Our dog is what you would call an “aggressive chewer”. Any toy we get for her, she chews it up in no time. For those of us who have an aggressive chewer in our household, it may seem impossible to find a dog bone that they don’t destroy within a few minutes of us giving it to them. Dog bones for aggressive chewers are made for our dogs. It is just a matter of finding the right one that suits our particular dog the best.
This post will look at what dog bones for aggressive chewers are, how to choose the best one for your dog, and some examples of dog bones for aggressive chewers available.
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What Are Dog Bones For Aggressive Chewers?
Dog bones for aggressive chewers are bones made of durable materials, yet safe for your dog to chew on for extended periods of time.
When we asked our veterinarian for recommendations for dog bones for our pup to chew on, she told us a chew toy was the best option. The reason being that it is hard enough to occupy her time for a “chew session”, yet soft enough to not break her teeth when she chews on it. They also will not give her calories that she does not need.
Chew Strength And Dog Bone Durability
When choosing a dog bone for an aggressive chewer, the bone’s ability to withstand intense chewing is important. Key elements include understanding your dog’s chewing strength and the type of materials used.
Understanding Chew Strength
Aggressive chewers vary in their chewing intensity. Some dogs can demolish a bone in minutes, while others take their time. You need to match the bone’s durability with your dog’s chew strength.
Dogs with powerful jaws, like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, need bones that can resist cracking and splintering. If the bone is too soft, it won’t last long. If it’s too hard, there’s a risk of tooth damage.
Vary the type of bones based on your dog’s age and breed. Puppies and older dogs may need softer options, while adult dogs with strong teeth can handle tougher bones.
Materials and Longevity
Materials play a big role in how long a dog bone lasts. Nylon bones are durable and can resist aggressive chewers, though they might lack the natural flavor some dogs prefer.
Rubber bones are flexible yet tough, often infused with flavors. They are also great for teething puppies due to their softer texture.
Choose a bone with the right material to ensure safety and longevity, fitting both the chewing habits and health needs of your dog.
What Should I Look For When Choosing Dog Bones For Aggressive Chewers?
When choosing a dog bone to match your aggressive chewer’s needs, there are a few things to consider:
Material
As mentioned above, choose a durable material that matches your dog’s chewing style.
This can include a nylon bone or a rubberized option if your dog needs something a little softer on their gums and teeth.
Flavor
Some dog bones are infused or scented with a particular flavor that your dog may find enticing, like bacon, or not so enticing, like mint.
Size
The size of the dog bone you choose is also important. Choose one that is large enough that your dog won’t choke while chewing on it, but not so large that they can’t get their mouth around it to chew.
Shape
The shape of the bone you choose is also important. Depending on the shape, your dog may have an easier or more difficult time grasping and holding it for the duration of their chew session.
Ridges And Grooves
A dog bone that also has any kind of ridges or grooves can help to clean your dog’s teeth while they chew by rubbing against any tartar or plaque that may be on the teeth.
Safety Guidelines When Using Dog Bones For Aggressive Chewers
To keep your aggressive chewer safe, focus on selecting the proper size and shape of dog bones, and always monitor playtime to prevent accidents.
Proper Size And Shape
Choosing the right size and shape of a dog bone is very important. Bones that are too small can become choking hazards. It’s better to select larger bones that your dog cannot fully fit into their mouth. Look for bones with a uniform shape and no sharp edges to avoid cuts and other injuries.
Avoid bones that splinter easily, such as chicken bones, as these can cause internal damage. Always select bones designed for your dog’s chewing style and size.
Monitoring Playtime
Keep an eye on your dog when they are chewing on a bone. Supervision can help prevent choking or ingestion of large pieces that can cause blockages. If you see any signs of dental distress, like bleeding gums or broken teeth, remove the bone and check with your veterinarian.
***Our dog used to chew nylon bones very aggressively. All of this chewing resulted in the pigment of her snout disappearing. Our veterinarian suggested she could also be allergic to them as well. Once we stopped giving her the nylon bone, her pigment came back. This is just an example of why it is important to monitor your dog while using these types of bones.***
Inspect the bone regularly during playtime. Discard any bone that shows excessive wear, splitting, or small pieces that could be swallowed. This proactive measure helps ensure your pup enjoys their treat safely.
Maintaining Dog Bone Integrity
Maintaining the integrity of dog bones ensures your dog enjoys a safe and satisfying chew. Key points include proper cleaning and storage, and knowing when to replace the bone.
Cleaning And Storage
To keep dog bones clean, rinse them with warm water after each use. Avoid using soap, as it can leave residual chemicals that are harmful if ingested. For tougher grime, use a brush dedicated to this purpose.
Store bones in a cool, dry place. Moist environments can promote mold growth.
Rubber and nylon bones should be checked regularly for wear. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning, which might involve more thorough treatments like boiling or dishwasher cleaning.
When To Replace
Knowing when to replace dog bones is important for your pup’s safety. Replace any bone that shows signs of heavy wear, such as cracking, splintering, or too much wear down.
Check the bones regularly. Synthetic bones that have large chunks missing should be discarded.
Observe your dog’s chewing habits. If they are aggressively wearing down bones within a few days, you may need to replace bones more frequently or switch to more durable options.
Use the manufacturer’s guides for suggested replacement timelines when available.
Dog Bones For Aggressive Chewers
Here are some examples of dog bones for aggressive chewers available. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Nylabone Power Chew
- Available in knuckle bone, monster bone, mega knot.
- Long lasting.
- Flavor throughout.
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath.
- Hand wash with warm soapy water.
- Made in the USA.
Benebone Tough Chew Toy
- Available in different shapes.
- Flavored with beef tripe.
- Paw friendly grip design.
- Some have pockets that allow for added peanut butter or pumpkin.
- Spot clean.
- Made in the USA.
Kong Extreme Goodie Bone
- Made of ultra-durable rubber.
- Can be stuffed with treat paste or peanut butter.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Made in the USA.
SodaPup Nylon Honey Bone Chew Toy
- Made with nylon and wood composite.
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Made in the USA.
Our chewers can sometimes have us at our wits end trying to find a bone that can stand up to their aggressive chewing behaviors. Dog bones for aggressive chewers are made with durable materials that can hold up to their heavy chewing.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.