Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Dog’s Chew Toys

Chew toys do more than entertain our furry friends. They reduce stress, support dental health, and redirect chewing away from shoes and furniture. Even the toughest toy has a lifespan, though. Worn materials can break apart, harbor bacteria, or create sharp edges that put your dog at risk. Regular toy checks keep playtime safe and fun, and they prevent small issues from turning into emergencies.

Think of inspection as part of your routine, like refilling their water bowl. While durability varies by brand and chewing style, visible and subtle signs will eventually appear. Here’s how to spot them early, why these signs matter, and when to act. When the time is right, replace your dog’s chew toys and keep your pup safe and happy.

Obvious Signs of Wear

Cracks or Tears

Surface cracks in rubber or plastic create weak points that split under pressure. Split seams on plush toys invite stuffing to spill out and tangle around teeth. Even a hairline fracture can become a jagged edge during a vigorous chew. Sharp bits can scrape gums or chip a tooth, and that risk climbs higher every time they chew the damaged toy again. Retire cracked or torn toys as soon as damage appears, especially if your dog is a strong chewer.

Missing Pieces

A missing ear, loose squeaker, or half-eaten knot signals trouble. Small parts can detach and slide down the throat during excited play. Broken chunks also change how the toy moves, which can lead to your dog chewing harder on the weakened area. That cycle speeds up failure and raises the chance of breakage. Replace toys that have lost parts or show gaps where components used to sit.

Excessive Fraying

Rope toys and fabric edges fray over time. Long strings can wrap around teeth, lodge between molars, or gather near the tongue. Strands that detach can collect in the stomach, creating a foreign body risk. Excessive fuzz on plush toys also mats with saliva, making deep cleaning difficult. Once fibers shed easily or create long tassels, move that toy out of rotation.

Subtle Signs You May Be Missing

Changes in Texture

While large cracks and missing pieces clearly indicate that it’s time to replace a toy, there are several subtle indicators that you may miss. For starters, a toy that was originally firm might soften with heat, drool, and constant pressure. Another might harden after repeated washing or sun exposure. Texture changes alter how the toy behaves in a dog’s mouth, which affects safety and enjoyment.

Too Soft

Rubber that once resisted teeth but now compresses like a sponge can tear without warning. Teeth can pierce and rip through the material, pulling off strips that look small and harmless. Dogs often swallow those strips while chewing, which can create digestive issues. If a formerly firm toy squishes with a pinch, it’s time to retire it.

Too Rough

Overly rough surfaces grind down enamel over time. Micro-abrasions on plastic or rubber can act like sandpaper, especially along raised textures designed for cleaning. Once the surface feels gritty or sharp, it’s no longer working as intended. Trade it out before dental wear becomes a problem.

Discoloration

Fading color alone isn’t always an issue, but blotchy staining can suggest material breakdown or trapped residue. Sun exposure can weaken some plastics, making them brittle. Persistent stains that return after a thorough wash signal deep absorption of fluids, meaning held odors and bacteria, and often correlate with structural fatigue.

Material Matters

Rubber and Plastic

High-quality rubber stands up well, especially for power chewers. Still, rubber ages under UV light, heat, and tooth pressure. Watch for whitening, cracking, or tacky spots. Hard plastics chip when stressed, creating sharp edges that scrape gums. Softer plastics can deform and thin. Choose replacements made from durable, non-toxic materials, and match firmness to your dog’s chewing strength.

Rope Toys

Natural cotton rope offers great tug options and a satisfying fibrous texture for many chewers. However, frayed, thinning sections indicate that those fibers are breaking down. Long strands can separate and pose a hazard if swallowed. Rotating rope toys and trimming loose ends helps, though frequent use still shortens their lifespan. When knots won’t hold or strings shed with a tug, it’s time to retire the rope.

Plush Toys

Plush toys shine for snuggling and gentle play. However, strong chewers can turn them into a snowstorm of stuffing within minutes. Reinforced seams extend life but won’t last forever. Once the squeaker shifts, stuffing leaks, or fabric pills, the toy becomes harder to sanitize and easier to shred. If your dog is a vigorous chewer, always supervise their play with stuffed toys.

Safety First

Choking Hazards

Any toy can become a choking risk when reduced to bite-sized pieces. Squeakers, bells, and plastic eyes are common culprits. A stuck fragment can block air or lodge behind molars. Make inspection a habit after every session, and remove toys that look close to failing. Toys should always be large enough that your dog can’t fit the entire item in their mouth.

Digestive Issues

Your vet will be quick to tell you how most of the concerns around dog toys have to do with risks to a dog’s digestive system. Strings from rope toys can bunch up, plastic shards can scrape and irritate on the way down, and rubber chunks may cause blockages that require urgent care. If you notice a change in behavior after heavy chewing, reach out to your veterinarian.

Bacteria Buildup

Moist toys invite bacteria and mold, especially when stored in dark bins. Plush and rope chews absorb saliva and don’t always dry between play sessions. Keep a cleaning schedule, and toss toys that don’t come clean after a thorough wash and rinse.

Choosing New Toys

So, what’s the next step after your pup decimates the chew toys it has now? When the old toys are done for, it’s time to bring in the next batch—newer, safer, and even more durable than the last!

Chewing style should be the start of your hunt for the next toy. Power chewers do best with sturdy rubber in the right firmness. Light chewers enjoy softer options, including plush and flexible materials, during supervised play. Size selection matters as much as material. A toy should fit comfortably across the back molars without disappearing into the mouth.

Age and dental health will also be factors. Puppies benefit from softer textures that soothe gums, while seniors may prefer gentler materials that protect worn teeth. Texture variety keeps interest high, which reduces destructive chewing elsewhere. You can also plan to rotate the incoming toys weekly—this gives individual items time to dry and keeps them exciting when you make them available again.

As you shop, you do want to prioritize durability, but the claims on the packaging are rarely a guarantee. Every dog chews differently and treats their toys differently. Match product ratings with your dog’s preferences and history with toys.

Shoppers in Bellingham have a trusted local resource for replacement chew toys that match their dog’s play style. Since 1921, Yeager’s Sporting Goods has helped families pick trustworthy pet chew toys. Shop online anytime or stop by in person, and we’ll help you choose durable, safe options your dog will love.

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy

Healthy chewing should be comforting, stimulating, and safe. Clear damage, subtle texture shifts, funky odors, and material fatigue all point toward a simple next step. When those signs show up, be sure to replace your dog’s chew toys before a small problem becomes a big one.