Chew toys are a lifesaver for many dog owners. They provide an outlet for their pets' natural chewing instincts while protecting valuable items like shoes, rugs, furniture, and even their grass pee pads from destruction. However, these toys go beyond simply diverting their attention—they are essential to your pet's overall well-being.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Chewing is often seen as a negative behavior, particularly when it damages belongings. However, chewing is a normal and essential activity for dogs, particularly puppies. Puppies start teething around three weeks, with all their baby teeth erupting by six weeks. These baby teeth start to fall out at about 12 weeks, and by six months, all adult teeth should be in place. This means puppies spend an average of five months in the teething stage, during which their gums can become irritated and inflamed. Chewing provides relief from the pain and discomfort associated with teething.
The urge to chew can continue well into adulthood. Adult dogs may chew for various reasons, like exploring their new environment, relieving boredom, and dealing with anxiety. This is where chew toys prove useful—they can withstand rough treatment and satisfy your dog's instinctual need to chew without damaging your belongings.
How Chew Toys for Dogs Benefit Your Pup
Different toys provide various benefits. But overall, they offer more than just distraction and gum relief. Below are some key benefits of chew toys for dogs.
1. Chew Toys Help with Teething Puppies
Chew toys are designed to ease the pain puppies experience while teething. Some toys can be frozen, providing an additional cooling effect that soothes irritated gums. These toys help puppies get through the teething phase more comfortably.
2. They Promote Overall Dental Health
Chew toys contribute to dental health by scraping away tartar and preventing plaque buildup. For example, playing with the Gotta Go Grass® plush squeaky dog toy, which combines durable fabric and rope, can help clean your dog's teeth. Additionally, chewing stimulates the production of antibacterial saliva, which cleanses the mouth and can improve your dog's breath.
3. They Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
Chew toys are also great tools for interactive play, strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Engaging in playtime with your dog using chew toys can help reinforce training commands and improve your dog's responsiveness. It also provides mental stimulation to help alleviate stress and anxiety and physical exercise to maintain a healthy weight, thus consequently reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues.
4. They Prevent Destructive Chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior in dogs, even well into adulthood. Dogs may resort to destructive chewing, damaging your valuable possessions with a lack of mental stimulation and without appropriate outlets for this instinct. Chew toys provide a safe and appropriate alternative for this behavior, satisfying your dog's need to chew and keeping them occupied.
5. They are Safer Than Bones
Chew toys made from heavy-duty, pet-safe materials offer a safer alternative to bones. Unlike bones, which can become choking hazards and lead to injuries like broken teeth, digestive issues, and intestinal blockages, chew toys are designed to withstand vigorous chewing without posing such risks. By opting for durable chew toys, you can satisfy your dog's urge to chew while ensuring their safety and well-being.
READ: 6 Must-Have Pet Products from Gotta Go Grass®
Choosing the Right Chew Toy Product
When buying a chew toy for your dog, we recommend considering their chewing habit, strength, and size. At Gotta Go Grass®, we offer a range of accessories designed to provide multiple benefits. Our plush toys are perfect for interactive play and promoting dental health. We also have a treat tumbler that dispenses treats, providing fun and rewarding playtime while massaging gums and reducing plaque buildup. Above all, prioritize pet safety. Always choose toys made with pet-safe, non-toxic, and durable materials. This ensures your dog's safety while providing the benefits of chewing.
Chew toys are more than just distractions—they are essential tools for your dog's development and health. By understanding why dogs chew and the benefits of dental chew toys, you can make informed choices that keep your pet happy and healthy.
Did you find this article helpful? Visit the Gotta Go Grass® website to explore a wide range of pet accessories and grass pad options.
