What Chew Toys Do Veterinarians Recommend for Dogs?
Choosing the right chew toy for your dog can be challenging, especially with all the options available on the market. From rubber toys to natural antler chews, pet owners are often overwhelmed by conflicting advice about what's truly safe. According to veterinary professionals, making the right choice isn't merely about what your dog enjoys—it's about protecting their health, teeth, and overall wellbeing.
Why Dogs Need Chew Toys
- Mental stimulation: Chewing helps reduce boredom and stress.
- Dental hygiene: Certain chews help minimize plaque and tartar buildup.
- Preventing destructive behavior: Providing appropriate outlets prevents dogs from chewing household items.
Dangers of Hard Chews Like Antlers
Antler chews, made from deer, elk, or moose antlers, are popular for being natural and long-lasting. However, most vets advise against them due to the following reasons:
- Tooth Fractures: Because antlers are extremely hard, they often cause broken teeth, particularly the upper premolars. These fractures can be painful and may require expensive dental treatments like extractions or root canals.
- Choking Hazards: As dogs chew antlers, fragments can splinter off and become lodged in the throat, posing serious choking or esophageal obstruction risks.
- Gastrointestinal Blockages: Swallowed pieces may block the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. Emergency surgery is often needed in such cases.
Why Veterinarians Don’t Recommend Antlers
Over 90% of veterinarians, including dental specialists, warn against using antlers as chew toys. The risks far outweigh the benefits, and even previously safe experiences do not ensure future safety. Puppies (under six months) and senior dogs are particularly at risk:
- Puppies: Their developing teeth are more prone to damage. Softer chews like frozen fruit or rubber toys are recommended until adult teeth emerge.
- Senior Dogs: Often have existing dental issues, making them especially vulnerable to fractures or injury with hard chews.
What Vets Recommend Instead
Veterinarians suggest safer alternatives that still provide engagement and comfort, but with significantly lower health risks:
- Rubber Chew Toys: Durable yet flexible options like Kong or Zogoflex are a favorite. They can be filled with treats for added interest.
- Rope Toys: Great for interactive play and gentle chewing sessions, while also helping clean teeth as the rope fibers move over the surface.
- VOHC-Approved Chews: Products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal are tested and approved for effectiveness and safety.
What to Avoid
Aside from antlers, many other hard or processed chews are on the veterinary don't-recommend list:
- Hooves
- Nylon bones
- Pig ears
- Large rawhides
- Bully sticks
- Processed or weight-bearing bones
The general rule of thumb from veterinary dentists is this: if a chew toy is too hard to tap on your own kneecap comfortably, it’s too hard for your dog.
Supervision Still Matters
Regardless of the toy type, supervision remains essential. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Monitor your dog while chewing any toy to catch early signs of splintering or swallowing.
- Inspect toys regularly for damage or wear and replace them as needed.
- Ensure the toy is appropriately sized so it cannot be swallowed whole.
Additional Enrichment Options
Chew toys may not be enough for some dogs, especially those with high energy or anxiety. In such cases, additional strategies are recommended:
- Interactive feeding puzzles
- Increased physical activity: Walks, playtime, or agility training.
- Mental enrichment: Training sessions or scent games.
Dental Health Requires More Than Chews
While approved chew toys can assist with dental hygiene, they are not a substitute for routine oral care. Vets stress the importance of:
- Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste.
- Annual professional dental cleanings conducted under veterinary care.
Conclusion
While products like antler chews are marketed as natural and beneficial, the reality is they carry significant risks that most veterinarians caution against. Safer alternatives such as rubber and rope toys, especially those approved by the VOHC, offer better outcomes for your dog’s dental and overall health. Always consider your dog's age, dental history, and chewing behavior—and when in doubt, consult your vet for tailored recommendations.
