Giving your puppy appropriate chews is essential for their overall wellbeing. Not only does it promote dental health and mental stimulation, but it also feeds their natural urge to chew.
Chewing helps puppies remove plaque and scrape away tartar from their teeth, which can help prevent gum disease. Furthermore, chewing produces saliva which is antibacterial, helping protect their mouth from potential germs and bacteria.
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Dental Sticks
Dental sticks are an invaluable tool to keep your pup’s teeth and gums healthy. Not only do these chews reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but they also stimulate blood flow to the gums for increased gum health.
However, be sure to only give your puppy a dental stick that is suitable for their size and chewing habits. Steer clear of rawhides, bully sticks, and hard bones.
These popular dog treats can be hazardous for puppies as they contain animal byproducts and have a hard surface. Not only that, but they have the potential to break teeth or cause swollen gums as well.
When selecting a dental stick, opt for one that is vet-approved and made from natural ingredients. A high-quality treat should contain approximately 80% protein and 2% fat.
Dentastix are an economical option for pet parents on a tight budget. Their X-shaped sticks have a chewy texture that dogs love to grip, plus their chicken flavor and meaty smell will surely tantalize your pup!
Rawhide
Rawhide is an ideal choice for puppies as it helps alleviate teething pain and encourages the eruption of new teeth. Furthermore, rawhide promotes healthy gums and teeth, decreasing the risk of plaque or tartar buildup.
Generally, rawhide is considered safe for dogs that chew slowly and don’t swallow large chunks. However, if your pup is a strong chewer they could easily break off pieces which could lead to choking or intestinal blockage.
Rawhide chews can be a tasty treat for dogs, but it’s essential to supervise them while they chew on them. This way, you can remove them when they become small enough to swallow whole or ripping off pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
Rawhide is processed from hides that have been soaked in chemicals like ash-lye and then puffing them to make it easier to split into layers. After being treated with bleach and other chemicals, these can be toxic for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Nylon Bones
Nylon bones are an ideal option for pups who enjoy chewing on things. Not only are they affordable, but they don’t splinter or crack and have a long shelf life.
These chew toys can be filled with dry treats or other fillings to keep your dog entertained for longer. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors and flavors so there’s sure to be something that appeals to your four-footer.
Chewing on nylon bones not only promotes your puppy’s dental health, but it’s also beneficial for their teeth and gums. Chewing causes saliva production which breaks down plaque and tartar buildup, while the grooves and ridges in the bone help clean your pet’s teeth and gums as they chew.
Like all chew toys, nylon bones can pose a health hazard to your dog if they consume large pieces. While smaller fragments may pass safely through your pup’s stomach or intestinal tract, larger chunks could lodge and create an obstruction. In such cases, immediate medical attention is recommended by the vet.
Squeaky Toys
Chewing on toys, particularly squeaky ones, is an effective way for your pup to release their pent-up energy. It also helps relieve separation anxiety and minimizes the likelihood of destructive behavior due to boredom or attention-seeking.
Squeaky toys are a favorite choice for many dogs, as they provide an alternative to balls or tennis balls which may break. However, you should be aware of the potential hazards that squeaky toys can cause; swallowing issues and inhalation accidents have been reported, leading to severe injuries.
Your dog’s preferred squeaky toy will depend on his or her age, health condition and personality. Younger puppies that are teething may appreciate softer rubber toys that help clean their gums and teeth as they chew.
As your dog gets older, they may begin to have difficulty hearing high-pitched noises and become less interested in them. Squeaky toys that emit low-pitched squeals may be more appealing to older dogs.
