Most dogs love playing with chew toys or chewing on bones but, did you know that not all treats and chew toys are safe for your dog’s dental health? Keep reading to find out which treats and chew toys you should avoid giving your dog.
Do NOT give your pet Bones
What dog does not love chewing on bones? Often you may find yourself saving the bones from dinner to share with your dog. But, bones are NOT safe or healthy for your dog’s teeth or their digestive systems. Additionally, when being chewed on, pieces of bone can splinter off causing damage to your dog’s gums and mouth, and if swallowed can cause damage to their esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Lastly, not all bones are easily digested and can cause blockage for your dog.
Tennis Balls
Playing catch with your dog is so much fun and a great way to burn energy, but if you are using a tennis ball, you will want to consider an alternative material ball. Tennis balls are too soft for your dog’s teeth and will easily break into pieces over time. Tennis balls are not digestible, and like bones, can cause blockage if swallowed. Another risk with tennis balls is that with the accumulation of dirt and mud, the fuzzy outside will become the consistency of sandpaper, which can cause damage to your dog’s teeth and gums.
Nylon Chew Toys
Many people look to nylon chew toys as a safe alternative to rawhide because they are durable and will not splinter like bones. The problem is that though that chew toy looks like there’s hardly any damage, your dog’s teeth and jaw are absorbing most of the pressure exerted when they are biting down, causing excessive stress on your dog’s teeth.
If you are looking for safe and healthy ways to support your dog’s dental health, contact your local veterinarian today.