Why Does My Dog Chew Toys and How to Choose Safe Ones

Quick answer

Dogs chew toys for instinct, boredom, and dental health, but safety depends on matching the toy to your dog's chewing style and supervising play.

The real reasons behind the chewing

Chewing is a natural behavior. Puppies chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult dogs chew to keep jaws strong and clean teeth. It's also a way to burn energy and reduce stress.

If your dog chews excessively, it could signal boredom, anxiety, or a lack of appropriate outlets. Providing the right toys redirects this energy away from furniture and shoes.

Safety trade-offs in toy materials

Not all toys are equally safe. Plush toys can be torn apart, exposing stuffing that a dog might swallow. Rubber toys are more durable but can be too hard for some dogs, risking tooth damage.

Natural rubber is a good middle ground: it's softer than hard plastic but more resilient than plush. Always check for small parts like squeakers or eyes that could become choking hazards.

A toy that's too small for your dog can be swallowed. A toy that's too large might be frustrating. Size matters as much as material.

Diagnose your dog's chewing

• Symptom: Your dog chews on furniture, shoes, or other non-toy items. This often signals a need for more appropriate chew outlets.
• Likely cause: Boredom, anxiety, or teething discomfort. Increase exercise and mental stimulation before adding new toys.
• Corrective action: Provide a variety of safe toys matched to chewing style. For gentle chewers, choose natural rubber toys like the Hulk toy. For fetch lovers, the Thing Throw Toy with its treat cavity adds engagement. Rotate toys to keep interest high and inspect regularly for damage.
• Stop or choose another option: If your dog is a heavy chewer, avoid plush toys with stuffing and thin rubber. Opt for extra-durable toys designed for power chewers, and always supervise first play sessions. When in doubt, choose a tougher toy or consult your vet.

Toy options that fit the bill

• The Thing | Throw Toy: The Thing Throw Toy is a natural rubber fetch toy with a vanilla flavor and a cavity for treats. It floats, making it great for water play. The treat cavity keeps your dog engaged, and the floating feature adds a safe water-play option that's easy to spot.

  

  The Thing | Throw Toy

• Hulk | Natural Rubber Toy: The Hulk natural rubber toy is designed for gentle chewers and is suitable for small to medium dogs. It's inspired by vintage Marvel comics. If your dog is a light chewer, this toy offers a satisfying chew without the risk of breaking teeth on harder materials.

  

  Hulk | Natural Rubber Toy