Dogs are a handful, especially when they’re young. If you’ve recently adopted a dog, you may be confused about what toy or playful item to give to the little pup because it always seems to be looking for something to chew on. Your dog might always seem to be after your boots or biting on your favorite pillow but this is a perfectly normal thing since chewing comes naturally to them.

Pexels | Puppies chew because of teething and older dogs do it out of sheer boredom

While a dog chewing on stuff isn’t something one needs to worry about too much, what they chew on should be monitored carefully! Here are some of the things you should keep away from your dog, especially if they enjoy chewing.

1. Rawhide

You may have been told by friends and family that it is perfectly safe to get some rawhide for your dog and they are not wrong. The case of rawhide can be tricky as it may be safe for some dogs but can also be dangerous for others. Some dog breeds enjoy rawhide because its long-lasting nature lets them enjoy it for a longer period but this also makes them prone to tearing off a piece of rawhide and swallowing it. Moreover, some rawhide is made out of ingredients like leather scraps which are not very safe to ingest. In instances like these, it might be a wise choice to consult the vet before exposing your dog items like rawhide.

Pexels | The vet will let you know if it’s a good option but you always have to keep a check on them

2. Sticks

Don’t dogs look totally adorable when they get excited over a stick? Sticks often are a great plaything for your fur buddies but can just as easily turn out to be a health hazard for your dog. Sticks can easily break into splinters which can lodge into the gums, throat and the cheeks of your dog.

Pexels | Let them play with sticks but make sure that they don’t chew on them

3. Rocks

This one is a no-brainer—just like ice cubes, rocks are quite dangerous for your pup as they can easily break and damage the teeth. If a smaller piece is swallowed then it can become a choking hazard and may even require an emergency visit to a pet clinic.

The next time you think about getting something for your dog to play with, it might be a good idea to do your research and buy a toy that is both fun and safe for playful activities.