6 Dangerous Items Dogs Love to Chew and Safer Alternatives

Chewing is an instinctive behavior for dogs that provides both comfort and stimulation. Puppies chew to ease the discomfort of teething as their adult teeth emerge.

Adult dogs also have a natural desire to chew, which helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, fulfills their innate urges, and offers quiet distraction when their owners are occupied.

It's important to select chew toys that are safe and suited to your dog's size and chewing power. Toys made for dogs are designed to withstand chewing without posing health risks.

Nevertheless, dogs sometimes gravitate toward inappropriate objects that may cause injury or property damage. This guide highlights six common items dogs tend to chew that can be dangerous, along with safer alternatives to provide instead.

1. Sticks and Branches

During walks, many dogs pick up twigs, sticks, or branches—especially when their favorite chew toys aren't around. Although this behavior is widespread, sticks and branches come with risks.

Jagged splinters and sharp edges may hurt your dog’s mouth or throat, while swallowing splinters could lead to serious internal injuries. Moreover, certain tree barks found in US regions, like black cherry or yew, can be toxic to dogs, making it even more crucial to deter this habit.

Instead, offer safe alternatives like rubber or nylon chew sticks, or treat-dispensing toys such as Kong toys that effectively satisfy chewing urges without risk.

2. Cooked Bones

Raw bones of appropriate sizes can serve as enjoyable treats and dental aids when responsibly obtained, such as from USDA-approved sources.

In contrast, cooked bones become brittle and likely to splinter, which poses significant choking hazards and internal injuries if ingested. Bones processed specifically for dogs with heat treatments, often found in US pet stores, are safer exceptions.

Instead of cooked bones, consider veterinarian-approved raw bones or dental chews designed to promote oral health safely.

3. Stuffing and Fillings from Toys

Dogs that love to dismantle toys may chew out and swallow stuffing, squeakers, or other fillings. This can result in digestive blockages and serious health emergencies requiring surgery.

To minimize risk, choose durable, toy options made without stuffing or with very minimal filling. Also, make sure children’s toys are kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

4. Painted or Treated Wood

Items like wooden furniture legs, fences, or decks may attract a dog’s chewing interest, but wood that has been painted, stained, or chemically treated contains harmful substances toxic to pets.

Wood splinters can also damage your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. It’s safest to only allow chewing on untreated, natural wood or specialized chew toys made from rubber or nylon.

5. Stones or Rocks

Some dogs try to carry or chew on small stones or rocks when toys are unavailable. These objects are extremely hard and can cause chipped or fractured teeth, as well as pose choking hazards.

Providing safe, vet-friendly chewing treats like bully sticks or other approved dog chews is the best way to protect your dog’s dental well-being.

6. Strings, Shoelaces, and Ribbons

Loose strings, shoelaces, or decorative ribbons often fascinate dogs, but swallowing these can lead to choking or life-threatening intestinal blockages.

Supervision is essential whenever dogs are near string-like items, and their play environment should be free from such hazards. Durable rope toys sized appropriately for your pet can be a safe, chewing-friendly alternative.

Important Safety Tips for US Dog Owners in 2026

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and veterinary groups like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend prioritizing supervised chewing, selecting chew toys and treats appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and chewing style, and avoiding unregulated or imported chews that have been linked to health risks.

Recent reports have highlighted concerns about certain dog chews imported from overseas, which have caused adverse effects like gastrointestinal distress or unusual behavior problems in dogs.

By providing a variety of safe, vet-approved chew toys and treats tailored to your dog's needs, you help support their dental health and general well-being.

Responsible toy and treat selection, keeping harmful objects out of reach, and supervising your dog during chew time are key to ensuring your furry friend stays happy and safe.