Chewing is often thought of as negative dog behavior — especially when it relates to your pooch chewing on your shoes or furniture. However, there are many benefits to chewing for dogs that you may not be aware of, which is where dog toys for chewing come in handy.
The benefits of dog toys for chewing that we’ll go over in detail include:
- Improved dental health
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Gum relief for teething puppies
- Reduced destructive chewing
- Provides a positive outlet for mental stimulation
How can you keep your possessions safe but also allow your dog to reap from all the benefits of chewing? The key is re-directing that behavior to chew toys for dogs.
Below is some insight as to why your dog chews and some of our favorite dog chew toys for your pup to try out.
Benefits of Chewing
We believe that every home should have chew toys for their dogs. Here’s why:
Chew toys may be safer for your dog than dog bones.
Despite common associations made with dogs and bones, bones can be dangerous for dogs. They are a choking hazard and can harm your dog’s mouth as well as cause broken teeth, digestion issues, and blockages. Cooked bones are especially unsafe. We recommend heavy duty, durable rubber, non-consumable, chew toys to safely satisfy your pup’s instinct to chew.
Chew toys promote dental health.
Chewing can help clean your dog’s teeth and gums. The act of chewing helps smooth the teeth and scrapes away at tartar. It also promotes antibacterial saliva that cleanses your dog’s mouth. You may also notice your dog’s breath improving from dental chews!
Chew toys can relieve dogs of stress and anxiety.
Just like yoga or meditation may be calming for humans, chewing can be a zen activity for dogs. When anxious, dogs tend to chew in an effort to ease those feelings. If your pup gets stressed at the sound of fireworks and storms, or suffers from separation anxiety, try giving them a chew toy during those times to help keep them calm and happy.
Dog chew toys help with teething puppies.
A puppy chew toy is a must for your new furbaby! Chewing can help ease the pain that puppies are experiencing while they are teething. If your pup’s gums seem extra tender, dog owners can try putting a chew toy in the freezer before giving it to your pup for an added soothing effect. Chewing also promotes teeth growth so your puppy can develop healthy and strong adult doggie teeth.
Dog toys for chewing provide mental stimulation.
Just like dogs need physical exercise, they also need mental stimulation. Chewing is a really exciting activity for dogs and requires a lot of their focus. Chew toys and interactive dog toys are great ways to build your dog’s brainpower!
Durable dog toys help prevent destructive chewing.
As you now know, dogs LOVE and NEED to chew. However, you don’t want your leather shoes or fancy furniture to be victims of your dog’s natural chewing instincts. Chew toys are a great way to prevent destructive chewing. If you can redirect them to toys meant to be chewed on, they can reap all of the above benefits without damaging any of your shoes!
Chew toys keep your pup occupied.
Chew toys are a great way for your dog to get some solo play in. While they are busy gnawing on chew toys you can get some work done or eat dinner without being interrupted.
Things to consider when buying your dog a chew toy
It is important to make sure you are choosing an appropriate and safe chew toy for your dog whether they are a large dog or small dog. Be aware of your dog’s chewing habits, strength, and what size and durability level of toy works best for them.
Keep an eye out for signs that the toy may be dangerous or need replacing.