What Is the Safest Thing for Dogs to Chew On?
Dog owners often seek chew toys that satisfy their pets' instinct to chew while promoting dental health and preventing destructive behavior. However, choosing the wrong chew can lead to serious health risks, such as broken teeth or gastrointestinal obstructions. Understanding the safest options for dogs to chew on is essential for responsible pet care.
The Risks of Popular Chews Like Antlers
Antler chews, made from deer, elk, or moose antlers, are commonly marketed as durable, natural, and long-lasting. While they contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus, veterinarians express strong concerns about their safety:
- Tooth Fractures: Antlers are extremely hard and can fracture dogs' teeth—particularly large upper premolars—leading to painful dental issues and expensive treatments.
- Choking Hazards: As they splinter or break, antlers may become lodged in a dog's throat. This can result in gagging, excessive drooling, or dangerous esophageal obstructions.
- Digestive Blockage: Swallowed antler fragments can block the intestines or stomach, requiring emergency veterinary care, often including surgery.
The majority of veterinarians—over 90%—do not recommend antler chews. Even among dogs that have tolerated them before, injuries can still occur unpredictably, especially in senior dogs, puppies, or those with existing dental concerns.
Chew Safety Based on Life Stage and Health
- Puppies: Under six months old, dogs should not chew hard items like antlers. Their developing teeth and bones are vulnerable to damage. Softer alternatives like frozen fruits or rubber toys designed for teething are safer.
- Senior Dogs: Older dogs with worn or diseased teeth can suffer serious injuries from hard chews. Softer toys or VOHC-approved chews are preferred.
- Dogs with Dental Issues: Those with already compromised dental health should only be given soft-textured chews under veterinary guidance.
Veterinarian-Recommended Chew Alternatives
Experts suggest selecting safe chew options that minimize risk while supporting jaw activity and dental hygiene. Recommended alternatives include:
- Rubber Chew Toys: Brands like Kong and Zogoflex offer durable yet flexible toys that won't fracture teeth and can be filled with treats to add stimulation.
- VOHC-Approved Products: The Veterinary Oral Health Council evaluates products for effectiveness and safety. Look for the VOHC seal of approval on dental chews and treats.
- Rope Toys: Safe for supervised play, these may help clean between teeth without causing damage when chewed gently.
- Edible Dental Chews: Many edible chews are designed to be digestible and safe while promoting oral health. Always supervise and select appropriately sized options.
Unsafe Chews to Avoid
Chews that carry high risk—even if they are available in pet stores—should be carefully avoided. These include:
- Nylon bones
- Large or heavily processed rawhide chews
- Animal hooves
- Pig ears and bully sticks
- Frozen bones or weight-bearing bones (e.g., femurs)
A good rule of thumb: If a chew is too hard for you to comfortably tap against your kneecap, it's too hard for your dog.
Supervision and Maintenance
Regardless of the chew provided, supervision is key. Here’s how to ensure maximum safety:
- Monitor chewing to prevent swallowing of large fragments.
- Inspect toys and chews regularly for wear or splintering.
- Replace chews that become small enough to be swallowed whole.
- Rotate toys to keep dogs interested and mentally stimulated.
Behavioral Considerations
If your dog chews aggressively or destructively, the problem may require more than just a swap in chew options. Consider:
- Increasing physical exercise and mental enrichment
- Offering puzzle toys or food-dispensing treats
- Working with a trainer to redirect chewing behavior
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Chew Safely
Choosing the safest chew for your dog involves understanding potential risks and being proactive with safer, vet-approved alternatives. While antlers and similar hard chews may seem beneficial for durability, the hidden costs—pain, medical bills, and health risks—far outweigh their appeal. Stick to rubber toys, VOHC-approved dental products, and chews tailored to your dog’s age, size, and dental health. As always, consult with your veterinarian to determine which options best suit your dog’s individual needs.
