If you're anything like us, you love dogs. They entertain us with their silly antics, greet us with an exuberant wag of the tail, and offer plenty to smile about. From their cute little faces and happy-go-lucky attitudes that fill our lives with such joy.
While all furry friends provide valuable companionship, it goes without saying that dogs are special.
The connection we have with dogs has long been acknowledged as one of the strongest bonds around — even if, at some point, they'll inevitably try to steal a piece of bacon off your plate. They are excellent company, no matter what you're doing, and their loyalty knows no bounds.
Simply put, we love our pups, and we'd do anything for them, including scouring the internet for the best chew toys. Our babies need toys that aren't only a whole lot of tail-waggin' fun but also safe.
In this post, we're exploring the adorable world of man's best friend to uncover everything you need to know to pick the best safe-chew toys for your favorite four-legged pal. From the iconic tennis ball to tasty meat bones, read on to discover the best of the best for Fido and nothing less!
But First, Why Do Dogs Like To Chew Anyway?
If your beloved pooch has a not-so-wonderful habit of chomping on your cozy slippers or favorite armchair, a top-notch chew toy just might be your saving grace — and keep Fido out of the dog house! But before we dive into the best safe-chew toys, let's talk a little bit about why pups like to chew in the first place.
There are three main reasons why our doggos are addicted to chewing:
Reason #1: Exploration
While it may seem like your little buddy is on a mission to drive you nuts, chewing is simply a way for dogs to explore new environments. This is why puppies and recently adopted doggos are especially inclined to chew on things... at first anyway. Getting acquainted with a new environment through their tiny mouths is as normal as you touching something to feel it.
Reason #2: Boredom
If your four-legged pal isn't getting enough mental stimulation or exercise, boredom is sure to follow suit. And what do dogs do when they get bored, you ask? They chew.
Reason #3: Self-Care
Just like teething babies, chewing is an instinctive way for puppies to relieve the pain of new teeth popping up through their sensitive gums. For senior pups, it's how they keep their jaws strong and their teeth healthy.
Tips To Chew On
Dogs love to chew. They just really, really love it, and it's pretty easy to see why — chewing on stuff helps them to better understand the world around them, makes teething easier for puppies, and keeps jaws strong for aging woofers. It keeps boredom at bay and provides enough mental stimulation to keep them busy for hours on end.
That being said, while chewing is a perfectly normal behavior for Fido, it can quickly become a major nuisance. We humans might be irritated, especially when our favorite sneakers or new sofa fall victim to the wrath of our doggo’s incessant habit to chew anything and everything.
But don't worry: with a little bit of time and a whole lot of patience, you can encourage a normal chewing behavior that doesn't involve ripping your undies to shreds.
Here are a few tips to try:
Tip #1: Dog-Proof Your House
Don't want your furbaby gnawing on your laundry, shoes, or homework? Pick it up off the floor.
Anything that you don't want to be destroyed or covered and smothered in teeth marks, it's wise to take a few minutes and simply put those items out of your dog's reach. This effective strategy sets your furbaby up for success. It also ensures that you won't experience double frustration by kicking yourself for leaving essentials in the chew zone.
Tip #2: Keep Calm and Carry On
While it might be tempting to scream and shout, unleashing your anger on your four-legged friend won't accomplish anything. In fact, it can cause further stress in your pup, ultimately moving them to seek another item to chew on in an attempt to calm their nerves.
If your doggo is chewing on something that they shouldn't be gnawing on, redirect their attention to the appropriate chew toy and give them a big "Good boy!" when they begin to chew on it.
Tip #3: Bring On the Chew Toys
Lastly, one of the best ways to help your pup develop healthy chewing habits is to provide them with a bunch of awesome chew toys. If your furbaby has a great toy that they simply can't get enough of, chances are they'll choose to chew on that versus the boring rug or uninteresting bath towels.
Speaking of toys…
Set Your Dog Up For Chewing Success With Safe-Chew Toys
From nylon bones and rubber chewies to plush toys and tennis balls, there are tons of dog toys on the market these days. And while we're sure your happy doggo would be more than happy to get any toy, the truth is that they're not all created equal.
When picking any kind of dog toy for your favorite tail-waggin' pooch, it's of the utmost importance to consider safety and ethical conditions. It's also crucial to purchase toys suitable for your pup's size to avoid large dogs accidentally swallowing and choking on small parts.
The ideal characteristics of a safe-chew toy includes:
-Tough and durable
-Available in a range of different sizes to suit each dog
-Not harder than dental enamel
-Contains absolutely no harmful chemicals
-Doesn't splinter into tiny sharp pieces
-Isn't stuffed (particularly with Poly-Fil)
-Latex-free
While this”'wish list” is a great place to start, keep in mind that no chew toy will perfectly check each and every box on the list. It’s important to keep these traits in mind, plus a little consideration for your dog’s particular needs.
Simply put, trying to track down the perfect safe chew dog toy can be a little like looking for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!
OK — So Which Safe Chew Toys Are Best?
To find the creme de la creme of dog toys for your favorite furry friend, it's first helpful to keep in mind that there are no chew toys that are 100 percent safe for dogs. However, some are better than others — like The ChewBrush Dog Toothbrush Toy!
This toy was invented and designed by dental experts who love dogs (but not their stinky breaths). The ChewBrush is a self-brushing toothbrush made with durable plastic and absolutely no BPA, latex, or impurities. It's FDA food-safe and can help to keep Fido's teeth healthy and clean while providing interactive play for your pup. What's not to love?
Other great safe chew toys include teething chewers for puppies, tasty edible chews for nibblers, and durable rubber toys for destroyers. Generally, if you can't break or even bend a toy with your bare hands, it's likely too hard and best to avoid.
However, on the flip side, the toy also shouldn't be so soft that your little chewer will be able to rip it apart and swallow pieces, chunks, or the stuffing inside. Squeakers can pose an extra big threat to dogs.
Keep Your Pup Safe With Quality Chew Toys
While there are no chew toys on the market that are 100 percent safe for dogs, most toys can still be a safe and enjoyable option. With careful consideration about the toy’s safety and your dog’s needs and capabilities, a fun time can be had by all.
If you're still a little hesitant, don't be afraid to talk to your vet, who has a wealth of doggie information that they can share to help you make the right decision on the best chew toy for your favorite furry friend.
Whether you're on a mission to keep the couch free and clear of pet hair or simply searching for your favorite four-legged pals' next indestructible chew toy, you can always count on BulbHead to have smart solutions for everyday problems.
Check us out today for more exciting products and all the tricks and tips you need!
Sources:
Dog toys: How to pick the best and safest | Humane Society
