{"id":1514,"date":"2017-04-10T06:00:30","date_gmt":"2017-04-10T06:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1514"},"modified":"2017-06-16T11:58:00","modified_gmt":"2017-06-16T11:58:00","slug":"choosing-durable-chew-toys-for-your-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/choosing-durable-chew-toys-for-your-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing Durable Chew Toys For Your Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing Durable Chew Toys For Your Dog<\/h1>\n

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Although a dog\u2019s chewing may sometimes seem like bad behavior, it has a number of benefits for your dog\u2019s health and well-being.\u00a0 For dogs, chewing is a natural stress-busting activity. Chewing releases endorphins from a dog’s brain which are the \u201cfeel good\u201d chemicals we all have in our bodies. Dogs that chew regularly have access to a great, natural way of self-soothing. Chew toys and Kongs are also a\u00a0useful\u00a0way to keep dogs busy, divert them into some quiet time, and it relieves their anxiety.<\/p>\n

First and Foremost: Always Buy USA<\/span>!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Are all dog toys made in China unsafe?<\/p>\n

According to the reports from\u00a0APPA\u00a0(American Pet Products Association), only some manufacturers use ingredients in making dog toys that may be toxic to dogs. However, because the regulations in China on manufacturing toys for pets are very loose, buying cheap ones from there may expose your dog to high risk.<\/p>\n

Generally, it\u2019s safe to say that the majority of dog toys made in the USA are safe for puppies and adult dogs. However, some companies outsource manufacturing of their dog supplies, and especially toys for dogs. All of the dog chew toys listed below are made in the USA.<\/p>\n

Your Dog\u2019s Safety is Key<\/strong>
\nAlthough durability and the \u2018fun factor\u2019 are obviously important for your dog,\u00a0safety is paramount when it comes to choosing toys.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want your pup ingesting broken pieces of the toy, possibly causing internal damage.<\/p>\n

Toughness is obviously important in the safety of a chew toy, but it also shouldn\u2019t be too hard and put too much pressure on your dog\u2019s teeth either.<\/p>\n

Also important is the chew toy\u2019s material composition. Always opt for non-toxic materials, as the toy will be spending a good amount of time in your dog\u2019s mouth.\u00a0In the case that your dog might be swallowing pieces of the toy, it should be made of non-toxic materials.<\/p>\n

Things pet owners should watch out for is BPA, philates, lead and\u00a0other toxic ingredients such as Cadmium, Chromium, Arsenic and Plasticizers. Lead is one of the most used and most harmful ingredients found in inexpensive pet toys. Chemicals commonly found in pet toys have been\u00a0linked to reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, liver toxicity, and cancer in children (pets have never been tested).<\/p>\n

Fortunately, regulations in the USA on manufacturing pet toys and toys for children are very strict, and most of the harmful substances have been banned,\u00a0as per CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).<\/p>\n

Provide Toys With Your Dog\u2019s Safety In Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is important to keep an eye on your canine companion as they chew to ensure no real damage, to the toy or your pup, is happening.\u00a0 If you see small parts breaking from the toy, take it from him immediately and throw everything away so that he does not eat them.<\/p>\n

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Nothing Is Really Indestructible<\/strong>
\nMany dog toys are labeled as \u2018indestructible\u2019 nowadays and it\u2019s easy to fall for the persuasive sales pitch.\u00a0 Read reviews and choose the best durable toy based on the advice of other pet parents.<\/p>\n

Toys to Avoid For a Heavy Chewer<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Avoid Plush and Stuffed Toys<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Make sure that you avoid stuffed toys or those made of a plush outer material. Their durability is close to non-existent if you have a strong chewer.\u00a0 From a safety perspective, plush toys are not recommended, as an aggressive chewer can easily swallow the stuffing.<\/p>\n

Squeakers<\/strong>
\nTread with even more caution if there\u2019s a squeaker stuffed inside; they are a clear choking hazard if the toy is pulled apart.<\/p>\n

Vinyl and Latex Don\u2019t Make the Grade Either<\/strong>
\nThough vinyl is a little tougher than latex, we wouldn\u2019t consider either material tough enough to withstand dogs who chew hard.\u00a0 They, too, often come stuffed with squeakers so it\u2019s best to steer clear of these types of toys.<\/p>\n

So What Should Dog Toys For Heavy Chewers Be Made Of?<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

The Top Pick is Hard Rubber Chew Toys<\/strong>
\nAlthough indestructible chew toys don\u2019t exist, some can last many months and quality hard rubber toys are easily the best candidates, being the most durable toys on the market.<\/p>\n

You may already be familiar with the Kong brand. Although a little more expensive than lower quality toys, they are one of the most trusted brands on the market for their safe and durable products, and they also have a big product selection to choose from.<\/p>\n

Strong, Fibrous Rope Style Toys<\/strong>
\nRope-style chew toys are a good bet, especially from a durability point of view.<\/p>\n

Their fibrous material is tested and proven to be strong enough to withstand vigorous chewing, while also being good for cleaning your dog\u2019s teeth.\u00a0And, good news for busy owners, they\u2019re easy to wash which is important because many dog toys end up extremely smelly after days, or more, of being subjected to dog slobber and being thrown around outside.<\/p>\n

Look for cotton rope toys that are thick with a substantial number of threads, as this will provide a tough durability.<\/p>\n

Quality Costs More, But Is The Best Choice<\/strong>
\nThe temptation to opt for cheaper plush or vinyl toys is understandable, but remember that from a safety and durability angle, they simply don\u2019t make the grade against the superior hard rubber toys.<\/p>\n

Quality toys will stand the test of time\u00a0over a number of months and years, rather than being destroyed within minutes or hours of bringing them home from the pet store.<\/p>\n

A single high quality toy that lasts a year is so much better, and cheaper, than buying a $5 toy every month that only lasts a day or two.\u00a0 You must also keep in mind the safety of the quality toy as compared to the cheaper toy.<\/p>\n

Quality costs more \u2013 but saves in the long run!<\/p>\n

Best Indestructible Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The Original \u2013 And Still The Best \u2013 Tough Dog Toys From Kong<\/strong>
\nA Kong is a great way to encourage safe chewing. Getting into the habit of giving a stuffed Kong or chew before you leave for work is a great way to make a positive association with you leaving your dog alone.\u00a0Dogs that dislike being left alone can be given a Kong as a distraction, so they can be used as a tool for mild separation anxiety.<\/p>\n

Toys like\u00a0Kongs\u00a0and are a great way to express natural behaviors, like chewing, scavenging, and working for food. Using food as a game is much more fun than eating out of a bowl. For dogs that are home alone while you are at work, \u00a0or who need distraction while guests are visiting, a chew toy\u00a0is a great tool. To simplify things, you can freeze a selection of Kongs so you have a few ready to go at short notice.<\/p>\n

Kong Extreme Dog Toy \u2013 Ultra-strong, Ultra-Durable<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

Made using carbon Black Ultra-Flex\u2122, the Extreme is puncture-resistant and about as indestructible as a dog toy can be.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s non-toxic too and can even be stuffed with treats, which is guaranteed to keep a heavy chewer occupied. \u00a0For this reason, the Kong is recommended for owners about to start crate training with their dogs.<\/p>\n

The Extreme also doubles up as an interactive toy to help you get involved in playtime. It has an unpredictable bounce on it due to its curved design, which is perfect for games of fetch with playful pups.
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