Bones, antlers, yak cheese, sticks, rubber toys… what can you give your dog to chew on without putting their teeth or health at risk?Chewing in dogs is a natural behaviour that contributes to their mental stimulation and well-being. However, not all dog chews are equally safe: a chew that is too hard can damage or fracture a tooth, while an ingested piece can cause a digestive foreign body.
Choosing an appropriate dog chew therefore depends on the dog's age, size, teeth and, above all, the way they chew.
Chewing allows dogs to express a natural behaviour. In puppies, the need to chew and gnaw is particularly strong during growth and teething. In adult dogs, chewing provides an activity that keeps them occupied and offers mental enrichment.
It can also redirect dogs away from much less suitable objects such as shoes, furniture, cables or objects they find during walks.
However, chewing does not replace walks, interaction or scent-based activities. It complements the different forms of stimulation dogs need on a daily basis.
Chewing primarily helps keep dogs occupied and meets their natural need to chew. Some products specifically designed for chewing can also have a mechanical effect on dental plaque. This does not mean that every bone or treat will "clean your dog's teeth".
The recommendations of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) point out that dog chews do not necessarily provide effective cleaning of all teeth and do not replace a proper oral hygiene routine. Brushing your dog's teeth remains a key part of regular dental care. A veterinary consultation may also be necessary in cases of significant tartar, persistent bad breath, pain or difficulty eating.
Also read on Topcho: Veterinary Costs: Understanding the Costs to Better Prepare
The Topcho Prevention package, available as an optional add-on, may contribute to the cost of certain eligible preventive care, including dental scaling, subject to the terms and limits set out in the policy.
There is no single best dog chew for every dog. A 4 kg puppy and a 35 kg adult dog with a powerful jaw will obviously have different needs.
Rubber chew toys specifically designed for dogs can be an interesting option when they are suitable for the dog's size and jaw strength. They should be large enough that they cannot be swallowed and durable enough not to break into pieces easily.
Dental chews combine chewing with a mechanical action on the teeth. However, their calorie content should be included in the dog's daily food intake, particularly for an overweight dog or a dog prone to weight gain.
Dried skin, dried animal products and other natural dog chews are very popular. However, "natural" does not automatically mean "safe". The hardness, size, composition and the way the dog consumes the product should always be taken into account.
Antlers, hooves, certain bones and extremely hard dog chews require particular caution. Dental recommendations specifically highlight the risk of dental trauma and tooth fractures associated with very hard objects. A broken tooth is not merely a cosmetic issue. A deep fracture can be painful, expose the dental pulp and require veterinary treatment, sometimes including extraction or specialised treatment. This is why "more durable" does not necessarily mean "better for your dog's teeth."
The risks associated with chewing are not limited to the teeth. A piece of a chew toy, stick or dog chew that is swallowed can become a digestive foreign body. Depending on its size and location, it may become lodged in the oesophagus, stomach or intestine.
Repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy or difficulty defecating should be taken seriously. A digestive obstruction may require a veterinary consultation, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy or, in some cases, surgery.
This is where prevention and dog health insurance can complement each other: adopting the right habits can help reduce everyday risks, while insurance can help prepare for certain veterinary costs when an accident or illness occurs despite the precautions taken. Topcho isurance plans cover eligible accidents and illnesses according to the selected plan, limits, waiting periods and exclusions set out in the policy.
The choice should first and foremost be individual. You should consider the dog's age, weight, size, teeth and jaw strength.
Another criterion is often overlooked: the way your dog chews. Some dogs slowly gnaw on a chew for long periods. Others immediately try to tear pieces off and swallow large chunks. A product that is suitable for one dog may therefore be inappropriate for another. When introducing a new chew for the first time, it is best to stay nearby and observe your dog's behaviour. The chew should be removed when it starts to deteriorate, break apart or becomes small enough to be swallowed.
