Dangerous Dog Toys & Chews + Alternative Safe Chews for Puppies | Pupford

Puppies are curious and tend to explore their surroundings with their mouths. This can lead to all kinds of dangers including chewing on and playing with a variety of objects that could be harmful to an unknowing pup.

Not all toys and chews are safe for puppies and older dogs. Some can pose a choking hazard, while others may contain harmful chemicals or contain materials that can damage a puppy's teeth or digestive system. It is important for pet guardians to be aware of these dangers and to choose safe toys and chews for their puppies.

Let’s take a look at some common things that your puppy may be attracted to but have the potential to be a danger to their fun-loving selves. Plus, we'll recommend some alternative options for safe chews for puppies!

COOKED BONES CAN CAUSE DAMAGE

Cooked bones can be dangerous for puppies as they are prone to splintering when chewed. These splinters can pose a choking hazard and cause digestive issues if ingested. Additionally, cooked bones can be brittle and may break teeth or cause other mouth injuries.

Instead, consider pup-friendly options like beef tendons. These chews can help keep a puppy's teeth clean and healthy. When selecting chews, it's important to choose ones that are appropriate for your puppy's size and age. Keep in mind, smaller puppies may have a harder time with larger chews.

Always supervise your puppy while they are chewing and replace chews when they become small enough to swallow or pose a choking hazard.

Tip: Our dog chew offerings are safe and come with many additional benefits such as teeth-cleaning, and puppies love them!

RAWHIDE IS DANGEROUS

Rawhides are a common choice for dog chews, but they can be dangerous for puppies (and adult dogs). Rawhides can pose a choking hazard, especially if they are small enough to be swallowed whole.

In addition, rawhides can cause digestive issues if they are not fully chewed or if they get stuck in the digestive tract. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and in the worst-case scenario, perforations. It's always best to ask your vet before giving rawhides to your puppy.

Overall, we never recommend rawhide treats for dogs for the reasons listed above.

Try our bully sticks instead - they're a great replacement option! A few more alternatives to rawhides are yak cheese chews and beef tendons – both long-lasting chews that can help to keep a puppy's teeth clean and healthy.

Give your puppy the best with Pupford Chews - safe, nutritious, and satisfying. Shop here!

STICKS CAN CAUSE BLOCKAGES

While many dogs enjoy picking up a stick in the park and chewing it up, it can lead to some dangers. Many sticks can splinter and cause intestinal blockages or cuts, plus they can carry fungi, bacteria, or insects which could lead to other potential problems.

Instead, give your dog a natural coffee wood dog chew that doesn't splinter, helps clean teeth, and is long-lasting.

PS- Learn more about wood chew toys for dogs here.

SMALL TOYS CAN BE A CHOKING HAZARD

Toys have the potential to harm puppies, but it is very dependent upon the specific toy, dog, and situation. As a general rule of thumb with puppies, always supervise them when they have access to small toys.

Here are some common small toys that, when not supervised properly, a young pup may harm themselves with:

• Small balls: These can easily be swallowed and become lodged in a dog's throat or intestinal tract.
• Small stuffed animals: These can also easily be swallowed and may cause intestinal blockages.
• Small plastic toys: These can break and create small pieces that can be swallowed and cause damage to the digestive system.
• Small squeaky toys: These can also break and create small pieces that can be swallowed, and the squeaker can also be a choking hazard.
• Small rubber toys: These can be ingested and cause intestinal blockages.
• Small frisbees or flying discs: These can be swallowed or cause damage to a dog's mouth or teeth.

It is important to note that even toys that are labeled as "durable" or "indestructible" may not be safe for all dogs, especially if your puppy is a stronger breed with more potential to destroy the toy, or if they tend to swallow things.

Larger, more durable toys are generally safer for puppies to play with, as they are less likely to be swallowed or cause injury. It is also a good idea to regularly inspect toys for signs of wear and tear and to replace any toys that are showing signs of damage and clean them regularly.

We repeat: always supervise puppies when they are playing with toys and look for toys that may be small enough to swallow.

Related Reading: Are Laser Pointers Bad for Dogs?

TIPS ON SUPERVISING YOUR PUP WHEN CHEWING

Whenever you give a chew, but especially a new one, it's important to monitor your dog. Here are some tips for safely giving your puppy a new chew:

• Be present and attentive during playtime to ensure that your puppy does not accidentally ingest any small pieces of a toy or choke on a toy.
• If you notice your puppy starting to chew on or swallow a toy, intervene immediately and remove the toy from their possession.
• Consider using a baby gate or playpen to limit your puppy's access to certain areas of your home during unsupervised times.

DANGEROUS DOG TOYS & CHEWS + ALTERNATIVE SAFE CHEWS FOR PUPPIES RECAP

In summary, it is important for pet parents to be aware of the dangers that certain toys and chews can pose for puppies. Cooked bones, rawhides, certain sticks, and small toys can all be dangerous for puppies, and it is important to choose safe and appropriate options for your young pup.

Pupford offers a wide range of safe and appropriate chew options, as well as toy options for puppies. By choosing these types of products, you can help to ensure that your puppy has a fun and safe playtime.

We understand that puppies have unique needs. That's why our chews are specifically designed for growing pups. Made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients, our chews are not only safe for your puppy to enjoy, but they also provide essential nutrients for their developing bodies.

Our chews promote healthy teeth and gums and keep puppies entertained and occupied, helping to prevent destructive chewing. Plus, with a variety of flavors to choose from, your pup will never get bored. Give your puppy the best with Pupford chews - safe, nutritious, and satisfying.

Explore Pupford’s full range of healthy dog chew options here!

What's your dog's favorite chew? Tell us in the comments.