Thinking about giving your aggressive chewer a dog bone or chew? You’re not alone. They seem to be the go-to treat for many aggressive chewers. After all, the appeal of bones and chews is that they are long-lasting, safe chew toys that don’t taste great so your dog won’t likely have any negative side effects from gnawing on them. However, not all bones and chews are created equal in terms of safety and suitability for every dog. An aggressive chewer is different than most dogs you know. Whereas most dogs tend to engage in chewing as a means of exploring their senses, an aggressive chewer tends to engage in chewing as a primary coping mechanism when stressed or anxious or as a secondary coping mechanism after engaging in other stressors such as exercise or playing with other dogs. This makes the risks associated with unsafe dog bones and chews much more pronounced for this particular group of dogs.
What is an unsafe dog bone or chew?
First, let’s take a look at what would qualify as an unsafe dog bone or chew. Bones that are too hard are one example. They can shatter teeth or cause other oral injuries such as torn gums and broken teeth. Bones that are too large or irregularly shaped (such as knuckles or joints) are another example. They can get stuck in a dog’s throat, windpipe, or digestive tract, leading to choking and digestive tract obstructions. Rotten, moldy, or otherwise spoiled bones can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues. Chews that are too hard can break teeth and cause oral injuries. Chews that are too small can pose a choking hazard. Chews that are too large can become lodged in a dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Chews that contain harmful substances like chocolate, grapes, or raisins can lead to serious health problems.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Dogs engage in chewing for many reasons and for every dog, chewing serves a different purpose. For example, puppies may chew as a way of exploring their senses, senior dogs may chew as a way of relieving pain, and aggressive chewers may chew to cope with stress and anxiety. When dogs are teething, they can engage in chewing to alleviate the pain they feel while their teeth are coming in. For senior dogs, chewing can help with dental pain and discomfort. In fact, chewing can help improve the flow of saliva and can even be helpful for cleaning teeth. Chewing is also a way for dogs to release pent-up stress and anxiety. This may come in the form of mouthing or chewing on their owner or it may take the form of chewing their toys.
Rawhide
While most people associate rawhide with dogs, it’s actually not a great choice for aggressive chewers. The main issue here is that not all rawhide is created equal. Like many treats, not all rawhide is created equal. The cheaper rawhide on the market is made with chemical additives that can cause serious health problems. Most rawhide is made of the hide of cows or pigs. The process of making rawhide starts when the hides are put into a giant vat of toxic chemicals which are then left to sit for hours. The chemicals used in this process are hydrochloric acid, sodium sulfide, and sodium carbonate. To make things worse, the hides are then put into another vat of chemicals, including ammonia, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. There are some higher-quality rawhide chews made from naturally treated hides. These chews are often referred to as dehydrated rawhide chews.
Bully sticks
Bully sticks are made from the muscles of cows or pigs. They’re a great choice for many dogs and are commonly used as a safe and healthy treat for dogs. Bully sticks typically last 2–3 hours, making them an ideal treat for aggressive chewers. One thing to keep in mind is that not all bully sticks are created equal. You want to make sure you’re buying a high-quality bully stick that’s made in the USA and is free of additives. Bully sticks are typically the same price as rawhide, so they’re a great choice for dogs that prefer chewing on something other than rawhide.
Beef bones
Beef bones are a great choice for aggressive chewers. The best thing about these is that you can use them for as long as your dog wants. They can also be frozen to make them last even longer. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind before deciding to give your dog a beef bone. This type of bone will splinter and crack, so it’s important to monitor your dog to make sure that nothing gets lodged in his windpipe or digestive tract. This can be done by closely watching your dog while he’s chewing. Bison or buffalo bones can be a great alternative to beef bones if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach.
Pros and cons of safe dog bones and chews
Pros of safe dog bones and chews: – There are a lot of different types of bones and chews to choose from. This makes it easy to find something that’s right for your dog. – They last a long time. This makes them great for aggressive chewers. – They’re typically very affordable. – They’re easy to find. You can purchase bones and chews at most pet stores and online. – They’re typically safe for dogs. Cons of safe dog bones and chews: – Some of them can be messy, and others can be very stinky. – Some types of bones and chews can also be very large, so they can be difficult to fit into a smaller dog’s mouth. – Not all bones and chews are completely safe.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog bone or chew for your aggressive chewer, it’s important to select a treat that’s not only safe for your dog but one that he’ll enjoy chewing on. There are lots of different types of bones and chews to choose from, so when shopping for your aggressive chewer, you should take the time to read the packaging and make sure the treats you choose are safe for your dog, easy to digest, and one that will last a long time.
Read More: Pet Ownership Statistics in 2022?
