June 22 is National Pet Choking Prevention Day, Created by Inventors of Vet-Recommended Bow Wow Buddy Safety Device

Each year, more than 1 million dogs in the United States experience health emergencies related to chew treats – and many of these incidents are entirely preventable. That’s why Bow Wow Labs, creator of the original Bow Wow Buddy Safety Device, is leading the effort to keep dogs safe through its National Pet Choking Prevention Day on June 22 – championed by the company throughout the month of June to raise awareness of pet choking and ways to prevent it.

Bow Wow Labs designed the Bow Wow Buddy, a first-of-its-kind safety device, to help prevent dogs from choking on the last inch of a long-term chew, like a bully stick. Observed yearly on June 22, National Pet Choking Prevention Day serves as a platform to educate pet parents about these often-overlooked risks and offer practical, veterinarian-approved solutions.

With more than 65 million dog parents in the United States and research confirming more than 1 million dog annual vet visits for chew stick-related incidents, the need for awareness and prevention has never been more urgent.

“Chewing is a healthy, natural behavior for dogs offering mental stimulation, promoting a calm demeanor and supporting oral health,” said Brian O’Neil, CEO of Bow Wow Labs. “But when long-term chews aren’t properly secured, they pose a serious choking threat, especially when dogs get to the last inch. That’s why we created National Pet Choking Prevention Day – to spotlight this often-overlooked danger and keep our dogs safe.”

The Scope of the Problem
According to third-party research commissioned by Bow Wow Labs:

• Nearly 6 million dogs swallow an unchewed portion of a chew stick each year.
• These incidents account for more than 1 million vet visits and an estimated $450 million in veterinary costs to pet parents annually.
• While 50 percent of pet parents provide chew sticks weekly or more, 60 percent are unaware of the associated choking risks.

A First-of-Its-Kind Solution

To make chewing safer for dogs, Bow Wow Labs invented the Bow Wow Buddy, the first patented safety device for dogs that:

• Is recommended by 4 out of 5 veterinarians after firsthand experience.
• Securely holds long-term chews like bully sticks to help prevent accidental swallowing and choking.
• Is made in the United States from BPA-free, durable nylon.
• Is dishwasher safe and available in five sizes for dogs of all breeds and weights.

The Bow Wow Buddy Safety Device can be ordered with SafeFit Bully Sticks and SafeFit Collagen Sticks – hand-selected chews designed to fit securely within the Bow Wow Buddy to help prevent dogs from choking.

From bully sticks and cheese chews to collagen sticks and split antlers, the Bow Wow Buddy accommodates a wide range of popular long-lasting treats – making it a smart, simple way to help protect dogs while allowing them to safely enjoy their favorite chews.

How Dog Parents Can Help Prevent Choking

• Always supervise dogs during chew time.
• Use a reliable long-term chew safety device like the Bow Wow Buddy.
• Visit National Pet Choking Prevention Day to learn more and spread awareness this June – and all year long.

“By raising awareness of the choking risks associated with long-term chews – and the easy solution the Bow Wow Buddy and SafeFit chews provide, we aim to help pet parents keep their dogs safer,” said O’Neil. “Our passion is helping dogs enjoy the benefits long-term chews while giving pet parents peace of mind.”

The Bow Wow Buddy and other Bow Wow Labs products are available at Bow Wow Labs, Chewy and Amazon. During June, Bow Wow Labs is offering $10 Off the Smart Bully Stick Bundle or the Smart Collagen Stick Bundle.