Dogs chew. It's what they do. Pups are always begging for a bone. If you're like most people, you probably give in and let them chew on a Nylon bone from time to time.

Nylon bones are a popular dog chew toy, but are they safe for puppies and dogs? Let's take a closer look at this popular chew toy to see if it is safe for our furry friends!

What are Nylon Bones and what do they do for dogs and puppies?

Nylon Bone is a term used for a hard, generally non-edible plastic toy. They are designed to help dogs and puppies stay active and entertained. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there's sure to be one that's perfect for your pet. They are also usually made from tough yet flexible materials that are built to withstand even the most vigorous chewers.

They are made from Nylon - synthetic polymers composed of polyamides (repeating units linked by amide links). Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from petroleum, that can be melt-processed into fibers, films, or shapes. Some are also made  of rubber or plastic.

These toys have several different types and flavors, shapes, sizes, and textures for every kind of dog and chewing strength.

Are Nylon Bones safe for dogs and puppies to chew on?  

Because the word 'bone' is in its name, many pet parents mistakenly believe that these can be eaten. Nylon bones are great for playing with but not safe to eat. Pups may try to take a bite out of it but know that these bones are meant for fun - not dinner. Keep your pup safe (and well fed) by keeping their Nylon bones out of reach when it's mealtime.

If ingested, they can cause choking or blockages so prompt action is essential. If your pup had ingested any part of the bone, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

There are, however, edible Nylon bone treats and edible dental chews in the market.

You can avoid mistaking a Nylon bone for an edible item by carefully checking the material section of any products before you buy them. Online retailers like Amazon list "nylon" or plastic," so taking this into account will help prevent confusion. Also make sure you select the right Nylon bone for your dog’s size, age, and needs.

How to buy safe Nylon bones:

• Pick a chew toy that matches your dog's chewing habits
• Choose the right size chew toy (they should be too big to swallow)
• Consider texture and hardness of the chew toy (or how easy it is to destruct)

Nylon bones can be great for puppies too but there's a few things to keep in mind when picking the perfect size. First off all you'll want him playing with something big enough to not fit into his cavity where food or anything could get stuck inside. Make sure whatever chew toy you pick will last longer than a few bites bite by choosing heavier duty materials.

How can you make sure your dog or puppy is using a Nylon bone safely? Check out 3 tips we’ve outline below to know. 

Nylon bone Safety Tips

1) Check the Nylon bones regularly

It’s a good idea to check your dog's Nylon bone after each use. While that may sound like we're being pedantic, regularly inspecting the chew toy will let you quickly catch if any pieces have been broken off and when it needs replacing because of wear-and tear. Replace as needed.

2) Supervise during chew time

Always make sure you’re nearby in case something breaks off. If a piece does break off,  move it out of the way so that they don't present an accident risk or choking hazard. 

2) Store Nylon bones properly

For the ones made of plastic, when they are left out in the sun, they melt. Plastics release toxic chemicals which could be dangerous to your pup. Store them away properly, preferably out of reach of your dog.

Nylon bones are safe if used under the proper supervision.

Nylon bones are a popular type of chew toy for dogs, but some people may be concerned about their safety. Technically, they are not completely safe since there are always risks.

Nylon bones are no more dangerous than other chew toys when used under the proper supervision, but they are most definitely not to be ingested. 

If you’re looking for dog chew alternatives, check out 5 Vet-Recommended Dog Chews [and 2 That Are Bad].

One that has all the benefits of safe dog bones is BetterBone. The BetterBone ORIGINAL Version is the new standard in safety, sustainability, and enjoyment for your dog! Made from two all-natural, and 100% sustainable ingredients, the BetterBone helps to promote dental hygiene through our unique trident-shaped design, all while being non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and non-splintering.