Can dental chews help my dog’s dental health?
Dental chews can be a great tool to help your dog’s dental health when used correctly. However, not all chews and dental treats are effective at removing plaque, and neither chews nor dental treats alone can support your pet’s dental health. Read on if you’ve ever wondered:
- Do dental chews work?
- How do I choose the right dental chew for my dog?
- Can I skip brushing if my dog gets daily dental chews?
- Should I give my dog dental chews?
While dental chews with a seal of acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can help prevent periodontal disease and bad breath, chews and other dental products are not a substitute for daily brushing, and dogs still require routine dental care from a veterinarian to prevent and treat gum disease.
How do dog dental chews work?
Dental chews are meant to last longer than dental treats and allow dogs to chew on them for an extended period of time. Chews are usually in a stick form or a larger shape compared to dental treats. Dental chews are meant to help remove plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth by scraping their teeth as they chew. Removing plaque also helps keep the breath fresh. However, not all dental chews work as advertised or prevent dental disease. In addition, chews and other dental products cannot remove all hardened tartar buildup from the teeth and plaque from under the gumline, nor can they treat periodontal disease in dogs.
What are the best dental chews for dogs?
There are dozens of different dental chews for dogs on the market. Not all products are effective, and others may be unsafe for some dogs. Dog owners may need to try a few different products to see what their furry friend enjoys and what works best for their size, bite strength, and personal preferences.
VOHC-accepted products
Dental products, including chews, accepted by the VOHC have been tested for effectiveness and shown to help canine dental health. To find the best dental chews, look for the VOHC seal of acceptance on the packaging or check the council’s accepted products list online. Different chews may be more or less effective at removing the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Keep in mind that you should always provide supervision when your dog is using dental chews, even when those chews are VOHC-approved and proven to work. If your dog swallows large pieces of a chew, develops an upset stomach after using a chew, or has any other trouble with a chew, try a different VOHC-accepted product.
Chews that are not overly hard
Treats like bones, antlers, and hooves may help scrape off dental plaque. However, hard treats can cause dental fractures, especially in aggressive chewers. Tooth fractures can be very painful and often go unnoticed by dog owners. In addition, oral bacteria can get inside the tooth or below the roots as a result of the fracture, causing bacterial infections, abscesses, and other serious dental issues. The texture of dental chews should be firm enough for prolonged chewing but pliable enough for a fingernail to make a dent in them.
Are canine dental chews as good as brushing?
Dental dog treats and chews can help remove plaque from the teeth but are not nearly as effective as daily brushing. Chews are best used in addition to brushing and in between professional dental cleanings to help limit the buildup of plaque. For dogs that are intolerant to tooth brushing, VOHC-accepted dental chews can be especially useful between cleanings. Look for the VOHC seal of acceptance to find products with proven efficacy.
How can I improve my dog’s oral health?
Even daily toothbrushing and chewing on dental sticks cannot remove all of the hardened tartar or plaque under the gums that causes dental disease. Regular toothbrushing at least two to three times a week is the best way to take care of your dog’s teeth at home. Routine dental exams and cleanings with a veterinarian are needed to check tooth and gum health and remove plaque below the gumline that dental chews cannot reach. Dental chews and other products with the VOHC seal of acceptance can help maintain clean teeth in between cleanings along with daily tooth brushing.
Should I add dental chews to my dog’s dental care routine?
Dental hygiene chews can help clean your dog’s teeth and are a good tool to provide oral care for your dog at home. They are best used alongside toothbrushing and between professional cleanings. VOHC-approved chews also encourage natural chewing behaviors and provide mental stimulation. “Talk to a vet before adding dental chews or other dental products to your dog’s oral care routine to ensure it is safe to do so,” explains Vetster veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers. “If you notice your dog has plaque, tartar, bad breath, or other dental issues, they may need a dental cleaning or other dental procedures before you offer new products.” Starting a toothbrushing routine or using dental products when a dog has poor oral health can do more damage than good. If you have questions about how to take care of your furry friend’s teeth at home, you can talk with a licensed online veterinarian on Vetster today.
FAQ - Can dental chews help my dog’s dental health?
Do dental chews actually work for dogs?
Some long-lasting chew products can help maintain oral hygiene at home. Look for products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to ensure your dog’s dental product actually helps remove plaque buildup from their teeth.
What is the best thing for a dog to chew on to clean their teeth?
If a dog’s teeth appear dirty or discolored, talk to a vet before adding dental chews to their routine. Dogs with preexisting dental disease may need professional dental care before a chew is safe to use. Dental products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), including treats, chews, and dental diets, have been tested for efficacy and shown to work as advertised. These products can help remove plaque buildup from the teeth. Avoid overly hard treats such as bones, antlers, and hooves, as these can cause tooth fractures, leading to severe dental problems.
Do vets recommend dental chews for dogs?
Vets often recommend dental chews as one part of a dog’s comprehensive dental plan for plaque and tartar control along with other options like daily brushing and regular professional cleanings. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of acceptance and talk to a vet about what is best to improve your dog’s dental health.
How often do dogs need dental chews for clean teeth?
The manufacturer of a canine dental chew may recommend how often their product should be used, but this may not always be what’s best for your dog. Talk to a vet to determine if it’s safe to add dental products to their oral care routine as well as how often you should give chews based on your dog’s needs.
