The “Knee-Cap” Rule:
1. You want to be able to indent the surface of the item with your finger nail. The surface has some “give” to it.
2. “Knee cap rule”: If you hit yourself in the knee with the object & it hurts, it is probably too hard/heavy for your dog.
3. Also avoid objects with abrasive surfaces like tennis balls & frisbees.
4. If you cannot flex or break the product with your bare hands, it’s probably best to avoid it.
Safe Options:
• Nylon or rubber chew toys – look for ones that are firm enough to withstand serious chewing, with enough “give” that they won’t cause tooth damage. Some rubber toys are hollow allowing
you to hide treats inside, or stuff them with peanut butter.
TIP: Freeze the stuffed toy for a long-lasting, delicious treat for your dog.
• Edible chews – edible chews tend to be more digestible for your dog & any product approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has been proven to prevent plaque & tartar
buildup.
• Balls – a hard rubber ball is great for a game of fetch, as long as your dog cannot chew the ball into pieces!