Thursday, September 4, 2014

Choose Only Safe Dog Chew Toys For Heavy Chewers

By Kerri Stout


Man's best friend has come a long way since ancient times when all dogs were wild, wolf-like hunters. Today, there are literally thousands of dog breeds in all shapes and sizes, boasting specific social statuses. One common and outstanding characteristic of dogs that evolution and in-breeding could not change, is their primitive, genetic need to chew.

Dogs' bodies were perfectly equipped to digest huge amounts of raw meat, bones and other natural food when they hunted for food in nature. Modern dogs'lifestyle has, however, become as sheltered, sophisticated and urbanized as that of their keepers. Dog breeds, their food and feeding habits may have changed dramatically over the centuries, but their instinct to bite and chew has remained as strong as ever. That's why dog chew toys for heavy chewers have taken the world by storm.

This new craze to provide dogs with cute, flavored toys to chew, is more than just a fashionable gimmick. It's a blessing in disguise for frustrated dog owners who spent hundreds of dollars to replace clothes, furniture and other valuables that were destroyed by their best friend's sharp canines. In a way, these fancy toys and treats are a desperate attempt by mankind to prevent their best friend from becoming their worst enemy!

Finding the right chews for a specific dog is easier said than done. Dogs have very specific tastes and traits. Although most pet shops offer a wide variety of dog chews in different colors, shapes, sizes and flavors, not all of them are necessarily popular, effective and/or safe.

These days, there are about as many dog chews on the market as there is specially designed dog food. As with all things, they vary in price, popularity, quality and safety. The most appealing chews in the form of dolls, teddy bears and balls are not always safe. Many are made from synthetic material that is poisonous or harmful when digested, while others contain harmful chemicals, toxins, carcinogens and preservatives.

Dog owners should therefore make sure to choose only high quality products that are safe as well as appealing and suitable for their specific dogs. Few dogs can resist the challenge to not only chew, but to eventually crush and eat an object. Even natural products made from rawhide are not completely canine-proof and if chunks are torn from the toy and swallowed, it can obstruct the dog's airways. The safest option is to only give dogs these chews when there is somebody around to supervise.

Whatever chews your dog prefer, it is safest to only give it when you are around to keep an eye. Dogs will always try to swallow something and pieces of the chew may break off and block their airways. Some dental chew toys are designed extremely well to last long and to enhance canine dental health.

The advantages of safe, high quality dog chews are indisputable. They massage and strengthen the gums, prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, while some also contain healthy nutrients. Best of all, they keep both owners and dogs happy and best friends forever!




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