Why Are Your Dogs Teeth Bleeding After Tug of War? Causes, Prevention, and Tips for Safe Play
If youâve noticed your dogs teeth bleeding after a game of tug of war, donât worryâthis is actually more common than you might think. The first time I saw blood on Jasperâs tug toy, I panicked, but it turns out there are several common reasons for this, such as friction, teething, or improper play. In this post, weâll dive into the causes of your dogâs teeth bleeding after tug of war, how to prevent it, and provide tips for safe and fun tug play that keeps your dogâs mouth healthy.
5 Common Causes of Dogs Teeth Bleeding After Tug of War
#1 – Friction
The number one cause of dogs mouth bleeding after tug of war is due to friction when playing. A lot of the time a little bit of bleeding isn’t anything serious.
#2 – Improper Play
A common cause for injury when playing tug is the dog grabbing at the handle which can be very dangerous and lead to accidents such as lost teeth.
#3 – Teething
If you have a puppy, a common cause for bleeding after tug of war is purely that the puppy is teething or hasn’t built those strong gums yet.
#4 – Texture of Toy
The texture of the toy could be an issue. You want to make sure that the toy you are using has been designed for tug firstly and also consider the texture, is it padded? You may consider something easier for puppies and older dogs.
#5 – Cuts and Scrapes
When playing tug, along with friction, having the toy in their mouth can cause and also irritate current cuts and scratches. Bits of debris are common to end up on the toy and then into your dogs mouth.
When To Be Worried?
As you can see there are plenty of common causes for dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war. Most of the time it is nothing to be worried about.
If you do notice persistent bleeding and what you’d consider to be significant amounts then going to the vet for a dental checkup is recommended.
Sometimes bleeding could be a sign of dental issues, even gum disease. Make sure that if you do spot any major issues to stop playing and wait to speak to the vet.
Is Tug of War Bad for Dogs?
Many dog owners wonder if tug of war is harmful to their dogâs teeth or behaviour. When done correctly, tug of war is not only safe but also a great way to burn off energy, provide physical exercise, and build a stronger bond between you and your dog. The key is in playing properly and knowing when to stop.
Tug of war helps satisfy your dogâs natural instincts to tug and pull, providing both mental and physical stimulation. As long as your dog understands the rules of play, such as stopping when told and not getting overly aggressive, itâs an incredibly beneficial activity. Monitoring your dogâs behaviour during play and using appropriate toys can ensure that tug of war remains a fun and safe game.
Prevention – Tips For Oral Hygiene
Teeth and gum are overlooked quite a lot when it comes to our dogs hygiene. This can cause plaque build up, bad breath and even gum disease.
Below are 3 quick oral hygiene tips to stay on top of your dogs dental health:
Brush Teeth Regularly
Now there might be a bit of controversy with this one but I don’t feel we need to brush our dogs teeth daily. I do recommend we brush them more regularly than we are though.
Many dog owners have very irregular dental practices for their dog which many could do with improving. Having a regular routine will be beneficial for your dog and their breath.
Regular Professional Clean and Check Ups
This one is pretty important. Just like us, a regular practice doesn’t cut it. We need to go to dentists for check ups and cleaning at periods during the year.
The same thing for our dogs, sometimes they too require a bit more of a thorough clean which we may not be equipped to do.
Dental Sticks and Chews
Along with a regular cleaning practice with a toothbrush, there are other ways we can help keep our dogs’ teeth clean at home very easily.
As mentioned previously the main villain of your dogs oral hygiene is plaque. Thankfully things like dental sticks, certain chews, apples, carrots and even toys can assist with maintenance of oral hygiene.
Prevention – Tips For Proper Play
Avoid The Handle
Firstly make sure your dog is avoiding the handle, for their safety and also yours, the last thing you want is getting nipped.
If you have a dog that constantly goes for the handle it could just be because the target area is bigger. Bunch up the handle and present the area you want the dog to bite and then praise and start the game from there.
Choosing a tug toy with a shorter handle is also highly recommended as it eliminates the problem.
Choose The Right Toy
As mentioned the game will cause a lot of friction and a lot of that depends on the material and choice of tug you go for.
Younger dogs or dogs newer to tug may need toys that are easier on the teeth. Seasoned tuggers and larger dogs will be able to get away with the more heavy duty ones.
Avoid Tugging Up and Down
When playing tug you want to avoid tugging up and down. By doing this you are causing stress on the neck area which can lead to long term issues.
In the game instead use a side to side motion OR a back and forth motion.
Be Able To Stop The Game
You need to be able to stop the game. It could get a bit heated, your dog may grab the handle or you need to reset and your dog keeps going for the tug.
Playing tug puts our dogs in a more âfranticâ state especially when it comes to games, they take those seriously. You need to make sure that you can stop the game when your dog starts to get a bit off topic.
Let Your Dog Win
It should go without saying but we need to make sure we are letting our dogs win a few times. Frustrations can arise if the dog doesn’t get the chance to win, the dog may even lose interest in the game.
Have fun with it, let your dog win, it’ll keep them coming back for more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can tug of war damage a dog’s teeth?
Yes, if not done correctly tug of war can cause issues. As long as you are playing properly with the right toy you will be fine.
Puppies and older dogs may be an exception and require a more gentle game.
- Is it normal for dogs’ gums to bleed when playing tug of war?
Yes, it’s pretty common for some dogs to experience bleeding during tug of war. This is caused by the friction and is most of the time never anything to worry about.
- Why is tug-of-war bad for dogs?
It isn’t! Tug of war is great for many dogs, a chance to lock into instinctual behaviour and also a great opportunity for exercise and bonding with the owner as well.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are many common reasons for a dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war and chances are it really isn’t anything to worry about. However, to prevent issues looking after your dogs oral hygiene and ensuring proper tug play will be beneficial.
