A guide to dog chewing and the best toys for them
Teeth marks line your baseboards, furniture legs and anything else that is “edible.” Flip flops and shoes are discreetly tucked away to save them from becoming playthings.
By the looks of it, you’re the owner of a proud dog that loves to gnaw on anything and everything in its path. Here’s the bottom line: Dogs need to play. Chewing is a natural part of play, so it is important to provide your pet with durable toys to withstand aggressive chewing and to be stimulating enough to prevent destructive behavior.
The good news is that you and your dog can find solace with KONG Club, an online membership that connects you to pet experts and vets who can guide you through your chewing journey. Satisfy your dog’s need to chew while also providing playtime fun with durable toys made from KONG’s natural rubber formula. Your KONG Club team can also help to combat many common issues – for example exercise, nutrition, playtime, separation anxiety and more!
To deal with chewing, it is important to understand what triggers and motivates a dog’s chewing behaviors to ensure the solution you choose aligns with your pet’s specific needs.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
To understand your dog’s chewing habits, and how to cater to their play needs, it is important to understand why dogs chew in the first place. There are several factors that drive your pup’s chewing habit, but not all of them are a cause for concern. For puppies, gnawing is a great way to relieve the pain of teething. For other dogs, chewing helps strengthen their jaws and keep their teeth clean. Chewing can even combat boredom and relieve anxieties and frustrations. In many cases, chewing is an outlet for dogs to play and have fun! It’s a completely natural act.
Other factors that can encourage your dog to chew the day away include:
- Separation anxiety
- Being weaned too early
- Hunger
- Just because they can
With all of these potential reasons for your dog to be chewing, it’s no wonder that your home can quickly become a graveyard of stuffed toys. So, how do you satiate your dog’s need to chew and have fun without having to replace toys every week?
The Answer: KONG Toys
Satisfy constant chewing with tough dog toys that have a reputation for being the most durable around. KONG products are designed to withstand dogs that play hard. KONG Club provides videos and 1:1 consultations for every chewing style so you can enjoy fun, safe playtime with your ppoch.
- Teething Chewer: A chewing style associated with puppies who have a strong desire to chew in order to alleviate pain. KONG’s soft pink and blue rubber is best for teething chewers to minimize discomfort while also providing hours of fun for your dog.
- Average Chewer: Most dogs will fall into this chewing style. KONG red rubber is tough enough to stand up to your average chewer day in and day out while providing the perfect outlet for the instinctual need to chew.
- Power Chewer: Sometimes dogs simply don’t know their own strength. KONG black rubber is made harder to satisfy those power chewers when the soft rubber just won’t cut it.
- Aging Chewer: For those senior dogs who still enjoy playtime but don’t have the biting power they once did, KONG purple rubber offers a softer chew for aging teeth.
But rubber toys are not all that a KONG has to offer. An array of stuffed and cloth toys are also available – and your dog will love these, too. While not completely indestructible, each has a specific purpose and varies in level of durability. From the extra strong toy for rough play to the one that dispenses well-earned treats, there is a KONG toy to always match your dog’s mood.
Whatever stage of life your dog is in, your KONG Club pet expert team is ready to help them enjoy playtime to the fullest. Get started with KONG Club today!
