5 Hidden Dangers of Dog Dental Chews

Danger 1: Choking Hazards

The Issue: Dental chews can be a choking hazard, especially when dogs swallow large chunks.

Explanation: Some dogs chew too fast or too aggressively.

This can cause them to bite off large pieces of the chew.

These pieces can get stuck in their throat and cause choking.

This is a common problem with rawhide chews or Greenies.

Puppies and dogs that eat quickly are at a higher risk.

Rawhide chews can soften into large, slippery pieces.

Dogs might swallow them, posing a choking hazard.

Also, Greenies can break into risky chunks.

Sturdy dental bones may be dangerous if a dog eats them too quickly.

Real-Life Example: I used to give my dog rawhide, thinking it was a safe way to keep her busy.

But one day, she bit off a chunk too big and started choking.

I had to reach into her mouth and pull it out. It was terrifying, and I haven’t given her rawhide since.

Practical Advice:

Supervise: Always watch your dog while it chews. Make sure it doesn’t swallow large pieces.
Choose the Right Size: Make sure the chew is the right size for your dog. A small chew for a large dog can be swallowed whole.
Softer Chews: If your dog chews too fast, choose softer, easy-to-digest chews. They are less likely to break into large pieces.

Safer Alternatives:

Dental Sticks or Strips: They are softer and less likely to choke users. They usually break apart.
Rubber Chew Toys: These toys help with dental health and are nearly impossible to swallow.

Empathetic Insight: I’ve been there. I watched in fear as my dog started coughing after biting off a chunk that was too big.

It’s a scary moment, but you can avoid it by picking the right chew and keeping an eye on your dog while they chew.

You might also like: 13 Worst Dog Treats In 2025 (Avoid #7 At All Times)

Danger 2: Digestive Blockages

The Issue: Some dental chews can cause dangerous intestinal blockages in dogs.

They aren’t easily digestible.

Explanation: Some chews, like rawhide or bones, don’t break down easily in a dog’s stomach.

If your dog swallows a large piece, it might get stuck in their intestines, causing a blockage.

Symptoms of a blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the blockage.

If your dog can’t pass hard stools, it may be blocked.

Signs include nausea, such as pacing and lip-licking, and failed vomiting.

Contact your vet immediately. To avoid issues, choose soft, digestible chews.

This is important if your dog swallows large pieces.

Symptoms: Dogs with blockages may also show signs of pain, such as whining or pacing.

In extreme cases, their stomachs may become swollen or painful to the touch.

Real-Life Example: One dog owner I know didn’t realize her dog had a blockage until it was almost too late.

Her dog had swallowed a piece of a chew toy, and by the time she noticed, it required emergency surgery.

Luckily, her dog recovered, but it was a close call.

Practical Advice:

Choose Digestible Chews: Look for chews made from easily digestible ingredients. Chews made from natural ingredients are often safer.
Watch for Symptoms: After your dog has chewed, be alert for signs of vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these, contact your vet immediately.
Limit Chewing Time: Don’t let your dog chew for too long in one sitting. This reduces the risk of swallowing large pieces.

Safer Alternatives:

Bully Sticks: They are natural, digestible, and safer than rawhide.
Freeze-Dried Chews: They break down more easily in your dog’s gut. So, they are less likely to cause blockages.

Empathetic Insight: It’s hard to believe that a chew could lead to surgery, but I’ve seen it happen.

Knowing what to look for and choosing more digestible options can save you and your dog from a lot of stress.

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Danger 3: Harmful Ingredients

The Issue: Many dental chews have harmful artificial additives and preservatives.

They can harm your dog’s health.

Explanation: Some chews are filled with artificial ingredients like preservatives, dyes, or flavorings.

They can upset your dog’s stomach, cause allergies, or harm its health.

For example, studies in animals link preservatives like BHA and BHT to cancer.

While the risks are low in small amounts, it’s still better to avoid these ingredients.

Break Down Harmful Ingredients:

BHA & BHT: These preservatives extend the shelf life of chews. But, they may cause cancer in animals.
Propylene Glycol: This chemical keeps chews moist. It can irritate dogs’ skin and upset their stomachs.
Artificial Flavors: These are not necessary and can upset sensitive stomachs. Look for chews with natural flavors instead.
Excessive Salt or Sugar: Some chews are high in salt or sugar. They can cause obesity and other health problems over time.

Practical Advice:

Read Labels Carefully: Check for natural ingredients you recognize. If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not good for your dog.
Choose Natural Chews: Pick chews made from single, natural ingredients, like beef, chicken, or veggies.
Avoid Artificial Colors and Preservatives: Choose products without harmful preservatives, like BHA, BHT, and propylene glycol.

Safer Alternatives:

Dehydrated Chews: Dehydrated sweet potatoes, fish skins, or organ meat chews are natural. They don’t need preservatives.
Single-Ingredient Chews: Look for chews made of one ingredient, like 100% beef or chicken.

Empathetic Insight: It’s surprising to find out that something sold at the pet store could harm your dog.

I was shocked when I learned that some of the chews I trusted had chemicals in them.

Now, I always check the ingredients before buying anything new.

Reading tip: 17 Worst Dog Food Brands In 2025 (Avoid #3 At All Times)

Danger 4: Tooth Fractures

The Issue: Hard chews like bones and antlers can fracture your dog’s teeth.

Explanation: Some chews are too hard for your dog’s teeth. Bones, antlers, and even hard plastic toys can cause painful fractures.

Your dog may not show pain at first.

But, the fracture could cause infections that need costly dental work.

In some cases, a broken tooth may need a root canal or extraction.

Tap a chew on a hard surface; a sharp sound means it’s too hard and could break your dog’s teeth.

Dogs love to gnaw on tough items like bones and antlers.

But, these can cause small cracks in their teeth.

This may lead to serious fractures over time.

Real-Life Example: A friend of mine had a Labrador who fractured a tooth on an antler.

The dog didn’t seem to be in pain at first, but later, an abscess formed.

The dog needed a root canal. The vet explained that while antlers are natural, they’re too hard for most dogs’ teeth.

Practical Advice:

Do the Fingernail Test: If you can’t dent the chew with your fingernail, it’s probably too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Avoid Super Hard Chews: Don’t give your dog bones, antlers, or hooves. They may cause broken teeth.
Regular Dental Checks: Have your vet check your dog’s teeth often. This is important for dogs that are aggressive chewers.

Safer Alternatives:

Rubber Chew Toys: These toys are durable but soft enough to clean teeth without damaging them.
Soft Dental Chews: Look for chews that are designed to clean teeth but have some give, so they won’t break teeth.

Empathetic Insight: I used to think that the harder a chew was, the better it would be for my dog’s teeth.

But after several vet visits for fractured teeth, I learned that softer is better.

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Danger 5: Allergic Reactions

Some dogs are allergic to common dental chew ingredients, like beef, chicken, or gluten.

Explanation: Just like people, dogs can have food allergies.

Common allergens in dental chews include beef, chicken, and grains.

If your dog has an allergy, the wrong chew can cause itchy skin, digestive issues, or severe reactions.

For dogs with severe allergies, use chews with few ingredients.

They will cut allergic reactions. Novel protein chews, like duck or venison, are hypoallergenic.

They can help dogs sensitive to common proteins, like beef or chicken.

Choose grain-free dental chews without artificial additives.

They are healthier for dogs with sensitivities.

Allergens: Common allergens in dog chews include beef, chicken, and gluten.

If your dog is sensitive to any of these, avoid chews that contain these ingredients.

Real-Life Example: I had a neighbor whose dog was allergic to beef, but she didn’t know it at first. Her dog kept getting ear infections.

They switched to a chicken-based chew, and the infections stopped.

Practical Advice:

Check for Allergens: If your dog is allergic, check for common allergens, like beef, chicken, and gluten.
Try Novel Proteins: Consider chews made from less common proteins, like duck, lamb, or fish. They are less likely to trigger allergies.
Grain-Free Options: If your dog is sensitive to grains, look for grain-free chews.

Safer Alternatives:

Hypoallergenic Chews: These chews are for dogs with allergies. They use novel proteins or limited ingredients.
Veggie Chews: Sweet potato or veggie chews are great for dogs with protein allergies.

It’s frustrating to think you’re helping your dog, only to cause them pain.

I’ve seen it happen, and it’s heartbreaking.

But with a little extra care, you can avoid these problems and still give your dog a treat they love.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Key Takeaways

Always supervise your dog during chew time to prevent choking or blockages.
Choose chews that match your dog’s size and chewing habits.
Read labels carefully and avoid harmful ingredients like BHA, BHT, and artificial dyes.
Avoid overly hard chews like bones or antlers that can fracture your dog’s teeth.
If your dog has food allergies, opt for hypoallergenic or vegetable-based chews.
When in doubt, consult your vet for the best dental chew options for your dog.

Conclusion

Dental chews can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

But be aware of the risks.

Consider the risks: choking, digestive blockages, harmful ingredients, tooth fractures, and allergies.

The good news is that, with a bit of care and attention, you can avoid these problems.

Take the time to choose the right chews for your dog’s size, chewing habits, and dietary needs.

Always supervise your dog during chew time, and if you’re ever in doubt, consult your vet.

By staying informed, you can keep your dog’s teeth clean and their body safe.

Next time you shop for dental chews, read the ingredients.

Also, consider your dog’s chewing habits.

Choose products carefully, and when in doubt, consult your vet for recommendations.

By being proactive, you can protect your dog’s teeth and keep them healthy for years to come.

Your dog depends on you to keep them safe. With the right info, you can do that.

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid