Choosing Rawhide Chews |
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for Your Special Dog or Puppy |
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Best American Dog Chews |
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How to choose the right rawhide chew
Choose a bone that matches your dog's chewing rate and chewing habits. Consider size, shape, hardness, and flavor. Size: Some dogs are very particular about the size of the chew bone you give them. Too big and they will not touch it, even though they will chew for hours on a smaller bone. Generally speaking, smaller dogs prefer smaller bones, but the reverse is not always true. Many bigger dogs ignore big bones, leading owners to believe, incorrectly, that bones do not interest them. Some dogs will not touch a rawhide bone that they find too big. The same rawhide in a smaller size is chewed immediately. Fortunately, rawhide chews come in every size and shape imaginable. It is important that the chew be large enough and thick enough that your dog cannot easily chew off and swallow either a large piece or the whole chew. A good rule of thumb is that the chew should be about two times the size of the dog's mouth. Hardness and Texture: In addition to size, the consistency of the bone you give your dog is another factor to consider. Aggressive chewers can chew down a good size rawhide bone in a surprisingly short time. For these dogs, try giving pressed rawhide which is compressed, harder, and will last longer. If your dog chews for short periods of time with a soft bite, a smaller rawhide bone that is easy to soften will be more enjoyable. For these dogs, also try rawhide chips, sticks, or twists. These options satisfy the urge to chew, provide just as much entertainment, and taste just as good as any chew bone. Flavor: The flavor is very important to some dogs. Try various types to see which ones your dog enjoys. Remember, almost all dogs like to chew. Oftentimes, the trick is finding the right size, consistency, and flavor your pet wants. Try to find a few types your dog likes. When he loses interest in the one he is working on, switch to the other. This will keep your dog chewing, which is great for helping remove plaque and relieving boredom. Rawhide that requires more than 7 days to chew should be replaced, due to dirt and bacteria buildup. If your dog has gastrointestinal disease or is eating a therapeutic diet, you should seek a veterinarian's approval before feeding any chews. |
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