Interesting article from Dr Jon at PetPlace.com:Chewing is often a perfectly normal behavior among our beloved canine friends, but there are certain items that just aren't made for chewing ... some are off limits because they are our personal belongings and we don't want them to be destroyed, but some items are off limits because they can be harmful to the dog.
Protect your dog from chewing dangers both outside and inside the home. Here's a list of things you should prevent your dog from chewing on:
Items that can grind away his teeth
Rocks
Wires
Recreational balls meant for people
Any chew item that cannot bend
Items that can cause splinters
Wooden sticks & toys
Cooked & uncooked bones
Items that can easily be swallowed whole and block the intestinal tract
Clothing, socks, gloves
Washcloths
String and ribbon
Rubber bands
Children's toys (Legos, dolls, etc.)
Toys meant for other pets (Cats, hamsters, etc.)
Toys that are too small or toys that are inappropriate for the dog's size
Items with small/dangerous pieces that can be chewed off & ingested
Shoes
Slippers
Handbags
Items that can release toxins or items preserved with poisonous arsenic
Cheap plastic toys
The best thing your dog CAN play with is a durable toy made especially for dogs. One of the toughest toys I've come across is the Tuffy Ultimate Ring Toy - made with 2 layers of industrial strength luggage material and soft fleece on the outside, all sewn together with triple stitching. I love it and so do many other vets. It's great to use interactively with your dog, like a Frisbee. And because it has soft edges, it won't hurt your dog's gums when he bites it. It can even float, so it can be used on land or water. No toy is indestructible, but this one is really tough!
