6 Dangerous Things Dogs Chew and Safe Alternatives

Chewing is an innate behavior for dogs, offering great satisfaction and serving important health roles. In puppies, chewing helps soothe the pain as their adult teeth emerge. For adult dogs, chewing maintains oral hygiene, fulfills natural instincts, and provides a calm diversion when owners are occupied.

It’s crucial to select chew toys that are safe and suitable for your dog's size and bite strength. Toys made specifically for dogs endure aggressive chewing without posing risks.

Unfortunately, dogs often resort to chewing on unsuitable objects, which can threaten their safety or ruin household items. This guide highlights six frequently chewed items that can be dangerous and offers safer chew alternatives for your dog.

1. Sticks and Tree Branches

Many dogs pick up sticks, twigs, or branches during walks if their favorite toys aren’t handy. While this is typical behavior, sticks present hazards.

Sharp edges and splintered wood can cut your dog's mouth or throat. If swallowed, splinters might lead to internal injuries. Moreover, certain tree barks common in American regions, like cherry or black walnut, contain toxins harmful to dogs. It's vital to discourage this habit.

To keep your dog content and safe, consider offering synthetic chew sticks made of rubber or tough plastic, or treat-dispensing toys such as Kong toys, popular in the U.S. market, to satisfy their urge to chew without risks.

2. Cooked Bones

Raw bones, when responsibly sourced and appropriate in size, can serve as a fun treat and dental aid.

Cooked bones, however, dry out and become brittle, splintering easily and posing severe internal injury if ingested. Exceptions include specially processed bones sold in U.S. pet stores that undergo heat treatment to prevent brittleness.

Veterinarians recommend dental chews or vet-approved raw bones instead of cooked ones to avoid these dangers.

3. Stuffing and Fillings from Toys

Dogs that enjoy demolishing toys may ingest stuffing, squeakers, or other filling materials, risking intestinal blockages that might require emergency surgery.

Opt for tough, well-made toys designed to withstand aggressive chewers with little or no stuffing. Keep children’s toys out of reach to prevent accidental swallowing of non-pet-safe materials.

4. Painted or Treated Wood

Dogs may be drawn to chew on items like furniture legs or outdoor fence panels. Treated wood and painted surfaces often contain chemicals that are poisonous to dogs.

Splinters from wood can injure the mouth or digestive tract, and toxic chemicals add risk of poisoning. Limit your dog's chewing to untreated, unpainted wood objects or, better yet, durable synthetic chew toys made from materials like rubber or nylon.

5. Stones and Rocks

Some dogs carry stones or rocks in their mouths and chew them when toys aren’t accessible. Stones may chip or crack teeth, cause significant dental wear, and present choking hazards.

It’s best to replace these risks with safe chew treats available in U.S. pet stores, such as bully sticks or vet-approved chew toys that support dental health.

6. Strings, Shoelaces, and Ribbons

Items like shoelaces, ribbons, or loose strings strongly attract many dogs but pose choking risks and can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.

Never leave string-like objects within your dog’s reach unsupervised. Instead, supply appropriately sized durable rope toys designed for safe chewing to satisfy their urge.

Important 2025 Guidelines for U.S. Dog Owners

Recent FDA and veterinary warnings have highlighted risks associated with some imported dog chews, especially unregulated natural chews like pig ears, which have been linked to contamination and health issues, including seizures and behavior changes. American dog owners should avoid unverified or unregulated chews and always consult their veterinarian if their dog shows signs of illness after consuming treats.

Supplying a variety of safe, vet-approved chew toys tailored to your dog’s needs not only prevents injuries but also promotes their overall wellness and oral care.

Always choose toys carefully, keep harmful objects out of reach, and supervise your dog during chew time to maintain a safe and happy environment.