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Rawhide and Animal Parts
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Chew toys made with animal parts can pose a danger to puppies. Rawhide and cow leg bones are extremely common, but they pose a variety of risks. Rawhide is treated with chemicals, such as lye and bleach, that are not broken down by digestive juices and can create intestinal blockages. Leg bones are usually very hard and can damage a puppy's teeth. Rawhide chews also become sticky and gummy when wet. When the dog swallows a bolus of gummy rawhide, it can cause an obstruction in the intestine that may require surgical intervention.
Elk and deer antlers are a good alternative for dogs who like the sensation of chewing on an animal product. Choose products offered in a natural state, without chemical treatments. They should be beige or brown in color. As with anything else your dog chews on, watch for choking hazards and do not give your dog small pieces. The idea is that the dog will wear down the antler over time, not break off pieces that can be lodged in the intestine.
Some other chews made from animal parts do not pose as much risk, but for the most part, they smell bad and are quite expensive. These parts include bull penises, cow tracheae, hooves, ears and muscle tissue. They are not altogether safe, but they are safer than rawhide. Hard sterilized bones are also appropriate. They are hollow and can be filled with treats or peanut butter, and the risk of splintering is low.
Consumable Bones
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Some chew toys meant to be consumed are not made of animal products. Many dogs enjoy the taste of these toys. You can purchase a long-lasting consumable bones made out of cornstarch or gluten. These consumable bones come in a variety of flavors, such as meat, cheese or peanut butter. Some products also contain reformed rawhide that breaks down differently than traditional rawhide and is safe for digestion.
Durable Rubber and Nylon
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Rubber toys are a safe option for chewing. Soft rubber squeaky toys are fine for small dogs that don't have a tendency to rip their toys to shreds, but larger or more enthusiastic dogs can easily swallow them. Several brands of heavy-duty rubber toys are on the market. Many of these toys include a compartment that can be filled with treats or lathered with peanut butter to make it more interesting. These toys are safe for all sizes of puppies as long as you purchase the size recommended for your dog.
Rope Bones
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Rope toys, made from tightly wound cotton strings, come in all shapes, sizes and colors. If some of the rope is accidentally ingested, it passes harmlessly through the dog's system. Rope toys are relatively inexpensive and last a long time. For variety, soak them in broth or water and freeze them for a cool summer treat that also alleviates the discomfort of teething.
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Safest Chew Toys for Puppies
Puppies love to chew. It's a natural impulse during the teething stage. It's equally natural for their owners to want to give them special toys to chew on so they don't indulge this instinct by chewing inappropriate things in the home, such as children's toys, shoes and furniture. Unfortunately, many items designed as chew toys can damage a dog's teeth or break apart to lodge in the throat or digestive system. Other products may contain chemicals that can be dangerous to your dog. A good pet owner must be aware of these dangers and choose safe and appropriate chewing toys.