How to Supervise Your Dog's Chew: A Safety Checklist
Even a well-chosen chew needs watching. Use this checklist every time. It's general information, not veterinary advice.
Before chew time
- Choose a chew that suits your dog's size and chewing style.
- Check for your dog's allergies and any health conditions your vet has mentioned.
- Separate dogs so each can chew without competing.
- Pick a calm moment when you can stay nearby.
During chew time
- Stay with your dog the whole time.
- Watch that they chew rather than gulp.
- Keep fresh water within reach.
- Keep children away from a dog that is chewing.
When to take the chew away
- Your dog starts swallowing large pieces.
- The chew gets small enough to swallow whole.
- Your dog becomes guarding or aggressive about it.
- Pieces break off that you don't want swallowed.
Warning signs
Stop and take the chew away if you see gagging, coughing, repeated swallowing, pawing at the mouth, drooling a lot, or vomiting. If your dog is choking or in distress, contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic right away.
After chew time
- Throw away leftover pieces.
- Wash your hands and any surface the chew touched.
- Store the rest of the bag sealed, in a cool dry place.
- Watch for loose stools or vomiting over the next day.