Chew toys are perfect for the dog that likes to chew a lot, especially if you are trying to get them to stop chewing on your furniture. They also create a great distraction if you are going to be leaving the dog alone for a while or if he/she is going to be confined in a crate for house training or travel, etc.
Most dog chew toys are made of nylon, latex rubber or, in some cases, animal parts such as hides or hooves. King Kong Toys are one of the most popular brands of chew toys. They are made of tough rubber with an opening on one end. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with different foods such as peanut butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give them to your dog for hours of licking and chewing pleasure.
Doggie “potato chips” are also a favorite and can last anywhere from an hour to a couple of days depending on the size of the dog’s jaw and his/her propesity towards gnawing on things. They are available in different sizes and shapes and like pig ears, snouts, cow knuckles, femurs, hooves and bully sticks. Others are bone-shaped made from a variety of vegetables such as carrots.
Another good toy for your dog’s chewing enjoyment is the rawhide. These are a non-consumable, mummified skin-like toy that you need to throw away when they get soggy, and give your dog a new one. Some are basted with a variety of flavorings to add more interest for the dog. The “USA rawhide” with a little flag sticker are best because these do not contain preservative flavorings that are harmful for your dogs.
One doggie chew toy to avoid is the Four Paws Pimple Ball which has been recalled by the manufacturer. Four Paws executives said a defect in the product’s mold sealed one of the ball’s two holes, creating a vacuum effect that could trap a tongue and has caused injury to some dogs.
Dogs have a natural instinct to chew. It’s important to direct this instinct towards appropriate things to chew on. Chew toys fit the bill perfectly. Keep a whole bunch of different ones on hand, and give your dog two or three at a time. Swap them out every few days to keep her interested in them.