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do dental chews work for dogs

Do Dental Chews Work For Dogs? Chomping Their Way to a Healthy Smile

By / Dog Health, Dog Nutrition / April 15, 2024

Good oral hygiene is vital for our furry friends. If you’re wondering, “Do dental chews work for dogs?”, the answer is yes – they can be a valuable tool. However, dental chews alone won’t solve all dental woes. Think of them as a tasty helper in your dog’s oral health routine.

The Benefits of Chewing for Dental Health

  • Mechanical Cleaning: Chewing scrapes away plaque and tartar.
  • Saliva Stimulation: More chewing means more saliva, which naturally washes away food debris and neutralizes harmful acids.
  • Boredom Buster and Stress Relief: Provides mental stimulation and satisfies a dog’s natural desire to chew.

Best Dental Chews for Dogs: Types and Considerations

  • Rawhide: A classic, but choose quality options, supervise chewing, and avoid choking hazards.
  • Dental Chews: Come in various shapes and textures. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.
  • Bully Sticks: A long-lasting chew, but be mindful of calories and watch for splintering.
  • Edible Chews: Often contain breath-freshening ingredients like parsley.
  • Antlers: Super durable but can be too hard, risking tooth fractures.

Do Dental Chews Work for Dogs? Important Factors

  • Choose the Right Size: Match the chew to your dog’s size and chewing strength to prevent choking.
  • Supervision is Key: Keep an eye on your dog, even with durable chews.
  • Calories Count: Factor them into your dog’s daily food intake.
  • Not a Substitute for Brushing: Do dental chews work for dogs? Yes, but they don’t replace regular teeth brushing. Check out our guide on how to keep your dogs teeth clean.

DIY Dental Treats: Healthy and Fun

  • Frozen Carrots: For a crunchy, vitamin-rich, easy option, add carrots to their diet.
  • Frozen Watermelon Cubes: Hydrating and sweet for hot days.
  • Homemade Sweet Potato Chews: Dehydrate sweet potatoes for a chewy treat.

When to Worry: Signs of Dental Trouble

Even with the best dental chews for dogs, watch out for:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose or discolored teeth
  • Difficulty eating or reluctance to chew

If you notice these signs, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian.

Choosing the Best Dental Chews for Dogs

  • Talk to Your Vet: Get recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs.
  • Read Labels: It is important to know how to read and understand labels when shopping for items for your dog. Look for natural ingredients, VOHC approval, and avoid artificial additives.
  • Variety is Key: Offer different types of chews for maximum benefit and to keep things interesting.

Do Dental Chews Work for Dogs? The Verdict

Yes, along with regular brushing, dental chews help support a healthy, pain-free mouth. They’ll thank you with fresh doggy breath and enthusiastic tail wags!