After selecting the right chew toys based on type, durability, and chewing behavior in our 2026 product guide, the next step is ensuring safe usage. Even the best chew toy can become risky if sized incorrectly, used without supervision, or not replaced when worn.
This guide explains how chew toys should be used safely, how they help with behavioral issues, and when to replace them. It also includes a FAQ section that retailers can reference when advising customers, helping brands reduce product returns and build stronger trust in product selection.
Keeping chew toys safe isn’t optional – it’s the only way I let dogs enjoy them daily without risk.
I always follow these basics with any chew toy or long lasting dog chew:
· Always supervise new chew toys for the first few sessions, especially with aggressive chewers or puppies.
· No chew toys in crates unless they’re soft, non splintering, and your dog has a proven safe chewing history.
· Separate dogs when chewing if there’s any resource guarding, size mismatch, or chance of fighting over toys.
· Pull the toy if your dog is ripping off big chunks, swallowing pieces, or getting frustrated and frantic.
Size is non negotiable for dog chew toy safety:
· The toy should be bigger than your dog’s back molars when they bite down.
· Avoid anything that can fit fully behind the canine teeth – that’s a choking risk.
· For strong chewers and large breeds, choose oversized, tough chew toys for power chewers.
· For small dogs and toy breeds, use lightweight, safe chew toys for puppies and small dogs that they can carry easily.
When you’re choosing sizes for toys, the same care you’d use when measuring and fitting a dog collar correctly applies here too: proper fit equals safety.
I don’t hesitate to throw a toy out when:
· It’s chewed down small enough to swallow.
· You see deep cracks, sharp edges, or broken pieces.
· The toy loses shape and no longer matches the original design.
· Rope or fabric toys have long loose strings that can be swallowed.
· Rubber or nylon toys show heavy gouges or splitting.
If you’re asking yourself, “Is this still safe?” it’s usually time to replace it.
Act fast and stay calm:
Choking right now?
l Try a quick mouth check if it’s safe and you can see the object.
l If your dog can’t breathe, call your vet or emergency clinic immediately and follow their guidance (they may coach you on a dog Heimlich).
Swallowed but breathing normally?
l Call your vet, tell them what material, approximate size, and when it was swallowed.
l Watch for vomiting, drooling, bloated belly, whining, constipation, or no poop – these can mean a blockage.
l Never try to make your dog vomit without vet approval.
I treat chewing like a daily “job” for most dogs:
· Average dogs: 15–30 minutes, 1–2 times per day.
· High-energy or anxious dogs: several shorter sessions per day with chew toys for anxious dogs or interactive chew toys.
· Puppies: multiple short sessions (5–10 minutes) with soft teething toys for puppies.
· Senior dogs: gentle, shorter sessions with soft, senior friendly dental chew toys.
If jaws look sore, gums are bleeding heavily, or your dog seems obsessed to the point of stress, I cut back time or switch to a softer, vet recommended chew toy.
For dogs with separation anxiety or who are just bored at home, I always recommend interactive chew toys you can stuff or freeze:
· Fill tough rubber chew toys with wet food or treats and freeze them.
· Use puzzle-style, interactive chew toys for bored dogs to keep their brain and mouth busy.
· Rotate toys daily so your dog doesn’t get bored of the same thing.
Pair these with a solid walking routine and a good dog harness setup so your dog is physically tired before you leave.
Puppies need safe chew toys for puppies that soothe sore gums, not damage teeth:
· Soft rubber puppy teething chews that bend when you press them.
· Freezable teething rings or rubber toys to numb the gums.
· Avoid anything rock-hard (antlers, bones) while adult teeth are still coming in.
If your dog needs to lose or maintain weight, skip the high-calorie chews:
· Long lasting dog chews that are low-calorie, like air-dried vegetable chews or plain nylon chews.
· Grain-free edible chews with simple ingredients and no added sugar.
· Limit rich chews (like pig ears) and always count chews as part of your dog’s daily calories.
Older dogs and those with sensitive mouths still love chewing, but they need softer options:
· Gentle rubber chew toys with a bit of give, not hard plastic.
· Soft fabric or rope toys (supervised only) for light chewing.
· Avoid ultra-hard aggressive chewer dog toys that can crack worn teeth.
If your dog is chewing furniture, shoes, or cables, you need a clear plan:
· Offer durable chew toys for aggressive chewers and reward your dog every time they choose the toy.
· Block access to high-risk areas and keep “forbidden” items out of reach.
· Use a firm “no”, then calmly redirect to an approved chew toy and praise.
With the right non-toxic dog toys and consistent redirection, most destructive chewing can be turned into healthy, controlled chewing habits.
They can be safe if you pick the right type and use them correctly.
· Choose flexible or moderate-chew nylon, not rock hard versions.
· If your dog is a power chewer, only offer heavy duty nylons under supervision.
· Toss the toy once you see sharp edges, deep grooves, or chunks missing.
· If your dog tries to bite off and swallow pieces, switch to softer rubber or edible chews.
When in doubt, ask your vet which vet recommended chew toys fit your dog’s bite style.
Dental chew toys for dogs help but don’t replace brushing.
· Chew toys and dental chews: reduce plaque, massage gums, freshen breath.
· Brushing with dog toothpaste: still the gold standard for clean teeth.
· Aim for brushing 2–3x per week and offer dental chews or toys daily as backup.
Use chew toys as a support tool, not your only dental plan.
For puppies and toy breeds, go softer and smaller:
· Soft rubber chew toys (puppy formulas, natural rubber dog toys).
· Teething toys for puppies that flex when you press a fingernail into them.
· Rope toys (supervised only) for gentle chewers.
Avoid: rock hard nylon, antlers, bones, and anything heavier than their jaw.
If you’re already investing in safe gear like a no pull dog harness, keep that same standard for safe chew toys for puppies—lightweight, gentle, and non toxic.
Use this as a quick guide:
· Puppies: 5–10 minutes per session, a few times a day.
· Adult dogs: 15–30 minutes per session, 1–2 times a day.
· Senior dogs: short, gentle sessions based on comfort.
Stop or swap toys if you see:
· Excessive jaw fatigue
· Red or bleeding gums
· Obsessive chewing that ignores everything else
Keep chew toys clean to avoid germs and stink:
· Rubber / silicone: wash with warm water + mild dish soap, rinse well. Many are top rack dishwasher safe (check the label).
· Nylon / hard plastic: hand wash with soap and water; no harsh bleach.
· Rope / fabric: machine wash in a mesh bag; air dry fully.
· Natural chews (antlers, yak chews, etc.): rinse, scrub lightly, dry completely; discard if slimy, cracked, or foul smelling.
Regular cleaning is as important as maintaining other dog gear like your nylon collars and leads.
Use this quick safety checklist:
· Fingernail test: if you can’t make a slight dent with your nail, it’s probably too hard.
· Your dog’s gums bleed, or teeth look chipped after chewing.
· The toy develops sharp edges, long strings, or big cracks.
· Your dog can break off chunks larger than a pea.
· The toy is small enough to fit fully in the mouth or close to the size of a tennis ball for big breeds (choking risk).
Safe chewing starts with proper sizing, material selection, supervision, and replacement when wear becomes significant. Chew toys are one of the easiest ways to support dental health, reduce anxiety, and redirect destructive behavior when used correctly. For retailers, understanding these safety principles helps reduce product returns, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen brand credibility.
If you are a retailer or brand looking for durable, safe, and customizable chew toys, we provide OEM/ODM product development with strict safety material standards. Contact us for tailored solutions.
→ Learn how to choose the right chew toys
→ See the best chew toys of 2026
Amy
Amy Wang