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"Dog chews can help dogs from anxiety"- Myth or fact? Lets find out in this article!

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Almost everyone by now knows chewing is a natural instinct among dogs. Dogs chew on stuff for many reasons, like boredom, teething pains, and hunger.

Among those, anxiety is also a big reason why dogs display destructive chewing behavior. As dog chew manufacturers, we get a lot of queries regarding whether giving dogs chewing toys or treats helps them with anxiety.

In short, yes, dog chews certainly help in curbing dogs' anxiety. But how? And are these chews the be-all and end-all for dog anxiety?

Types of Dog Anxiety

Let's start at the beginning. What kind of anxieties do dogs have?

Dogs generally face four types of anxiety - separation anxiety, rescue/shelter anxiety, anxiety triggered by environmental factors, and illness-induced anxiety.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety, which seems to be the most severe anxiety-related problem among dogs, are behavioral issue dogs have when they are away from their guardians. This happens when the guardians leave or prepare to leave and is most extreme when nobody is around them.

Rescue/Shelter Anxiety

Rescue/shelter anxiety is when dogs feel scared and uneasy at a new home after being rescued. Emotional abandonment and trauma they face before and during their time at the shelter cause this.

Environmental Anxiety

Environmental factors like loud noises and startling movements also trigger anxiety in dogs. This is because they do not know where the noise or the movement originates and if they are harmful.

Illness-induced Anxiety

And finally, illness-induced anxiety, as the name suggests, is anxiety triggered when dogs are sick. Health issues like Hypothyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis, Pre-diabetes, and hearing and vision loss cause unease in dogs.

Other than these, dogs can also have generalized anxiety, which means the triggers for those can not be determined.

Destructive Chewing as a Result of Anxiety

While chewing is a natural behavior among dogs that they use to explore the world around them, destructive chewing, on the other hand, is not natural.

What is Destructive Chewing?

Destructive chewing is when dogs munch on things they are not meant to munch on and, as a result, destroy them. This can be your shoes, electrical wires, or even doors and furniture.

Whatever the object may be, out-of-control chewing is one of the signs that your dog may have some issues. Of course, it could always just be your puppy teething or hungry, but it could also be a symptom of anxiety.
Taro chewing on a roll of toilet paper. By Taro the Shiba Inu, under Creative Commons License.
Separation anxiety tends to trigger the most destructive chewing behavior in dogs. For example, dogs with separation anxiety might chew on door frames, furniture, fabric, or anything else they might find around the house.

They do this either to release their frustration about being away from their guardians or to find an escape route from the place they are trapped in without human presence.

In any case, these acts might result in mouth and teeth-related injuries. So, it is in the best interest of both the animal and the parents to curb these harmful behaviors.

How Dog Chews Help with Dog Anxiety

Dog anxiety and destructive chewing have many solutions, and providing them with dog chews is one of them. However, it is not as straightforward as it sounds.

It is common knowledge that chewing helps release endorphins, or "happy" hormones, in dogs. It helps relieve stress and soothe them - it acts as a sort of self-medication.

Dog chews, like our Tibetan Dog Chews, provide dogs with great objects to gnaw on. But dog chews are helpful only in cases of mild anxiety.

Only Helpful for Mild Anxiety

For mild anxiety, dog chews are useful as part of a wider counterconditioning treatment. This is a process of getting dogs used to being alone and teaching them to associate alone time or time away from their guardians with good things.

Over time, dogs adapt to being alone and associate things they love, like dog chews, puzzle toy filled with food, or their favorite treats, with loneliness. It is better to provide them with low-fat content food so they do not develop other health issues while already dealing with anxiety.

Tibetan Dog Chews are an excellent choice for this as they are yak cheese chew sticks with very low-fat content. They are also a better choice because of their long-lasting nature, thus providing them with something to gnaw at for hours.

They are edible and thus pose little risk of dogs inhaling something they should not. Additional benefits include their texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Dog anxiety is a serious issue among many dog parents, and in many cases, it goes unnoticed for a long time. Recognizing and treating this behavioral issue will make your and the dogs' lives a lot better.

Providing dog chews can be a good start to treating anxiety if you recognize behavioral changes in your puppers.

Whether edible or non-edible, dog chews, toys, and treats play a vital role in helping dog parents and their anxiety-stricken fur-babies. However, they are only an important cog in the bigger machine that is the treatment of anxiety in dogs. They are not a solution on their own.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our blog regarding what foods dogs can and cannot eat.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

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Almost everyone by now knows chewing is a natural instinct among dogs. Dogs chew on stuff for many reasons, like boredom, teething pains, and hunger. Among those, anxiety is also a big reason why dogs display destructive chewing behavior. As dog chew manufacturers, we get a lot of queries regarding whether giving dogs chewing toys or treats helps them with anxiety.

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What Can Dogs Eat and What They Cannot — A List of 50+ Items

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What Can Dogs Eat and What They Cannot — A List of 50+ Items

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If you are a dog owner and are wondering what food you should feed to your dog, then here's the list of 50+ food items that you should feed your dog or avoid them!

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33 Things Dogs Can Eat and 19 They Should Avoid

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Worried about What Human Food Is Good for Dogs? Here’s a List of 52 Food Items and If They Are Safe for Your Pooch to Eat.

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What Are the Best Chews for Dogs? — A Dog Parent’s Guide

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What Are the Best Chews for Dogs? — A Dog Parent’s Guide

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Here are some of the best chewing alternatives for your dogs other than furniture, shoes, cable and many more!

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Dog chews, like healthy dog food or treats, are essential to dog parenting. They are necessary for both your and your dog's good life.

These chews can help solve many problems, such as boredom, anxiety, oral health issues, and destructive chewing.

However, one bad choice and this solution can become a problem itself!

Choosing the safest or the best dog chew for your pooch can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many things and types of chews to consider.

This blog makes it easier for you to make an informed decision.
Note: You should always supervise your dogs after you give them dog chews. Every kind of dog chews mentioned here can be choking hazards. We recommend you keep an eye over your dog for the entire duration they are gnawing on their favorite chews.
How to Choose the Best Dog Chews:

Here is a list of things you should keep in mind when choosing the best chews for your dogs:

Age is a significant factor to pay attention to when choosing the right dog chews for your pup.

If your dog is small and teething, you can pick a dog chew that is relatively soft and small. This will satisfy their chewing demands and provide comfort in painful teething while not being so tough as to break their teeth.

If you have an adult or a senior dog, you might be better off getting them something harder and more long-lasting.

Hardness of the chew is critical to consider when picking a dog chew. Your dog's age, as well as their chewing tendencies, will determine how tough a dog chew you should select.

But you can use the following tests to determine if the dog chew is too hard for your dog:

Press the dog chew with your thumbnail. If it does not show any sign of indentation or marks, then it is probably too hard for your dog. Avoid these chews to prevent any teeth injuries.

Try to hammer a nail through the dog chew. If the nail does not go through, you can assume it is too hard for your pooch.

Pick up the dog chew and hit your knee with it. Did it hurt? If yes, it is probably too hard for your dog.

Durability

The best dog chews are the ones that last a long time. You should check its reviews to know what other dog parents are saying about its durability.

Long-lasting chews are great both for you and your dog - they are easier on your wallet and provide your dogs with stimulation for longer.

Size and Shape

The size of the dog chews are always vital to consider when choosing them. As a rule of thumb, always get a dog chew slightly bigger than your dog's mouth - this reduces the chances of it becoming a choking hazard.

Similarly, shape, too, determines whether a dog chew is good or not. Stick-shaped and ball-shaped dog chews seem to be the favorites - dogs can hold them easily.

Ingredients

Consider the following tips regarding ingredients when picking a dog chew:

Look for natural, limited-ingredient dog chews

Avoid chews with coatings and artificial flavorings - they are toxic to dogs

Look for an FDA-approved chew

Avoid chews with non-digestible ingredients like nylon and other synthetic materials

Chewing Habits and Tendencies

Different dogs have different chewing habits and tendencies. We can break them down into a few categories:

Further, dogs' chewing tendencies can be broken down into three more categories:

Common Dog Chews - How Good are They?

What are Rawhide Chews?

Rawhide dog chews are chews (often) made from the leftovers of the leather industry. While the outside skin of animals is used to make leather products, the inside skin is used to make rawhides.

Most hides are taken from the floors at slaughterhouses. Then, they are placed in high-salt brines to slow down their decay.

After this, they are treated with lime, and the animal hair is removed with chemicals.

Is Rawhide Safe for Dogs?

We use the words 'often' and 'most' in the above text because not all rawhides are the same.

While most rawhide chews are first made in China and later arrive in the US for further preparation, a few rawhide products are designed and prepared to be easily digestible.

Bully Sticks

What are Bully Sticks?

Bully sticks are popular dog chews. They are made from bull penises.

This makes bully sticks a . As a result, they are usually free from additives - the manufacturing process includes single-ingredient product sourcing, cooking, and air-drying.

Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs?

Yes, bully sticks are generally safe for dogs. As they are edible and have no additives, dogs rarely show signs of distress after having this chew.

They also tend to be low in carbohydrates and fat.

What are Antlers/Antler Chews?

Naturally sourced antlers, like our Tibetan Antlers, tend to be rich in calcium and thus can be a good source of nutrients for your pooch. These are hard, long-lasting, come in various sizes, and are a good bang for the buck product.

Are Antlers Safe for Dogs?

As with everything else in this list, antlers are generally safe. However, you should consider one thing before buying your dog antlers.

Low-quality antlers might chip and splinter while your pup chews on them. That could cause mouth injuries.

Yak Cheese Dog Chews

What are Yak Cheese Dog Chews?

Yak cheese chews, like our Tibetan Dog Chews, are limited-ingredient hard cheese made from yak and cow milk. These are sourced from the Himalayan region of Nepal.

These chews contain no preservatives or artificial flavorings, thus making for an excellent choice of edible dog chews for your four-legged companions.

Cheese dog chew sticks are also rich in protein and low in fat.
Read more: How Are Yak Cheese Dog Chews Made?
Are Yak Cheese Chews Safe for Dogs?

Yes, yak cheese dog chews are safe for canine consumption as they have no additives. But, they too pose choking hazards like other dog chews.

However, unlike other chews, the smaller pieces can be puffed up in the microwave to turn them into crunchy treats, like our Tibetan Crunchy Cheese Puffs.

Tendons and other Animal Parts

Animal parts, such as tendons, trachea, pig and rabbit ears, and fish skin, are made into edible dog chews. Tendons are low in fat and high in protein, whereas the trachea (a softer chew) is rich in glucosamine, which is better for dogs with joint issues.

As for fish skin, they are shaped into rolls or bones and are usually rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Are Tendons and other Animal Parts Safe for Dogs?

Human-made Edible Bones/Dental Chews

What are Human-made Edible Bones and Dental Chews?

Human-made edible bones, often known as dental chews, are human-designed chews for dogs' oral cleanliness.

Are Human-made Edible Bones Safe for Dogs?

Yes, dental chews are safe for dogs. However, please pay attention to the ingredients - choose a dental dog chew with digestible and natural ingredients.

Synthetic Dog Toys

What are Synthetic Dog Toys?

Synthetic dog toys and dog chews are two different kinds of products. Synthetic dog toys are usually non-edible, whereas dog chews are edible.

These toys are made from non-edible materials like plastic, rubber, and fabric. Its types are: rubber chews, rope tug toys, plastic toys, etc.
A Dachshund chewing on a blue colored plastic dog chew toy
Tennis balls, a universal favorite, too, fall under this category.

Are Synthetic Toys Safe for Dogs?

The safety of these non-edible dog chew toys depend upon the materials they are made from. Many toys have coatings and colorings, which wear off over time and can be toxic to dogs.

Similarly, poorly built toys can break into smaller pieces and become choking hazards.

Conclusion

Not all dog chews are made the same. Choosing the best chew for your dog can make a drastic impact on their health and well-being, and yours, too.

While making your decision, pay special care to the ingredients used and whether they are natural. Also, look for the ones that will last the longest.

If you liked this post, consider sharing it with fellow dog parents.

For more insights on dog health, read our comprehensive list of items dogs can and cannot eat or know about how dog chews might help with dog anxiety.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Chews for Dogs

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Dog chews, like healthy dog food or treats, are essential to dog parenting. They are necessary for both your and your dog's good life. These chews can help solve many problems, such as boredom, anxiety, oral health issues, and destructive chewing. However, one bad choice and this solution can become a problem itself!

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Here is the list of some of the best organic cheese chews for your dog!

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Tibetan Dog Chew is a long-lasting yak cheese dog chew for your fur-babies. Browse selections of healthy dog treats in varying sizes for dogs of every kind.

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Dog Parents Guide — The Essentials Every Dog Parent Should Know

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Dog Parents Guide — The Essentials Every Dog Parent Should Know

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Here are some tips to know that will help you become an excellent pet parent!

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Getting or having a dog is one of the most exciting parts of many people's lives. Dogs are a great source of happiness, entertainment, and satisfaction for many dog parents.

But are you treating your dog right? Are you doing dog parenting the way you are supposed to?

Many dog parents, new and old, are concerned about their pet parenting styles, and whether their fur babies are getting the best treatment they can provide.

We understand having dogs can sometimes be overwhelming. But fret not!

This dog parents guide will help you every step of the way in making sure you are doing dog parenting the best you can.

We begin with things to do before you get a dog. Then we move on to the things you should pay attention to after you welcome your dog into your home.

Things to Do BEFORE You Get a Dog:

1. How to Choose the Right Dog Breed

Many factors come into consideration while choosing the right dog for you. You have to consider their size, activity level, age, history (in case of older shelter adoptions), and training requirements. These vary from breed to breed.

Similarly, you also have to consider the size of your home, your family members' preferences, and the layout of your house.

2. Preparing Your Home

As a new dog parent, you must ensure everything is in place before your dog enters your home. These include basic things like a cozy bed, leash, harness, and a collar with their name on it.

Other things to get would be food and water bowls, good quality dog food suitable for your breed, toys, treats, and grooming supplies.

But preparing your home includes more than just getting things. It also entails getting rid of a few things.

Household items like plants toxic for dogs, cleaning agents, detergents, toxic food items, etc., should be kept at places out of the dog's reach.

3. Training and Schedules Discussion

Training is essential for dogs' and dog parents' healthy lives. However, training activities and intensity should be set according to how compliant your dog's breed is.

Basic things like toilet training, housetraining, and command training should be a priority for any dog.

After these are decided, fix a schedule. If you live with your family, discuss and include them in the plan and determine who does what.

4. Find a Good Vet

Every dog, young or senior, new or old, deserves good healthcare. As a dog parent, you, too, should aspire to provide your pup with the best care possible.

To that end, locate a good vet in your area and make them your go-to dog advisor. The vet will also help you set up your house and training schedules.

Here are some tips when choosing a vet:

Make an in-person visit to the vet's practice to check location, cleanliness

Check for online reviews of the vet and clinic if available

Observe how they connect with your dog and if your pooch feels comfortable with them

Get recommendations from other dog parents around you

Check the pricing

Things to Keep In Mind AFTER You Bring Your Dog Home:

Behavior and Training

5. First Day with Your New Dog

Dogs suffer from anxiety in new environments, just like humans. So, when you first bring your dog home, have everyone they will be living with around. Then, on a leash, let your pooch explore and approach everyone there, as this is better than each human approaching the dog.

With each new interaction, provide treats for positive reinforcement. Also, watch out for signs of aggression and distress - wagging tails are good, still tails are not.

Take a similar approach in introducing your new dog to other pets, if you have any, and exploring the rest of the house.

6. Socialization

Socialization in dogs means learning how to behave around family members, strangers, and other animals. It is a necessary part of dog parenting and applies both to puppies and older dogs.

Socialization includes familiarizing your dog with different social situations (traveling, visiting other people's homes) and environmental conditions (noises, smells, tastes, and other pets).

It would be best if you also got them to be comfortable when being petted by strangers - this will help with visits to the vet and groomers.

7. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement training instills good habits in your dog through rewards for good behavior. This can include giving them treats, verbal praise, or petting.

With time and enough repetition, your dog will start linking good behaviors with rewards. This process will take time, so have patience.

However, positive reinforcement does not mean punishment for destructive behaviors. Punishment would be counter-productive to positive reinforcement.

8. Begin Training as Soon as Your Dog Enters the House

A new dog's training should begin the moment they enter your home. You must start teaching your new dog the dos and don'ts as soon as they enter your home through voice commands and other reward mechanisms.

Your new pooch has to understand that they are in a loving environment. But, you should also make it clear that you are the leader and they are the follower - this helps in teaching obedience.

For obedience training, use these tips:

Do not let them sleep with you in your bed. Instead, provide them with their own cozy place to retreat to for comfort and safety.

Do not reward unwanted behavior.

Seek puppy or dog training classes if needed.

9. Housetraining

Housetraining (or toilet training) entails teaching your dog how and where to do their deeds. This entails picking a spot for them to do their deeds.

The success of housetraining depends on repetition, consistency, and rewards.

Be patient, and when mistakes happen, do not punish them. Instead, take them to the designated spot, let them continue, and reward them afterward.

If you did not catch them in the act, clean the waste and ensure the place does not smell like their waste. Only the designated area should smell like it, so your dog understands where to go.

10. Crate Training

Crate training is not a must, but it is highly recommended. It is a way of training your puppy or senior dog where to stay when left unsupervised.

Crate training also teaches your dog to "hold it" until you come back, thus leading to less mess.

Here are some tips for crate training:

Pick a crate that's neither too big nor too small

Pick a quiet place in the house to place the crate

Ignore inappropriate behavior

Be observant and consistent in your training

Never use the crate to punish your dog or lock them in

11. Training Your Dog to Come Back

Recall skills is one of the most valuable skills to teach your dog. It allows them more freedom and gives you, their guardian, more peace of mind.

But how do you teach your dog to return when you call them?

Here are some steps for recall training:

Introduce your dog to the sound you will use for recall

Gradually increase distance

Add distractions like noise and toys

Use high-value rewards like tasty treats or their favorite toys

Be consistent and reward generously

Don't associate recall with negative consequences (like putting them on a leash or immediately leaving for home)

Separation Anxiety

12. Avoid Prolonged Isolation

Separation anxiety is a major issue among dogs, especially in puppies and new dogs. It is a distress dog shows when they are left alone and unable to comfort themselves.

Being left alone for a long time away from their parents causes separation anxiety. To avoid this and other issues like destructive chewing and depression, try not to leave your new dog alone for a long time.

13. Provide Things to Chew On

If you have to leave your dog on its own, use dog chew toys and treats to keep their mind engaged. Chewing on dog toys and edible dog treats, like our Tibetan Dog Chews, seem to have a soothing effect on dogs. It can help curb separation anxiety and destructive chewing.
In detail: How Dog Chews Help with Dog Anxiety
Nutrition

14. Fix a Feeding Schedule

A feeding schedule is one of the first things you should decide after getting a dog. Your vet, too, might guide you through this decision.

Puppies are generally recommended three meals a day; adult and senior dogs are to be fed twice daily.
A girl feeding a dog in a steel bowl
If you adopted your dog from a shelter and plan on feeding them different food than what they ate before, make the transition as smooth as possible. Slowly increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food. This helps avoid stomach issues.

15. How to Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

Choosing the right food for your dog can be an overwhelming task because of all the choices out there. But it does not have to be.

Here are some tips to help you choose a good dog food:

Look for the AAFCO statement under the ingredients list

Do not dwell on the ingredients; instead, research the manufacturer and decide

Consult your vet about age and breed-specific food needs

Pay attention to these factors: grain-free diets, raw meat-based diets, vegan and vegetarian diets, and calorie count

16. Treats

Treats are another essential in a dog's day-to-day life. You can choose between manufactured dog treats (biscuits and our Tibetan Crunchy Cheese Puffs) or natural treats like carrots, apples, bananas, cucumbers, strawberries, etc.

You should use treats for training and positive reinforcement. However, if you are using manufactured treats, use them sparingly and make sure they do not disturb your dog's calorie intake.

17. Food Dangers

As with humans, many foods are dangerous to dogs. Some items are choking hazards, some cause digestive disruptions, and some are toxic.

Raw meat, chocolates, grapes, onions, and garlic are some of the most common foods toxic to dogs. Please read our detailed blog to learn about other items dogs can eat and what they cannot.
In depth: 33 Things Dogs Can Eat and 19 They Should Avoid
Exercise

18. Exercise for Puppies

While puppies have a lot of energy, they do not have the same stamina levels. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balance in activity while exercising a new puppy.

Use these tips to start puppy exercise:

Start with shorter play sessions and increase the length over time

Be careful of their safety

Mind the puppy's breed, as different breeds have different exercise requirements

Ensure you are the one initiating exercise and not your dog; this prevents them from being overdemanding and hyperactive

19. Exercise for Adult Dogs

For adult dogs, exercise requirements depend heavily on their breed and the lifestyle they are accustomed to. For example, flat-faced breeds and giant breeds require less exercise than sporting, herding, and working breeds of dogs.

However, as a general rule, you can allow adult dogs around 30 minutes of playtime each day.

20. Exercise for Senior Dogs

Dog parents must be more careful about senior dogs as they have unique exercise needs. Old dogs need exercise each day for a long and healthy life.

But, as they have less stamina than younger dogs, their playtime has to be divided into shorter periods throughout the day. You should also engage them in low-impact activities and monitor their weight over time.

Wellness

21. Mental Stimulation

Like physical exercise, mental stimulation can also help dogs maintain good health. Spending mental energy on beneficial activities results in a happy dog.

Further, it also helps prevent them from engaging in undesirable activities like destructive chewing and anxiety.

Invest in good quality chew toys and treats to keep your dog mentally stimulated. You can also engage them in obedience and skills training.

22. Toys

Toys are essential for dogs as they help their teething, keep them occupied, and curb anxiety and depression. You can provide your dog with various kinds of toys - chew toys, tug toys, interactive toys, and comfort toys are some of them.

While getting toys for your dog, make sure to get a bunch. Then, when they get bored with one, replace it with another.

Keep in mind that not all dog toys are made equal. There can be issues such as the color wearing off, toys breaking into smaller pieces, and choking hazards. Some dog chew toys like rawhide chews and bully sticks can even cause digestive issues.

Try our long-lasting yak cheese dog chews and antlers if you prefer an edible alternative to these toys.

23. Grooming, Nail Trimming, and Ear Cleaning

All dogs deserve to look and feel their best. And for that, grooming is essential.

How often your dog might need grooming will depend on their breed. For instance, breeds with longer or tangled fur require more frequent bathing and brushing than breeds with shorter hair.

The grooming frequency will also depend on how outdoorsy your dog is.

While bathing your dog, only use made-for-dogs shampoo. Please do not use a shampoo made for humans, as it can cause skin irritation and a host of other issues.

In dogs, nail trimming is usually done in 4-6 weeks. You can use either nail clippers or nail grinders, depending on which one your dog prefers more.

Ear cleaning, too, is essential as a dirty ear canal can lead to many health issues like hearing loss and pain. Use a cotton ball to clean your pets' ears, and only use medically-approved cleaning solutions if you have to.

24. Wellness Care Schedule

Setting a schedule for your dog's grooming, nail trimming, and ear cleaning is the best way to ensure their overall health.

For the first time, it might be better to go to a professional dog groomer who will provide tips on grooming your dog at home.

Medical care

25. Vaccinations and Preventatives

Vaccinations are important for dogs to keep their immune system strong and active. They are vital to puppies, senior dogs, and immuno-compromised dogs.

There are two types of dog vaccines:

Similarly, preventatives are medications dogs should regularly take to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Please consult your vet about vaccinations, preventatives, and schedules as soon as you welcome your dog into your home.

26. Spaying and Neutering

Spaying/neutering your dog can help with many things, like controlling the population of homeless pets, reducing health risks such as cancer, and your dog's behavior.

While most dog spays and neuters are done within six and nine months of age, you will be better off consulting your vet about it.

27. Dental Health

Dogs, too, suffer from dental diseases like tartar and plaque buildup. Over time, these buildups lead to pain, inflammation, and tooth decay.
A border collie holding a toothbrush in their mouth.
To prevent these, you should brush your dog's teeth regularly, preferably daily. You can also use products like our yak cheese dog chews, as these, too, can prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

As for the toothpaste, you should use pet-specific toothpaste as they do not contain artificial sweeteners.

28. Microchipping and Pet Insurance

Microchipping is a great way to increase the likelihood of reuniting with your dog in case they ever get lost. They are more foolproof than collars or ID tags.

The only thing to remember is to keep the microchip record up to date with your latest contact information if you move often.

As for pet insurance, it is a personal decision. However, pet insurance can save you thousands in medical costs if your dog gets sick.

Common Problems and Seeking Help

29. Common Problems

As dogs are curious animals, they will inevitably ingest something inappropriate. In these times, they might show some signs of distress.

Some distress signals are:

30. Seeking Help

While it might not be a severe issue every time something like this happens, it is always better to be safe. Therefore, if your dog displays any of these symptoms, consult your vet immediately.

Conclusion

Dog care is a big responsibility. If not handled well, it can cause you and your dog much distress. Being aware about the above-mentioned subjects will go a long way in ensuring the best life for your dogs.

We hope this guide helps you get a good start on your dog parenting journey. If you like this dog parent guide, share it with your family and friends to spread awareness about this important subject.

Stay tuned to our blogs for more in-depth articles on dog parenting.

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Ultimate Dog Parents Guide - 30 Tips For Better Dog Parenting

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Getting or having a dog is one of the most exciting parts of many people's lives. Dogs are a great source of happiness, entertainment, and satisfaction for many dog parents. But are you treating your dog right? Are you doing dog parenting the way you are supposed to?

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If you are a pet parent, you might have come across cheese dog chews to keep your dogs busy and maintain their dental health. But do you know how they are actually made? Lets find out!

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Are you a new dog parent, and have you been googling a solution to your dog chewing up your favorite shoe? Or the edges of that furniture you so desperately want to preserve?

Or are you a seasoned dog owner who has been exploring new dog treats to give to your dog?

If you fall into any of these groups or anywhere in between, you must have come across a product called yak cheese dog chews during your internet surfing. Or you might be reading this blog because you recognize our product, Tibetan Dog Chews, or have been giving it to your dog.

If you are familiar with this kind of dog treat, you might know a few details about how they are made. But what you might not know is the entire process, from start to finish, in excruciating detail.

We, Mount Tibet Corporation, have been manufacturing dog chews for a decade. We know quite a bit about how yak cheese dog chews, or as they are known in Nepal, Chhurpis, are made.

So here is the journey our Tibetan Dog Chews go through.

The Ingredients in Tibetan Dog Chew

It all starts with milk, the main ingredient in our chew sticks.

We collect milk from farmers all over Nepal's higher-altitude hilly and mountainous regions, especially in the district of Ilam. The milk we collect is mainly of Nak (female Yak) and Chhauri (a cross between Yak and local cow).

Why Yak milk is special

This milk is thicker and more delicious than regular cow or buffalo milk because of one significant factor - the special grass the chhauri graze on.
Yaks in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
The chhauri in this area graze on 'buggi,' a unique kind of grass that only grows at an altitude of 3,500 to 4,000 meters. Grazing on this nutrient-rich grass allows chhauri to maintain weight even in the harshest winters.

The farmers here raise their chhauri and graze them in these numbingly cold pastures for several months each year. They live with their cattle and do not see their families for months on end.

The Centuries-Old Preparation Method

After the milk collection is complete, it is time to pasteurize them. This is where the centuries-old traditional Tibetan method of preparing yak chews begins.

Boiling and coagulation

The collected milk is boiled at 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to one hour. This constant heat separates the cream and the fat from the milk.

The cream and fat are separated upon completion, and the remaining milk is used for making our dog chews.

After cooling down, the skimmed milk is boiled again, but this time, a bit of whey is added to the milk. Lime and salt are also added to the mixture.

Whey and lime help coagulate the milk, whereas salt helps quicken the process and preserve the milk. Salt reduces water activity in milk, which in turn helps microbial growth and promotes preservation and safety. It also positively affects the flavor, aroma, and texture of the dog chews.

With these additions and a slow stir, cheese curds start showing up almost immediately. The solid chunks of cheese are then strained out and collected in cotton bags.

This is where the dog chews start taking their shape. The bags of cheese are piled up and put under heavy blocks for about 24 hours to squeeze out the excess moisture. They solidify quickly with almost all the water squeezed out.

These dried blocks of cheese are then left to ferment for a few days, further enhancing the treats' flavor. They are also turned over a couple of times and left to dry for 15-20 days.

Immediate drying helps prevent mold and other kinds of fungus development.

Ripening and smoking the chews

The final step in preparing our cheese treats is the ripening or aging of the chews.

After fermentation, the big blocks of dog chews are cut into smaller pieces suitable for various dog sizes. Tibetan Dog Chews are cut into five different sizes - Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Jumbo.

Then, the sticks are smoked or ripened on grills at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit to get the desired hardness, texture, and aroma.

How long the sticks are smoked depends on what kind of flavor and aroma you desire. They are smoked for anywhere between 12 days to three months.

The more you smoke these cheese sticks, the better the flavor gets and the less moisture it has. After smoking, the products are further dried at room temperature for around a month.

On average, a stick has only 14% max moisture but over 50% protein and 0.9% crude fat. The low fat and high protein content are what make Tibetan Dog Chews a healthy treat for your dog to chew.

The Final Stages - Export and Packaging

After the treats go through the process mentioned above, they are ready for export and packaging. The first step in this is to bring them to our warehouses.

There, they are inspected for quality, sorted according to size, and packaged for export.
Dog enjoying Tibetan Dog Chew
Upon arriving in the US, the chews are put through another round of quality checks and packaged in our well-liked packaging. After this, it is just a matter of you ordering these for your pooch to enjoy.

Shrestha S R, Pradhananga M L, Das S K L. Utilization of milk by-product (Buttermilk) in the preparation of Chhurpi and its quality evaluation. STCJ 2015;2(1):1-6

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Study on Market Promotion and Branding of Yak Cheese and Chhurpi for Export, RFP No.: NDDB/C/RFP/2078/079/02

Sharma, Khanal, Pradhan & Bansal, Cheese: Importance and Introduction to Basic Technologies, J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 11(14 - 24), 2019

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How Are Yak Cheese Dog Chews Actually Made?

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Are you a new dog parent, and have you been googling a solution to your dog chewing up your favorite shoe? Or the edges of that furniture you so desperately want to preserve? Or are you a seasoned dog owner who has been exploring new dog treats to give to your dog?