Introduction
Nylon bones have become an increasingly popular chew toy for dogs in recent years. Unlike natural bones or rawhide chews, nylon bones are made from durable synthetic materials that are designed to stand up to repeated chewing and biting from dogs.
Nylon bones are typically shaped like the bones dogs would naturally gnaw on but are made entirely of nylon or a nylon composite. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors to appeal to different dogs’ preferences.
Pet owners often choose nylon bones because they last longer than many edible chews and are more resilient than real bones. Nylon bones can provide dogs with enrichment and exercise for their natural chewing instinct while minimizing mess or damage compared to other tough chews.
Nylon Bone Construction
Nylon bones are made from nylon plastic polymers such as polyamides, which are linked together through amide bonds to form long chains. The most common type of nylon used is nylon 6-6, composed of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid (1).
To manufacture nylon bones, the nylon polymer pellets are first melted and injected into a mold to form the basic bone shape. The nylon is then cooled and the bone is popped out of the mold (1). Some additional steps may include adding flavoring, smoothing the surface, and adding texture to create interest for dogs. The bones may have some flexibility but are designed not to splinter or break off into large chunks (1) (2).
Nylon bones can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and flavors to appeal to different dogs’ preferences. The nylon material allows the bones to be resistant to cracking and fracture (2). Manufacturers aim to create a toy that cleans dog’s teeth and stands up to vigorous chewing.
Nylon Strength
Nylon is known for having high strength and durability. However, not all nylons have the same properties. Nylon bones are often made from nylon 6 or nylon 6-6, which refers to the monomers used to create the polymers.
Nylon 6-6 tends to have higher tensile strength and hardness compared to nylon 6. According to one study, the tensile strength of nylon 6-6 can reach up to 115 MPa, while nylon 6 is around 76 MPa [1]. The hardness of nylon 6-6 on the Rockwell scale is also higher at R119 compared to R110 for nylon 6.
In general, both types of nylon are considered durable polymers. However, factors like applied stress, environmental conditions, and material quality can impact the strength over time.
Dog Bite Force
The bite force refers to the amount of pressure a dog’s jaws can apply when biting down. Bite force varies greatly by breed and is measured using pounds per square inch (PSI). Studies have found that larger breeds tend to have the strongest bite forces, with some breeds able to exert over 700 PSI of pressure.
According to research, the top 5 dog breeds with the strongest bite force are:
- Kangal – 743 PSI
- American Bandogge – 730 PSI
- Cane Corso – 700 PSI
- Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 PSI
- Tosa Inu – 556 PSI
Other breeds with powerful bites include Rottweilers (328 PSI), German Shepherds (238 PSI), and American Pit Bull Terriers (235 PSI). Smaller breeds have less jaw strength, with breeds like Chihuahuas applying less than 100 PSI of pressure when biting.
A dog’s bite force is influenced by multiple factors including age, sex, head size, and individual traits like aggression. Proper training and socialization can help minimize a dog’s desire to bite.
Can Dogs Damage Nylon Bones?
Yes, dogs can damage and destroy nylon bones with their powerful jaws and teeth. Nylon is durable but not indestructible. Studies have found the bite force of dogs ranges from around 200 to 450 pounds per square inch (PSI) depending on their size and breed[1]. For comparison, the strength of nylon fibers typically ranges from around 20,000 to 25,000 PSI before breaking[2]. This means that while a dog likely can’t break a nylon fiber by biting it directly, its sharp teeth can puncture, tear, and fray nylon over time.
The thicker and denser a nylon bone, the more resistant it will be to damage. But no nylon bone is completely indestructible to a determined dog. With repeated and focused chewing, dogs can slowly damage and destroy components like the outer layer and internal parts of a nylon bone over time.
Factors That Increase Damage
Certain factors can increase the likelihood and severity of damage caused by dogs chewing on nylon bones. The most significant factors are dog size, breed, and chewing habits.
Larger dogs naturally have greater bite force, so they can apply more pressure and cause more damage when chewing aggressively on a nylon bone. Giant breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes are especially prone to destroying nylon bones quicker. Smaller dogs may still gnaw pieces off over time, but do not pose as much of an immediate risk.
Some breeds are notorious for their powerful jaws and intense chewing, which makes them more likely to break off large chunks of nylon bones. Breeds like American Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers and others were historically bred for tasks requiring strong bite force and jaws. They are genetically predisposed to chew more vigorously.
A dog’s natural chewing habits also play a major role. Dogs that are aggressive chewers and are highly driven to chew and destroy toys have a much greater chance of consuming dangerous quantities of nylon from bones. Observing a dog’s play style and toy destruction tendencies can help gauge the level of supervision required.
Taking these risk factors into account, dog owners should carefully monitor nylon bone condition and watch for signs of damage if their dog matches multiple high risk criteria for destroying the toys.
Monitoring Nylon Bone Condition
It’s important to regularly monitor the condition of nylon bones and look for signs of wear and tear to determine when they should be replaced. According to vets, you should replace toys as soon as they show visible signs of wear and tear, and you should wash them two to three times a week (source).
Signs that a nylon bone needs to be replaced include:
- Cracks, chips, or punctures in the nylon material
- Loose or detached pieces that could become choking hazards
- Shredded or torn pieces caused by aggressive chewing
- Discoloration or bleeding of dyes
- A decrease in firmness or flexibility
- Unpleasant odors that don’t wash out
According to Benebone, nylon bones should be discarded or recycled after a month or sooner if they show wear and tear quickly (source). It’s better to replace nylon bones sooner rather than later, as worn toys can fragment and pose safety risks.
Safety Concerns
The main safety considerations with nylon bones relate to the potential for small fragments breaking off and being ingested by the dog. According to Maryland legislative session 2019 – elena-zazdravina.ru, there is some risk of nylon bones splintering into sharp pieces if chewed vigorously over time. These fragments can potentially cause internal damage if swallowed. For this reason, it is important to closely supervise your dog when giving nylon bones and take them away once they start to show signs of wear.
Experts recommend throwing out nylon bones once they become loose, cracked or start to flake, as cited on Definition of thermometry. The safest approach is to monitor the condition of the bone and replace it frequently to prevent any chance of your dog ingesting plastic pieces. With proper supervision, nylon bones can be used safely, but owners should be vigilant about checking for damage.
Alternatives to Nylon Bones
While nylon bones can be a good chew toy option for many dogs, there are some durable and safe alternatives pet owners may want to consider:
Rubber chew toys like Kong brand toys are made of non-toxic natural rubber and can withstand determined chewing. The rubber is thick but has some give so it is gentler on dog’s teeth. Rubber toys like Kongs can also be filled with treats or peanut butter for added enrichment.
Rope toys and tug toys made from cotton or other natural fibers woven tightly together can provide a satisfying chew experience and stand up to strong chewers. Tug toys encourage interactive play which has additional benefits for dogs.
Edible chews like bully sticks, Himalayan yak chews, or single-ingredient treats can focus a dog’s chewing instinct on an appropriate, consumable outlet. Pet owners will need to monitor use to avoid overconsumption.
Hard chew products made of antlers, hooves, or compressed vegetable matter appeal to dogs’ natural chewing instincts while avoiding the risks of bones splintering. Supervision is still recommended for aggressive chewers.
Rotating different types of chew toys can provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom for dogs. Consider a dog’s individual chewing habits and safely match them with toys to suit their needs.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence suggests that while most dogs cannot chew through or destroy nylon bones with their regular bite force, over time and with repeated chewing some dogs can eventually manage to damage these toys. Certain factors like the individual dog’s bite strength, anxiety-chewing tendencies, or breed characteristics can increase the likelihood of a dog inflicting damage on a nylon bone.
Dog owners should periodically check the condition of nylon bones for any signs of damage, and replace them once they become loose, cracked, or shredded. The safest approach may be to use nylon bones for only supervised play, and provide alternative chew toys when the dog is alone. With caution and vigilance, many dogs can enjoy nylon bones safely.