Wood-Plastic Dental Chew Toys For Dogs

The dogs that most want a stick are usually the ones that should not have one. Real wood splinters, and a splintered stick in a mouth or a throat is one of the more common emergencies a vet sees each autumn. A moulded wood-plastic chew is the sensible compromise, because it smells of wood and behaves like something worth working on, but it wears down gradually instead of breaking into shards.

The material is a wood-plastic composite, which is a good deal tougher than a moulded plastic toy of the same shape and considerably tougher than a rubber one. The surface is textured rather than smooth, so it scrapes at the plaque along the tooth as the dog gnaws, and chewing is the only dental work most dogs will accept without an argument. Three shapes are offered, a trident, a branch and a T, all sized to be held between the paws.

• Wood-plastic composite construction
• Textured surface helps scrape plaque while chewing
• Natural wood scent dogs take to
• Three shapes: trident, branches and T type
• Made for determined, heavy chewers
• No real wood, so nothing to splinter

Not indestructible, because no chew is. Check it over every few days and bin it once the ends go ragged or a piece can be snapped off, since a chunk swallowed whole is the risk with any hard chew and not just this one. Very powerful jaws can crack rigid materials, so supervise the first few sessions before deciding it is right for your dog. It is not a substitute for brushing.

Who it's for: Heavy chewers who get through soft toys in an afternoon, and owners looking for a stick substitute that does not splinter.