3 Essential Safety Rules for Keeping Your Dog Safe While Chewing

Dogs love to chew. It’s a natural behaviour that helps keep their teeth clean, relieves boredom, releases 'happy hormones', and provides mental stimulation. But chew time can also be risky if you don’t follow some basic safety rules. Choking, digestive blockages, and injuries happen more often than many pet parents realize. To protect your furry friend, you need to be proactive about chew safety.

Here are three essential rules every dog owner should know to keep their dog safe and happy during chew time.

Choose the Right Size Chew for Your Dog

One of the most important safety steps is selecting chews that are suitable for your dog’s size and chewing strength. Chews that are too small can easily be swallowed whole or broken into sharp pieces that cause choking or intestinal blockages.

• Match chew size to your dog’s breed and weight. Larger dogs need bigger, tougher chews that won’t break apart easily. Small chews for big dogs increase the risk of swallowing hazards.

• Adjust chew size as your puppy grows. Puppies start with smaller chews but need larger ones as their jaws get bigger and stronger.

• Use packaging guidelines. Most chew products include recommended size and age ranges. Follow these closely.

• Test the size of the chew for your dog. The size of a chew will need to be based on your individual dog. If your dog can fit the entire chew in their mouth comfortably, it’s probably too small.

  
  

For example, a 50-pound dog should not get a chew designed for small breeds under 20 pounds. Instead, choose a chew labeled for medium to large dogs. This reduces the chance of choking and digestive issues.

Never Leave Your Dog Unsupervised with a Chew

Supervision is critical whenever your dog has a chew. Even the safest chew can become dangerous if your dog breaks off a small piece or tries to swallow it whole.

• Stay in the same room while your dog chews. Watch for signs of choking or distress.

• Remove the chew when it becomes small enough to swallow. Long-lasting chews like bully sticks, antlers, or yak chews shrink over time and become choking hazards.

• Avoid leaving chews in your dog’s crate or unattended areas. Many emergencies happen when owners step away or leave dogs alone in another room.

  
  

For instance, a dog chewing on a bully stick may break off a small piece that can get stuck in the throat. If no one is watching, this can quickly turn into a life-threatening emergency. Plus, if the chew has caused a full blockage, your dog will very likely be completely silent whilst struggling.

Keep Chewing Time Calm and Relaxed

Chewing should be a peaceful activity, not an opportunity for your dog to run, jump, or play roughly. Active movement while chewing increases the risk of choking or injury.

• Provide a quiet, comfortable spot for chew time. A dog bed or mat in a low-traffic area works well.

• Discourage jumping off furniture or running with a chew in their mouth. This can cause the chew to lodge in the throat or cause cuts.

• Use calm praise and gentle encouragement. Reward your dog for chewing quietly and calmly.

  
  

For example, if your dog tends to get excited and run around with a chew, redirect them to their designated chew spot and wait until they settle down before giving the chew. If your dog will not remain in one set place when they have a chew, then you can consider tethering them or utilising a create - as long as they are supervised.

Chewing is a healthy and enjoyable activity for dogs, but it requires your attention and care. By choosing the right size chew, supervising your dog closely, and encouraging calm chewing, you can prevent many common accidents and keep your dog safe.

Check out our posts on The Dangers of Rawhide Chews, and Choking - The Heimlich Manoeuvre for Pets.

We run Pet First Aid Courses in Southend-on-Sea, check out our courses dates and more information here.