Best Cow Hooves for Dogs

Those canines won’t stay sparkly white on their own – dog’s teeth need to be cleaned to remove plaque and bacteria build-up. That means you need to pay special attention to their dental hygiene if you want to prevent oral disease and a myriad of other issues that come with it. It’s true that dogs have durable and healthy jaws for the most part, but if you neglect their health, the situation can become quite serious in no time. For many pet owners, dental treats and chew toys are the way to go when it comes to maintaining proper hygiene, as chewing can help clean tarter from their teeth. Additionally, chewing is something that dogs naturally enjoy doing, starting from their puppyhood.

Puppies with developing teeth have a need to chew on things in order to massage their gums and to relieve some of the pain that comes from developing teeth. As time progresses, this habit can remain even after the teeth fully emerge. Chewing is a way for a dog to combat boredom and anxiety, as well as relieve any accumulated stress. More often than not, though, the puppy chewing phase is a stressful time for the owner as your sofas, pillows, carpets and anything similar can get destroyed in no time if you fail to provide a proper outlet for them. Puppies (and some dogs) don’t discriminate with what they chew on, so having proper toys and treats to occupy them is essential.

Today we’re going in-depth about the popular dog treat that has a much more important role than a fun pastime – cow hooves! These natural treats are a great way to offer your puppy or adult dog something new and different to standard chewables, and something naturally attractive to them. By doing so, you can save your furniture from getting chewed up all the time, and not to mention your precious shoes. If your pet isn’t too big on the whole natural treat thing, no worries. Cow hooves also come in some unique variants with flavored fillings – bacon, kibble, peanut butter, chicken, beef and so on. These make hooves tasty treats that will also benefit the dental hygiene of your dog, strengthening their gums and teeth – the yummy filling will entice your pet even more in case they’re reluctant to chew on the hoof straight away. Either way, these treats are a great option to satisfy your pet’s need for chewing and to protect both their jaw and your furniture. Take a look at the best cow hooves for dogs on the market today and pick something nice for your four-legged bestie.

Are cow hooves safe for dogs?

Cow hooves are among the most natural treats you can get for your dog. As they’re a natural part of a cow, they have no toxic materials as is – and that alone makes them as safe as can be. Cow hooves are a natural, safe part of the animal, and have certain properties that make them tough, chewy and attractive to dogs. It’s worth noting that there are no chemicals in a cow hoof even when processed (if it’s from a trusted source). They’re a standard by-product of the meat industry and are carefully cleaned and baked before being placed on the market. On the other hand, the cow hooves with a tasty filling are safe as well, but you should still check the ingredients of the filling just to make sure they’re okay for your dog – it might be too many calories for your chubby doggo or something they’re allergic to.

When is it time to take the hoof away from my dog?

With that said, a cow hoof can be considered unsafe when it reaches the end of its use. This happens when it becomes so chewed up that it splinters and simply turns into a big old mess. These splintered parts can potentially become an issue for your pet, and be uncomfortable on the jaws or the gums in the best case scenario. When this happens, you should simply throw away the hoof and replace it with a new one. Never let your dog play with it when it becomes too splintered – it could lead to all kinds of trouble.

But how do you recognize that your pet’s dental hygiene is not up to par and that you need to make some changes to put things back on track? Well, while these things tend to occur late in their life, they can also affect middle-aged dogs, if you neglect their needs. One of the simplest indications that you can make some changes in your pet’s diet and oral hygiene is bad breath. Some dogs have a barely noticeable mouth odor, but those with bad hygiene will have a very strong and unpleasant smell. Bad diet and lack of stimulation of the teeth can be the first cause of this.

The next clear sign is reduced appetite or a straight out refusal to eat. While the loss of appetite has other indications as well, it can also mean that your pooch’s teeth or gums hurt, and something needs to be done. Of course, in these situations it’s imperative to consult your vet to eliminate other issues that could be affecting your pet’s appetite. The other signs of poor oral health can be a bit more obvious – a clear indication that your pup needs a visit to the dog dentist. Excessive drooling is also a clear sign something is off, as are bleeding gums, loose teeth, swelling on the gums around the teeth, as well as discoloration of the gums. Noticing any of these signs warrants a trip to the vet.

You can help prevent these issues with some smart steps that will benefit your pet’s oral hygiene and overall health. Some things you can do are similar to your own hygiene as well! Brushing your furry friend’s teeth can help greatly and it’s the foundation for great oral health. Plaque is accumulated on their teeth and it only takes around 48 hours for it to turn solid – so don’t forget to brush regularly. You can find great offers for toothbrushes and toothpastes designed specifically for dogs. The best option, of course, is to brush their teeth every day. But even if you can’t manage that, a few times a week will be good as well. They might not like it at first, but in time they’ll simply get used to it.

Another very important aspect – one that goes beyond dental hygiene – is good food. If you can, avoid giving low-quality food to your pet, or anything they really should not be eating. Low quality, dirt-cheap treats can also be bad, the same as sugar is for us. And last but not least, you can help by offering chewing toys and treats. Rubber, rope or natural toughness – like cow hooves – will withstand the pressure of your pooch’s jaws, and keep those gums and teeth stimulated, active and healthy.

While the benefits for your dog’s dental health are the main advantage of cow hooves, it’s not all they’re good for. Cow hooves with treats can also be a great source of proteins and vitamins and can be a pretty good distraction for bored pets. Giving them one of these tasty treats can keep them happily chewing for hours on end, giving you time to focus on your daily tasks. And of course, a cow hoof comes in handy if your pooch enjoys nibbling on furniture and anything similar. Replacing that tasty chair leg with an even tastier cow hoof can be a good way to train your pooch not to nibble on things not made for nibbling. With a bit of patience and some tasty treats, you can quickly train your pup to chew only on the things you provide.