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

Bow Wow Labs Leads Charge in Raising Awareness About Hidden Choking Hazards from Popular Dog Chews Like Bully Sticks

Veterinarians report more than 1 million chew-related dog health emergencies each year; most can be prevented with proper safety measures

AUSTIN, Texas, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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% of pet parents provide chew sticks weekly or more, 60% 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 NationalPetChokingPreventionDay.com 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.

About Bow Wow Labs
Founded in 2018, Bow Wow Labs develops innovative products to keep Americans' 65 million dogs safer, happier and healthier. As creator of the Bow Wow Buddy®, the first safety device for dogs, Bow Wow Labs helps dogs enjoy treats and satisfy their instinctual desire to chew while giving pet parents peace of mind.

The company created National Pet Choking Prevention Day, observed on June 22 every year, to raise awareness of pet choking and ways to prevent it. Bow Wow Labs was named one of the 10 fastest-growing U.S. pet companies on the Inc. 5000 List of America's fastest-growing private companies in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The company also was honored as "Best New Emerging Brand" at SuperZoo 2022, the largest North American pet retail event, and earned the 2024 Pet Insight Vanguard Award for Pet Safety that recognized the company's industry leadership and innovation in the pet industry. For more information, visit bowwowlabs.com. 

SOURCE Bow Wow Labs