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Does your dog love to chew? Has he shredded various things around the house? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. If you need guidance on toys for dogs that like to shred, we can help you out!
We’ve put together some information on indestructible dog toys, and then created a list of toys your shredder might enjoy!
Why Do Dogs Shred?
Some dogs just seem to love nothing better than shredding things up! If you’ve ever noticed this destructive behavior in your dog, it’s a common problem. And it’s a problem that’s not limited to the size or breed of the shredding terror!
If you have a shredder in the house, then you may need to try to figure out why your dog is doing this. Here are some common reasons dogs may be shredding everything in sight:
Boredom
This can be a huge problem when dogs are left alone on their own for too long. They may feel anxious or even develop separation anxiety. In an effort to release this stress, the dog chooses to chew up anything and everything.
Another cause of boredom is a dog that doesn’t get enough exercise. Many dogs have tons of energy, and when they can’t exercise it off, they will turn to mischief-making. This usually involves the shredding of something. Maybe even your favorite shoes!
Keep in mind dogs will chew and try to shred just about anything. This can include long, hanging drapes, lamps, furniture (a favorite of shredders seems to be the couch for some reason).
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Ask a Vet Live NowIt’s Fun to Shred!
Wouldn’t you agree that it can be fun to shred something up? Well, that may depend on the thing being shredded. But to your dog, everything he can access can end up as shredding fun.
Shredding May Come from a Dog’s Prey Drive
Experts believe this “fun” shredding habit may come from our dogs’ natural prey drive. There are some dog breeds that have been specifically raised to hunt and fetch games. It’s just something that’s natural for dogs to do.
It is Fun, After All!
Plus, some dogs seem to really get their jollies out of the action and sound of shredding. Have you ever noticed your dog shredding a plush dog toy? Remember that long ripping sound as he shredded? He was probably reveling in the action and the sound.
We once had a dog who was a Golden Retriever Chow Chow mix. Talk about being a shredder! One day we were going to run to the store and our dog was determined to come along. He did everything he could think of, which including finding a roll of paper towels and shredding them right in front of us! At one point, he raised his face with his mouth full of paper towels. We rescued what was left of the paper towels and he hadn’t eaten any. He just shredded them so we would remember to take him to the store! It was his way of saying he wanted to go along.
As you can see, there are many reasons a dog may shred and damage property. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell exactly what our fur babies are going to shred next. Especially if your dog doesn’t go after the same things every time.
Tough Toys for Shredders & Aggressive Chewers
If you have a large, medium, or small shredder canine in the house, then you’ll need to find him toys specially made for these dogs. It’s important to choose the right materials, too.
Rubber: this is excellent material for dogs that shred and chew. Rubber is durable, strong, and practically indestructible. Be sure to choose toys that are soft, with no sharp edges. These dog toys are smooth and will not harm your dog’s teeth or mouth.
Nylon: this is another material that makes a great chew toy for shredders. It’s tough and durable and made especially for dogs with strong teeth and jaws.
Materials to Avoid for Dogs That Shred
Here are some materials to watch out for when buying the right toys for your little (or large) shredder.
Squeaker toys: dogs love squeaker toys! However, if a dog chews out the squeaker, the little squeaker mechanism could become a choking hazard. And these types of dog toys are not usually made of strong enough materials. If your dog chews through the toy, and shred it to pieces, he could swallow the plastic, which could lead to a bowel obstruction.
Plush/fleece toys: shredders should never be given plush or fleece toys. This is due to both the fabric and the filling. They can present a choking hazard, as well as cause a bowel obstruction.
Latex/vinyl toys: are another no-no for shredders and aggressive chewers. While these toys can be fun, they’re not durable enough for shredders. Here, again, if a dog bites through the toy and tears it apart, he could accidentally swallow sharp pieces that could cut his esophagus or present a choking hazard. What’s more, the toy pieces can become clumped together in the dog’s intestines, causing a bowel obstruction.
So, avoid these types of materials when looking for tough toys your fur baby won’t be able to shred!
Other Materials for Dog Toys
There are some alternative materials for toys meant for shredders.
Kevlar: this is the material that’s used to create bullet-proof bests, as well as sails, drumheads, and more. This material can last for years, with some dog toy manufacturing creating toys from this material. One of the best things is that this Kevlar is stronger than steel, and it’s tough. However, this material doesn’t always work for chew toys. This is because it can fall apart easily if the dog bites in hard enough.
Firehouse material: what a strange name! But there are dog toy manufacturers who use firehose material to create indestructible dog toys. However, some people have had major problems with toys made from firehouse material. The main issue seems to be that some dogs managed to chew through the toy, accidentally swallowing plastic bits from the toy, and choking.
The Best Indestructible Toys for Dogs That Shred Things
Here is our list of indestructible dog toys your fur baby may love, leaving your lonely shoe behind!
Kong Classic Dog Toy: this is a brand that’s famous for making dog toys that are indestructible. The Kong Classic comes in a variety of sizes, so if whether your shredder is small, large, or somewhere in between, you’ll find just the right size toy for him! This is a chew toy made of natural rubber. And it can bounce, which makes it a great toy for playing fetch! What’s more, you can also put a treat inside the middle of the toy. What a treasure find for a shredder dog! Veterinarians highly recommend this brand’s dog toys. The toys are made in the USA, from globally sourced materials. And they’re eco-friendly.
Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Ring Durable Dog Chew Toy: these dogs’ chew toys for shredders are available in 4 different colors and various sizes. That way, you can be sure to get a toy that’s the right size for your dog’s mouth. The toy should not be able to get behind your dog’s front or bottom teeth. This is a toy made from rubber, which is reinforced. It’s supposedly even been used by astronauts (not the toy, the material!). Your dog will have the satisfaction of chewing and chewing some more! That could mean you won’t come home, again, to a shredder’s mess! One more note on this toy—it comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee. This product is made in the USA.
Nylabone Durable Dental Dinosaur Chew: Nylabone is another maker of indestructible dog toys. These dental bone chews for aggressive chewers and shredders are made in the shape of a dinosaur, with ridges all of its body. The toy can actually help to keep your dog’s teeth clean! The bones are chicken flavored. What’s more, they’re made in the USA.
Kong Flyer: here’s another dog toy for aggressive shredders from Kong! If your dog loves chasing and catching frisbees, then he’s sure to enjoy this flying disc. This toy is made of natural rubber, and it’s durable, flexible, made to ensure your dog’s teeth are not damaged. The discs are made in the USA, with materials globally sourced.
Kong Extreme Durable Rubber Dog Toy: this is a ball that your shredder will love! It’s available in different sizes, so you can find one that is perfect for your fur baby. The ball is made from black rubber, which is very durable for aggressive chewers and shredders. It makes a great toy to play fetch, as your dog wears off some of his shredding energy! This ball is puncture-resistant, and it’s made in the USA from globally sourced materials.
Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Stick Durable Dog Chew Toy: this is a neat toy that comes in various sizes and colors. It’s billed as “The Last Chew Toy You’ll Need.” This chew toy is made of rubber and is extremely durable for dogs that love to chew and shred. It’s made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee.
So, there you have it! These are some great toys for the shredder dog in your home! And we hope you don’t have to come home to another shredded mess! Be sure your fur baby has plenty of time with you and lots of exercise. You might just wear him out with these toys and all the exercise. He may not have energy enough to shred again!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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