The 5 Most Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make with Chews (And How to Avoid Them)

Chewing is a natural behavior that many dogs enjoy, offering mental stimulation and helping maintain dental health. However, without proper care, what starts as a fun activity can turn risky. Understanding dog chew safety tips and avoiding common mistakes can protect your dog’s teeth, digestive system, and overall well-being.

At Bully Sticks Direct, bully stick safety is a priority, offering safe dog chews crafted to suit your dog’s needs. Here’s a detailed look at the five most frequent mistakes with dog chews and how to avoid them.

Dog Chew Safety Tips: Choosing the Proper Size for Your Dog Chews

One of the most important dog chew safety tips is selecting the right size chew for your dog. Whether your dog enjoys bully sticks, pig ears, turkey chews, or beef cheek chews, the proper size depends on your dog’s size and dog’s chewing style.

A small dog needs a smaller chew designed to prevent swallowing large pieces that pose a choking hazard or obstruction risk in the dog’s throat or stomach. Conversely, a strong chewer or larger breed may quickly destroy a small chew, risking broken teeth or digestive issues from swallowed fragments.

Many veterinarians emphasize matching the chew size with your dog’s chewing style — whether they are a light chewer, nibbling gently, or a power chewer, who can break down even tough chews rapidly. This careful selection supports natural dog chews safety and helps maintain clean dog teeth without risking injury.

Dog Chews and Supervision: Why Watching Your Dog with a Chew Matters

Supervising your dog during chew time is one of the most overlooked dog chew safety tips. Without supervision, a dog might swallow pieces of the chew, which can easily cause choking or blockages.

Many pet owners assume dogs can safely manage their chews unsupervised, but some chews can easily splinter and cause damage to a dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive system. Monitoring your dog’s chewing ensures early intervention if they chew too aggressively or break off large chunks.

Using a bully stick holder or a sturdy chew toy helps manage chew time and keeps your dog safely occupied. This supervision also enhances bonding and allows you to recognize any signs of discomfort or unusual chewing patterns.

Bully Sticks: How to Make the Most of Chew Time

Bully sticks are a favorite for many dogs thanks to their natural ingredients, satisfying texture, and dental health benefits. To help your pup enjoy them safely, it’s best to offer bully sticks in moderation. Short, supervised chew sessions, usually 10 to 20 minutes, give your dog the chance to satisfy their chewing instinct without overdoing it.

In addition to bully sticks, you can keep things interesting (and gentle on the stomach) by rotating in other options like beef cheek or tendon chews, or by adding food puzzles to your routine. This variety helps prevent boredom, supports healthy digestion, and keeps your dog’s mind engaged.

Safe Dog Chews: When to Replace of Discard Small Pieces

As your dog enjoys their chew, it’s important to watch for when it gets worn down to a small piece. These tiny leftovers can quickly become a choking hazard or cause digestive blockages if swallowed. Rather than letting your pup try to nibble down to the last bit, swap the chew for a fresh one or offer a new, safe alternative.

By promptly removing small pieces, you help ensure each chew session stays fun, safe, and worry-free. This simple habit is a key part of keeping natural dog chews a healthy addition to your dog’s routine.

Storing Dog Chews the Right Way: Keep Them Fresh and Safe

How you store your dog’s chews matters more than you might think. When chews are left in warm, humid spots, they can spoil or grow mold, putting your dog at risk of digestive issues.

To keep chews fresh and safe, store bully sticks, pig ears, chew bones, and similar treats in a cool, dry place. The resealable packaging from Bully Sticks Direct makes this easy by helping lock in freshness and preventing contamination.

Good storage habits protect the quality of the chews and help ensure your dog enjoys a tasty, safe treat every time.

Why Bully Sticks Direct Is the Smart Choice for Safe Dog Chews

Bully sticks and single-ingredient chews are often recommended by veterinarians because they’re natural, easy to digest, and safer than alternatives like rawhide, which can sometimes lead to broken teeth or choking. When offered properly, bully sticks provide a satisfying and healthy way for your dog to chew.

At Bully Sticks Direct, you’ll find a variety of chews in different sizes and styles to match your dog’s chewing habits. Plus, the helpful safety tips and guidance make it easy to pick the right chew to keep your pup’s teeth clean and their chewing sessions safe.

Final Tips for Safe, Enjoyable Chew Time

Chewing helps support your dog’s dental health, provides mental enrichment, and satisfies natural chewing instincts, but a little care goes a long way. Choosing the right size chew, supervising your dog, limiting chew time, replacing small ends, and storing chews properly all help make chew time both safe and fun.

With these simple habits and high-quality chews from trusted sources like Bully Sticks Direct, you can feel confident that every chew session is a moment of joy that supports your dog’s health and happiness.