are meant to be long-lasting chews that break down into tiny, soft pieces over time. However, strong chewers are typically able to break off large chunks that can pose a major choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage, and both are life-threatening events.
Dogs chew – its their innate nature. However, they occasionally chew on inappropriate objects like our carpets, rugs, furniture, personal items (shoes, slippers), and even electrical wires, which can be extremely risky and stressful. We enter the picture to stop this unfortunate chewing cycle.
The variety of dog chews the market offers is overwhelming. Because each dog has a unique chew personality, what works for one dog may not necessarily work for your pet. But one thing is certain: some chews are actually harmful and should be avoided by all dogs and pet owners. We’re not claiming that all dogs will always experience issues as a result of these chews, but some dogs may.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of popular and common dog chews to avoid, along with information on the risks and dangers associated with each.
Rawhides. Rawhides are made from the leather industry’s leftovers of the inner hides of horses and cows that were meticulously cleaned and cut during manufacturing, making them one of the most well-known and contentious chews on the market. After being submerged in salt brines with a high salt content to prevent decay, these hides are pressed into a variety of sized and shaped edible dog treats. To make some of these rawhides more appealing to dogs, flavorings like chicken, beef, or liver are sometimes added.
Given that they have been treated with dangerous chemicals and are difficult for your pet to digest if ingested, rawhides are a contentious choice for dog treats. It can remain in your dog’s stomach for months on end, resulting in GI tract issues.
Bully sticks. Bully sticks, one of the most popular dog chews, are made of dried steer or bull penis (yep, penis), but this is considered an animal by-product, so there is no need to be concerned. Despite the fact that it lasts a long time and has many health advantages, it is best to avoid it. Why? Because it is expensive, smells terrible, and may contain bacteria that could be harmful.
Bones. The practice of feeding bones from pigs, cows, chickens, or beef to dogs is very common among pet owners. This is based on the notion that canines in the wild enjoy chewing or ingesting bones to increase their body’s calcium levels. Yes, this is true, but your domesticated pet is exempt because he is given a balanced diet that meets all of his nutritional needs.
Additionally, bones are strong enough to break your dog’s teeth and are so easy to splinter. Splinters can be consumed and cause the digestive tract to pierce or swell.
Nylon chew toys. The popularity of non-edible chew toys among pet owners must be avoided. Very hard nylon and very hard plastic are used to make nylon chew toys. Because nylon chew toys are too hard for your dog’s teeth, they increase the risk of tooth fractures. Want more bad news? An obstruction of the digestive tract can result from your dog’s aggressive chewing, which can cause him to rip off some pieces of plastic or nylon and swallow them.
Cheese blocks and cheese bones. After weaning, puppies produce less lactase, which causes them to develop lactose intolerance. However, dogs who consume dairy products (like cheese) don’t generally have any problems. However, if the cheese becomes so hard that it resembles a bone or a block, it may do more harm than good.
Cheese bones and blocks are too tough for your dog to chew on every day. To make matters worse, these dog chews are made so small that they can completely fit in the mouth of a small dog. When swallowed, it can cause choking and obstruction.
Cow hooves. Nowadays, it can be difficult to find cow hooves, but some pet stores still sell them. These are actually cow toenails, which are made of keratin (the same material that makes up our fingernails and hair). Cow hooves, like the others before them, carry the same risk of shattering teeth, splintering, and injuring the digestive system in your pet.
Orka Jack Treat-Dispensing Dog Chew Toy, Multi
The Petstages Orka Jack dog toy is a favorite among furry friends of all shapes and sizes because it functions as both a chew toy and a treat dispenser. The Orka Jack dog toy is made of sturdy TPE rubber, which is tough enough to withstand repeated chewing sessions while remaining soft enough to be gentle on the gums. This dog chew toy has easy-to-fill holes on the ends that can be filled with your dog’s preferred kibble to keep…
What Are Orka Toys, You Ask?
Step aside, rawhide. Go for a rawhide alternative for dogs. It has the same flavor as rawhide, which dogs adore, but none of the unpredictable swelling properties. Petstages Orka chew toys combine fun and utility in one toy by being made of sturdy, non-toxic synthetic rubber.
In place of rawhide, we created a dog chew that is lead- and phthalate-free. To fit your large dog or small dog, made in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Digestible Dog Chews
Today’s market offers a variety of chews that can be regarded as safer for dogs because they are ingestible and not too tough on the teeth. It’s crucial to keep in mind that even large chewable chunks can result in GI upset or blockage. Always supervise your dog after giving it chews. Remove the chew if the dog appears to be ingesting large chunks. In addition, take your dog to the vet right away if they exhibit any symptoms of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Obviously, the positive thing about digestible chews is their increased safety. However, the downside is that they dont last very long and tend to be more expensive than bones and hooves. To save money, try balancing between chew toys and edible chews. Aggressive chewers might do well with something like a food-filled Kong Ultra, bully sticks, beef tracheas, or flavored dental chews.
FAQ
What is the safest thing for a dog to chew on?
Backstrap and other tendon chews are a better option because they are less fatty and higher in collagen and protein. For a dog with joint problems, Trachea is a softer chew that contains chondroitin and glucosamine.
What happens if a dog eats a Chewie?
Dogs who consume rawhide run the risk of developing potentially fatal conditions. While some dogs will pass rawhide pieces they’ve ingested, others risk choking or developing intestinal blockages, both of which are medical emergencies. Even though you don’t need to panic if your dog eats a rawhide, you should act right away.
Are rawhide chewies bad for dogs?
Rawhide is bad for dogs for a number of reasons. intestinal blockage. The ASPCA and Humane Society both advise against feeding rawhide to pets due to these serious concerns.