Dog chew toys can do a lot for your pet. They help your dog to grow teeth and gum, avoid getting bored, and prevent him from swallow harmful objects. However, all dogs are not the same, and you need to choose the chew toys that are right for your pet.

The Size Is ImportantDogs do not come in one size. The chew toy that you pick should be just right for the size of your pet. If the product is too big, your dog may not like to play with it at all. On the other hand, if the toy is too small, he might accidentally swallow it and choke on it. You really should know about your dog’s breed and size well to get the appropriate toy size. Many reputable chew toy manufacturers will have clear warnings on their labels to help you decide on whether a toy is appropriate for your pet.Safety Comes The FirstAside from checking the size of the toy, you should also check it for safety features. Depending on the breed of your dog, a toy that is too hard could damage the teeth while toys that are too soft could result in accidental ingestion of torn or chipped parts. In general you should avoid chew toys with small beads, buttons, strings, wire, bells and fake fur. Even a mild mannered puppy could rip off small parts and swallow them. Swallowed parts can result in choking, mouth wounds, and damage to the intestines and constipation.Pick a Variety of ToysPuppies can easily get bored, and it is always a good idea to keep a few varieties of the toys for rotation. From time to time, you may also like to give your dog toys with edible treats in them. This way, your pet will be encouraged to play with them. Keep an Eye on the Dog and ToysYour dog is just like a small baby and can accidentally swallow a non-edible part. However busy you are, you need to at least keep an occasional eye out on your pet when he is at play.You also have to keep an eye at the toys. Even the sturdiest toys have a limit to their lifespan. Periodically inspect your dog’s toys and look for signs of wear and tear. Damages to the toy might already be a sign that you may have to replace it. Otherwise you could put your dog’s health and life at risk.Seeking Advice From Your VeterinarianIf you are not sure whether a toy is appropriate for your dog, the first person you should consult is your veterinarian. He might even be able to recommend good toy brands or retailers.As you can see, in selecting dog chew toys, we should never sacrifice safety for fun. In the end, giving him toys is our way to show our love and affection. Because of the love, we want our pets to be both happy and healthy.