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Active chewing is a natural behavior
for dogs. Providing chew toys and regular chew treats can be
beneficial and rewarding. Chew toys and chew treats will help
your dog learn what’s
appropriate to chew and help eliminate destructive chewing behavior.
Other benefits of chew toys and chew treats:
- Helps clean teeth
- Helps eliminate boredom
- Aids in training / provides reward
- Stress relief
- Provides exercise
Below are some helpful hints to keep your dog’s chew time
safe, and fun.
Important Safety Tips
1. Provide the appropriately
sized toy or chew treat. Look for sizing information
on the package or ask your retailer for help. When in doubt,
contact the manufacturer. Never provide a toy or chew treat
that could be swallowed whole.
2. Monitor the use of any new toy or chew treat. Chew
treats if properly sized are designed to be chewed into smaller
pieces before they are swallowed.
3. Choking and digestive tract obstruction.
Any toy, chew treat, or natural object (sticks, rocks, bones,
clothing, rope, etc.) can cause choking or digestive tract
obstruction. Ultimately, your dog’s health and safety
are your responsibility. Always monitor your dog’s use
of chew toys and chew treats. Make certain that chew treats
are chewed well and not swallowed whole.
4. Medical history. If your dog has
a habit of swallowing whole bones, chew treats, toys or other
natural objects make sure her environment and diet are free
of those dangers. Instead, try appropriately sized dog biscuits
and soft treats.
5. Signs of choking or digestive
obstruction. Watch
for choking, excessive drooling, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy,
and abnormal bowel movements. If you notice any of these
signs, seek veterinary care sooner rather than later!
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