Dogs and cats love to chew on things, there is no doubt about it. They will happily chomp on whatever enticing object they can get their grubby paws on, whether you approve of their selection or not. Some pet owners may feel that chew toys are luxuries that are not really necessary for a pet’s wellbeing and care, and may overlook purchasing them when they bring a new dog or cat into the home. This idea fails to regard some of the many benefits both the animal would receive from having a chew toy. In the additional interest of protecting your home, here are some reasons why you should consider getting your pup or kitty some durable chew toys for them to focus their energy on.
It chases the boredom blues away. When a dog or a cat is cooped up indoors for too long, or having an insufficient amount of activities to engage in, they can become restless and destructive. Some dogs bark incessantly all day long, others forage through trash, knock over plants, tear up rugs, couch cushions, or your two-year old’s teddy bear, etc. Cats can also get themselves caught in sticky situations when they are not employed in a more constructive activities. Giving a pet a challenging chew toy will provide an apt diversion from the many temptations a house presents. If the toy happens to be treat-hiding, or smell of catnip, they will be entertained for hours.
Toys provide an alternative to household goods. In the absence of the right item to chew, cats and dogs will target things that are much more difficult to replace. Your antique French furniture, or the new leather Sperry shoes you just bought your spouse, will begin to look very appealing to your pup. Your cat might decide to finally tackle that throw blanket your Grandma knitted for you as a child. Don’t give them the opportunity to look for creative chewable solutions; rather provide your pet what they need and protect your home goods from pesky claws and teeth.
Chew toys improve bad dog breath and oral hygiene. Many of a dog or cat’s internal diseases stem from negligent dental care and poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush a pet’s teeth results in plaque buildup, gingivitis and gum decay, cause the mouth to pass the bacteria to the rest of the body. This manifests in a whole hosts of side effects, which would be far less likely to exist if your dog or cat were to have a chew toy. Chewing on a rough toy would help scrape off any plaque contributing to a pet’s bad breath, and would improve their oral health.
Toxin-free chew toys help relieve teething pain. When new teeth come in for puppies and kitties, the process can be uncomfortable and painful. The crying and whining might increase, and even keep you up at all hours of the night. Chewing on a toy will help the pet sooth their aching gums as their teeth come in, and will give them something better to do than just whimper and complain about it.
They are long-lasting. In the pet care world, there are numerous types of pet toys to choose from. (Note: watch out for any toxic toys as they will most certainly do more harm than good). From the plush comfort toys to the rope, or pig-ear choices, our favorite options are the indestructible dog toys and cat toys. These usually come with warranties and are made with tough materials fit to resist the teeth of even the most persistent pets. Some are obstacle toys that are puzzle-like or geared toward captivating an animal’s attention for long periods of time, while others are treat-concealers, or dense rubber matter that will tire your pet out long before the toy itself will give in!
