Nylabone for dogs is a very popular chew item that is found in countless pet stores throughout the country. We often assume that the products we buy from these establishments are rigorously tested. However, next time you visit the pet store and are contemplating buying one, maybe take the time to ask the question, Is Nylabone safe for dogs?
Is Nylabone Safe for Dogs?
Nylabone, the company states: “All of our products are made from non-toxic, pet-safe materials and are designed for the specific chewing style and size of your dog. From gentle teething puppies to extreme power chewers, Nylabone has a safe, healthy chew for every dog. Nylabone has been the choice of millions of dogs since we made our first chew toy over 50 years ago.”
But that is only half the story, for example, in 2001 Nylabone recalled its highly popular Plaque Attacker Dog Chews after a number of dog deaths over concerns of its chews breaking into small pieces in which customers were advised to safely dispose of them. Since then the Plaque Attacker was replaced with a safer and improved model. In April 2015, Nylabone’s Puppy Starter kit dog chews were recalled because of potential Salmonella contamination. But the real danger for your dog, especially if they happen to be a talented and dedicated chewer, is if they swallow part or all of the Nylabone toy chew, as we’ll illustrate later in this article.
Is Nylabone safe for dogs, and what is it made of?
So, can dogs eat Nylabone?
It’s a kind of yes and no answer. Nylabone make two types of chew based products one is edible and one isn’t, let’s take a look at them:
The Healthy Edibles: which is made of all-natural ingredients. There is no added sugar, salt, preservatives, or artificial flavors, and it comes in several varieties.
The chew toys: Are made of Thermoplastic Polymer, using materials such as nylon, plastic, or rubber.
The answer to can dogs eat Nylabone is yes, but only the edible kind. However, it’s the Nylabone chew toy that is extremely dangerous, and if you read on, we’ll answer – Is Nylabone bad for dogs?
Is Nylabone Dangerous for Dogs?
- Chewing the chew toy product can produce tiny shards of plastic that your pet is very likely to swallow. This can cause damage to your dog’s digestive tract.
- If your dog is a keen, obsessive chewer, there’s a high chance they’ll bite off enough material to shrink the Nylabone which could be extremely dangerous or life-threatening if your dog accidentally swallows it whole.
Please be extra vigilant in inspecting your dog’s chew toys. Inspect the knuckles. If it begins to show signs of breaking or if it starts to get too small, throw it out. Do not risk your dog’s health and a painful trip to the vets for your furry best friend.
If you actually took a chewed up Nylabone like the one in the image above and ran it on your skin, you will feel how abrasive it is. Imagine the damage and excruciating pain this will cause to your dog if they do swallow it.
Here’s a chilling article from Purely Pets that should concern anyone that has recently given their furry friend a Nylabone:
Nylabone products for dogs – A few things to remember:
- If you choose to purchase a Nylabone, your dog should be at least 3 months old. Ideally around 4 months when they have permanent teeth. Nylabone edibles should be given to dogs at least 6 months of age.
- Nylabone produces different bones for different dog sizes. For bigger dogs, you’ll need the Nylabone for large dogs because the material is much denser. Always be absolutely sure to pick the right sized product for your dog, or you might take an unexpected trip to the vet if you accidentally give a small softer Nylabone for puppies to your much larger, stronger dog.
- Do not put it in a microwave, washing machine, dishwasher or pour boiling water on it. To clean it, simply brush with warm water using mild detergent.
Anxious Canine recommends
Here at Anxious Canine, we can’t with all good conscious recommend Nylabone chew toys for any dog, they are just too dangerous.
Dogs can and do swallow these chew toys very easily, and the damage can be painful and sometimes fatal for the unfortunate dog. If you’re still not convinced, please take a look at these stories from Purely Pets, of people who gave Nylabone chew toys to their dogs and regretted it.
There are other alternatives out there, and we suggest going for something more natural and edible. Knucklebones are cheap and easily found at your local butchers, in fact, many butchers will give them away as they’re mostly regarded as a waste product.
Just remember, NEVER FEED YOUR DOG COOKED BONES
ALWAYS give raw bones to your dog, this is because the process of cooking weakens the bone and it could break up in chunks causing a choking hazard to your dog.
Nylabone chew toys are not good for your dog, they’re actually a health hazard, and we advise that you avoid this product, and spare your furry best friend from what could be a very unpleasant, painful trip to the vet.
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Photo Credit: Derek Bridges Flickr via Wunderstock (license)
“Nylabone” by simonov is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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Disclaimer
All information in the article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace your veterinarian’s advice.