How to Safely Give Your Dog a Coffee Wood Chew — Please Read

Coffee wood is a natural chew, and like any chew, it should be used responsibly and under supervision. Please follow these guidelines:

• Always supervise your dog. Never leave your dog alone with the chew. No chew of any kind is 100% indestructible or risk-free, and supervision is your most important safety tool.
• Choose the correct size. Match the chew's size and thickness to your dog's weight and chewing strength. A chew that's too small can become a choking hazard.
• Inspect before and after each session. Check for sharp edges or any piece small enough to be swallowed whole. Although coffee wood tends to shave into soft fibers rather than splinter, run your hand along it each time to be sure.
• Replace it when it gets small. Once the chew has been worn down to a size that could fit entirely in your dog's mouth or be swallowed, take it away and replace it. This is the single most common point where chews become dangerous.
• Mind the teeth. Coffee wood is a firm chew. Aggressive chewers, puppies with developing teeth, or seniors with fragile teeth can risk dental fractures on any hard object — if your dog has known dental issues, talk to your vet before offering it.
• Introduce it gradually. For the first few sessions, limit chewing to short, supervised periods so you can see how your individual dog handles it before allowing longer sessions.
• Some shavings are normal; large pieces are not. Small wood fibers that come off during chewing are generally passed without issue, but a dog that bites off and swallows large chunks should be stopped immediately. Coffee wood is a chew, not a food.
• Provide fresh water. Keep water available, as chewing on wood can be drying.
• Know your dog. If your dog is a gulper, has a history of swallowing objects, has digestive sensitivities, or any underlying health condition, consult your veterinarian before introducing coffee wood.
• Stop and call your vet if you notice gagging, choking, mouth bleeding, vomiting, loss of appetite, or signs of stomach upset.

This information is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — when in doubt, consult your own veterinarian.