely aware of this when Fido rips our new slippers to shreds or when Fluffy drops a lifeless mouse at our feet.
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Chewing is another one of those hard-wired behaviors<\/a>. Making sure that pets have an appropriate outlet for this activity is the key to avoiding dangerous or destructive chewing. Luckily, the team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic<\/a> has the scoop on safe chew toys and what to avoid to protect your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

On the Alert<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although dogs and cats both love to chew on tough materials, such as bone and sinew, that doesn\u2019t mean these are appropriate options for your pet. Very hard chew toys, such as antlers, dried bones, and hooves, can actually break teeth. In some cases, splintering can occur, causing damage to the mouth or intestines when swallowed.
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On the other hand, toys that are very soft carry their own set of risks. Soft or foam toys can easily be ripped into bite-sized chunks, putting animals at risk of choking or intestinal blockage<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chewing Style 101<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When searching for safe chew toys, take your pet\u2019s particular chewing style into consideration. Some dogs are considered \u201cdestructive chewers\u201d who can tear through seemingly any object. Other dogs and many cats tend to nibble, and many pets of both species have a tendency to swallow small parts that can easily be chewed off, such as buttons or the \u201ctail\u201d on a stuffed toy.
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Also keep your pet\u2019s size in mind when buying toys. Anything your pet can fit entirely inside their mouth is too small and will pose a choking hazard. A toy that\u2019s too big for your pet will be cumbersome and isn\u2019t likely to be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safe Chew Toys <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many thousands of pets have become sick<\/a> from salmonella and other food-borne pathogens found in rawhides and other edible treats from overseas. Similarly, some chew toys and treats contain food coloring, preservatives, and other undesirable chemicals that can easily be transferred to your pet\u2019s mouth (and, subsequently, their bloodstream).
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The safest chew toys are durable, all-natural, and made in the U.S.A. Examples include:
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