It is a fact that many dogs love to chew. Some dogs chew toys. Some dogs chew furniture. If your dog is a heavy chewer you have probably searched long and hard for solutions to keep your dog’s chewing under control. One popular choice for pet owners with dogs who chew frequently is the nylabone.
Nylabones are dog chews that are very popular amongst dog owners. Nylabones are synthetic bones that help to keep your dog occupied for hours on end. Because they are made of nylon, they do not break down as fast as other treats and therefore will last much longer. There have been some questions raised about whether or not nylabones are safe for dogs.
Nylabones are safe for dogs to chew on. However, it is important to supervise your dog while they are chewing on a nylabone because there are some risks associated with nylabones. There have been reports of dogs choking on nylabones. There have also been questions raised about the overall health of dogs that chew on nylabones.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about nylabones and how to use them to keep your pup happy and healthy.
What is a nylabone?
Nylabones are synthetic bones that are made from a durable plastic called nylon. They are popular dog chews because they help to keep dogs occupied for hours on end.
Because they are made of nylon, they do not break down as fast as other treats and will last much longer. Nylabones come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate any dog’s chewing needs.
Nylabone is a generic term used for a hard, usually non-edible plastic toy. Nylabone is also a brand name that specializes in dog products. Nylabones come in a variety of shapes and flavors and are made of nylon, which is a thermoplastic polymer that may be transformed into fabric, toothbrushes, automobile parts.
The Nylabone brand sells many different dog products aside from hard chewable toys. They also offer dental chews, rope toys, plush toys, and more.
Nylabones are a great way to keep your dog entertained and can help with boredom, destructive chewing, and separation anxiety. It is important to choose the right size and type of Nylabone for your dog’s individual chewing needs.
Are nylabones toxic?
Nylabones are non-toxic and are made from a tough, durable plastic that is safe for your dog to chew, but not swallow. If your dog does ingest a large piece of the bone, it is recommended that you seek veterinary care.
The Nylabone brand does make treats that are made for your dog to ingest. It is important to understand the difference between the two and make sure your dog is not ingesting a nylabone toy that is not specifically designed to be ingested.
The hard plastic variety of nylabones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are a great way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and clean. Nylabones are also a great way to keep your dog occupied.
Nylabone Disclaimer
The company Nylabone has come out with a disclaimer stating that their product is not to be used as a chew toy for dogs. Although the product may be made of tough plastic, it is not meant to be consumed by dogs.
There have been reports of dogs choking on the small pieces of rubber that break off from the toy. In addition, prolonged use of the toy could lead to gastrointestinal blockages in dogs due to ingesting the small parts that the dog breaks off after hours of use.
The Nylabone website used to contain a warning that read,
“NON-EDIBLE CHEW PRODUCTS are made with plastic, rubber, or nylon. They are NOT intended for consumption. During normal chewing, tiny bristle-like projections are raised that help clean teeth. If these tiny pieces (no larger than a small grain of rice) are ingested, they should pass through. A dog should not be able to break off larger pieces of any Nylabone® Non-Edible Chew.
If you think that your dog swallowed a large piece of a Non-Edible Chew, take the chew away and contact your veterinarian for advice. No dog toy or chew is totally indestructible. Frequently inspect any chew before giving it to your dog to make sure it’s whole and intact, with no missing pieces. Replace a Non-Edible Chew when knuckle ends are worn down, or if it becomes too small to chew safely. Nylabone Chews and Toys should not be boiled, placed in a dishwasher, washing machine, or convection or microwave oven.”
Although this disclaimer no longer appears on their website, it contains an important message about the dangers that Nylabones can pose to your canine if you are not careful about supervising your dog.
Appropriate size
Choosing the appropriate size of nylabone is very important because it will allow your dog to safely chew on the nylabone with less risk of choking. If the nylabone is too small, your dog may try to swallow it and choke. If the nylabone is too large, your dog may not be able to comfortably chew on it.
The best way to determine which size nylabone is right for your dog is to measure your dog’s mouth. You’ll want to measure the widest point of your dog’s mouth and then choose a nylabone that is one size larger.
This ensures that the risk of choking is minimized. It will also allow for the nylabone to have pieces come off without being too small for your dog’s mouth. You want the nylabone to last as long as possible and this method of measuring your dog’s mouth to find the proper sized nylabone will allow you to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with your dog chewing on nylabones.
Are nylabones safe for puppies?
Puppies are very prone to chewing due to their young age as well as their natural curiosity. As a result, puppies can chew on nylabones safely as long as the puppy owner follows a few simple guidelines.
First, make sure to choose a nylabone that is appropriate for your puppy’s size. You’ll want to measure the widest point of your puppy’s mouth and then choose a nylabone that is one size larger, just as you would with a larger dog.
It is also even more important that you supervise your puppy while they chew on the nylabone because they are more likely to try and swallow the nylabone due to their limited experience with what is food and what is not food.
Keep an eye on your pet
The most important thing that you can do while your dog is chewing a nylabone is to keep both eyes on them. It only takes a second for your dog to choke on the nylabone if they start to chew on it too aggressively or try to swallow it.
These nylon bones are meant to hold up to quite a lot of chewing, however, they are not perfect. Small pieces can and will break off as your dog chews on the nylabone. You want to be there with your dog when this happens so that you can immediately get the piece that has broken off. If there is not someone present, your dog may swallow the piece of plastic which can be harmful to your dog’s digestive system as well as pose a serious choking hazard.
Nylabones are not meant to be a toy that keeps your dog occupied while you are away. Pet owners who leave their dog with a nylabone run the risk of the dog swallowing or choking on the nylabone. This can lead to serious health complications and serious vet bills.
Possible complications
Choking
Choking is a risk when your dog is playing with any toy. Because your dog will likely be chewing on the nylabone, there is a risk of choking if your dog accidentally swallows a large piece.
What to do if my dog is choking
If you see your dog starting to choke, remove the nylabone from its mouth immediately and call your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine if your dog is in danger and needs to be seen right away.
If you are unable to remove the nylabone, or if your dog is having difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
To help prevent choking and other injuries, make sure to supervise your dog while it is playing with the nylabone, and take it away if it starts to break into smaller pieces. You should also inspect the nylabone regularly for wear and tear, and replace it as needed.
Injury to teeth and gums
The nylabone can also cause damage to your dog’s teeth and gums. If your dog chews on the nylabone for an extended period of time you may notice some bleeding coming from your dog’s mouth. If you notice bleeding coming from your dog’s mouth while chewing the nylabone, you should remove the nylabone from your dog’s mouth and inspect the teeth and gums.
Swallowing
Because nylabones are made of thermoplastic, they are not meant to be ingested. If your dog swallows a piece of the nylabone, it could cause an obstruction in their intestines.
If your dog swallows a piece of the nylabone, call your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine if your dog is in danger and needs to be seen right away.
If your dog ingests pieces of nylabone, it can cause your dog to develop a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). GDV is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and blocks the flow of blood and air.
Make sure you always monitor your pet while chewing a nylabone to prevent them from ingesting pieces of the plastic toy.
Proper care
Caring properly for a nylabone is essential for the safety of your dog. You should inspect the nylabone regularly for wear and tear, and replace it as needed.
You should also clean the nylabone regularly with soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the nylabone, as these can be harmful to your dog if ingested.
When you are finished cleaning the nylabone, make sure to dry it completely before giving it back to your dog.
You also want to store the nylabone in a clean, dry place when your dog is not chewing it. Also, make sure that the place your store the nylabone is secure so that your dog cannot get to it and chew on it unsupervised.
Conclusion
Nylabones are a popular chew toy for dogs, but there are some risks associated with them. Make sure you are aware of the potential complications and take proper precautions to prevent them. If you have any concerns, speak with your veterinarian.
