Chewing as a natural dogs need: what beneficial can you choose
Maybe you have a heavy chewer at home and get his teeth into everything. It can have an impact on your household as well as your wallet, but chewing is a necessary activity that goes beyond just fun. To forbid chewing is like telling dog to stop being a dog. So the question is, how to make chewing safe for your dog? That is the theme of today article.
Dental hygiene for dogs? Basically yes
No matter if the dog plays with toy or gets a dental treat, the chewing brings a lot of benefits. First of all, it helps to keep teeth and gums in good condition - mechanical rubbing removes dental plaque and decrease formation of dental tartar. Not only will the gums and teeth be healthier but it will also help decrease mouth odor - it will not completely disappear but it is definitely a step to improvement. Along this, chewing helps to produce more saliva, that is beneficial for digestion. Last but not least chewing is great mental stimulation which prevents boredom that is usually connected to unwanted behavior. For many it is a great way how to release excess energy and cope with stressful situations.
The health and safety of your dog is the main priority - as well as your household
We said WHY chewing is good for the dog. Now lets look on WHAT the dog should be chewing so it will be safe. If we give the dog something that is easy to chew on, he will less likely chew something he is not suppose to like (like shoes, cabels etc.). On the other hand, you should not give him inadequate replacement which will not resist the dogs bite. It is important to choose toys that are meant for chewing so the dog will not easily destroy it and eat it. The dog would chew on bones in the wilderness so the substitution in a form of toy will help to satisfy these natural instincts in a safe environment.
Chewing vs licking
We include a play with chewing toy or dental treat into our daily rutine, like when leaving home or getting used to new imputs. Ideally you can add to it a licking of some yummy treat. Both of these activities are highly beneficial, even though each in a different way. Chewing is fun, but licking is a form of relaxation. Licking is great when you need to slow down the dog - during eating or when a visitor comes and the dog gets just a bit too excited. We recommend to mix wet food and dry food and put it into a lick mat or a toy. The lick mat should be taken away directly after the dog is done, on the other hand, the toy can be left with the dog even when it is empty. This way combines licking and chewing.
Chewing treats for dogs
Another cool chewing option is dental treats in a form of stick which the dog can chew for long time. It is beneficial for its teeth and gums because it helps to remove plaque. Our Chewiewoof can last even hours and given repeatadly. You will welcome its functionality in your household - does not make any mess and smell. How is that? Its production was inspired by traditional himalayan method of drying milk. It is a great source of calcium with minimum amount of lactose which can be hard to digest for some dogs.
