[armymil]

Is it a bad idea to all the dog to chew on used car tires after cleaning them throughly?

I thought of setting up my backyard like a playground with the tires and some other cheap parts for them to run through and/or chew on.

My first thought is would he be attracted to tires on vehicles?

 

[Keechak]

there are acutally toys called "Tire Bitters" that are sold on the market that are made of recycled tires. I don't know how safe they are though.

 

[whomovedmybone.com]

I would think as long as they are not swallowing the pieces or chewing down to the steel belt its probably ok. Tires are mostly made of natural rubber like a lot of dog toys. Alas, I am not an expert on tire chemistry so maybe this is a question for your vet or local tire dealer? Seems like the biggest risk would be swallowing pieces of rubber which could lead to a backup.

 

[Smithcat]

Tires are made of many different materials which include sharp steel in the belts and beads, fiberglass in the belts and sidewalls, natural and synthetic rubbers, cloth, and many other compounds that are hazardous. Used/discarded/worn tires are actually listed as "hazardous waste" for the purposes of proper disposal, requiring special handling and disposal procedures.
I would not suggest it.

Source: 25 years as A.S.E. Certified Master Auto Technician, GM Certified Alignment and Driveability Technician.

 

[pamperedpups]

I knew someone who lost a Miniature Horse due to impaction from eating tiny bits of tire over time. With that in mind, I don't think I would want my dogs chewing on them at all...

 

[armymil]

Wow, thank you all so much. I will look at something else to fill my backyard.

 

[Keechak]

what do you guys think of the "Tire Bitters" brand?

 

[armymil]

It looks cool. I dont mind getting it but I was wanting to put some very large toys in my backyard to give my dog something to play with while getting some good exercise out of it. I had thought of tires and have seen dogs play with them in people's backyards but I am glad I learned how dangerous it could be from the mechanic and "pampered pups" above.

The other goal in mind was to find something say free so I didn't have to spend a lot and could get more as needed. Tires seemed to be easy because people toss them to the curb all the time.

Anyhow, Keechak, have any suggestions?

 

[Keechak]

you could get one of those horse sized "jolly balls" the ones with the handle

 

[armymil]

Already have one of dem. My dog loves it. I read in one of my books, I think "how to be your dogs best friend" by the monks in New York, that dogs like to have a dynamic backyard. They suggested setting up toys or poles, just anything really. That way the dog can stay busy for hours and not get bored. That was where my focus was.

 

[GottaLuvMutts]

what do you guys think of the "Tire Bitters" brand?

This was one of the first toys I bought. It was a favorite, but I had to take it away when it started falling apart. In general Kit isn't a destructive chewer (this is really the only toy she's destroyed, although she's getting close with a rubber squeaky ball now), so I won't be buying another Tire Biter.