A dog’s smile can light up a room. But like humans, dogs need proper dental care to keep their pearly whites clean and healthy. Dog dental chews are an easy way to help prevent plaque buildup and promote oral health in between professional cleanings. This article explores the benefits of dog dental chews and provides tips for choosing the best ones for your furry friend.
The Importance of Dental Health
Poor dental health in dogs can lead to more than just bad breath. Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth can cause gum inflammation, infections, and tooth loss if left untreated. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean isn’t just about aesthetics – it impacts their comfort, nutrition, and overall health. Regular brushing is ideal, but not always realistic. This is where dog dental chews can make a difference.
How Dental Chews Help
Dog dental chews are formulated to break up plaque and tartar as your dog chews on them. The abrasive texture and shape help scrub teeth surfaces while special ingredients work to prevent further buildup. Unlike regular chew toys and treats, they are designed specifically for oral health. Chewing also promotes saliva production which naturally washes bacteria off the teeth. With regular use, dental chews clean teeth, massage gums, and freshen doggie breath.
Choosing the Best Dental Chews
With so many dental chew options on the market, how do you pick the right one? Here are some things to consider:
- Size and shape – Pick a chew that encourages chewing rather than quick swallowing to maximize tooth cleaning time. Look for textured surfaces and nubs that can get into grooves.
- Ingredients – Opt for natural ingredients like parsley, turmeric, coconut oil, and yucca schidigera which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid artificial colors and flavors.
- Dietary needs – Chews come in formulations for puppies, seniors, different breeds, grain-free diets, allergies, and more. Choose one that fits your dog’s needs.
- Safety – Supervise your dog with any new chew and discard pieces that become small enough to choke on. Only purchase chews from reputable companies.
Finding the Right Routine
Dog dental chew benefits depend largely on developing a consistent routine. Work them into your dog’s daily schedule just like walking and feeding times. Observe your dog’s chewing habits and offer chews when they tend to be most interested. Providing the right dental chew at the right time prevents boredom and maintains effectiveness. With regular use, you’ll maintain your dog’s beautiful smile for years to come!
The Benefits of Brushing Too
While dental chews are convenient, brushing your dog’s teeth is still the gold standard for preventative oral care. Used together, chews and brushing provide a one-two punch against plaque buildup. Brushing reaches surfaces that chews may miss and allows you to monitor your dog’s oral health more closely. Invest in a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste and aim to brush several times per week. Going slow, keeping sessions positive, and giving lots of praise will help your dog accept the routine. When combined with dental chews for daily cleaning, brushing keeps your dog’s smile healthy in between professional veterinary cleanings.
Choosing Chew Textures and Flavors
Dogs have preferences when it comes to flavors and textures, just like people. Finding a dental chew your dog gets excited about will make it more effective. Try different styles and monitor your dog’s interest level in each. Notice if they prefer harder or softer chews, ridged or smooth exterior textures, or flavors like poultry, peanut butter, or mint. You may need to experiment with several kinds before discovering your dog’s favorites. Pay attention to which chews and flavors make them “dig in” and chew vigorously to maximize plaque removal.
Considerations for Puppies
Puppies benefit greatly from early dental care as adult teeth grow in. The right chew introduces them to positive oral health habits. However, their young teeth and gums are delicate. Opt for softer puppy-formulated chews over hard chews made for adult dogs which could damage developing teeth. Supervise closely and replace chews as soon as pieces start breaking off to prevent choking. As with any new item, go slow and reward calm chewing. Setting up a lifetime of good dental care habits starts in puppyhood.
Seniors Need Special Care
Senior dogs experience similar age-related dental issues as older humans. Receding gums, infections, cracked teeth, and sore mouths are common. Hard, tough chews may irritate sensitive tissues. Look for senior dog dental chews made with soft, gentle textures and pain-relieving ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, and omegas acids. Monitor chewing closely for reluctance which could indicate mouth pain needing veterinary attention. Be prepared to try different styles to accommodate dental sensitivities. Keep up with professional cleanings too, as anesthesia risks go up with age.
Getting Picky Chewers Interested
Some dogs simply aren’t motivated by treats and chews. This can make administering dental care challenging. Start by scheduling vet cleanings more frequently to compensate for less home care. For dental chews, begin working them into playtime instead of giving them freely. Use small pieces as rewards during training sessions and games of fetch to increase your dog’s interest and value for chews. Additionally, try “sandwiching” chews between two other high-value treats they can’t resist. Over time consistent positive associations may impact your picky pup’s perceptions at mouth-healthy habits. Don’t forget to incorporate lots of praise and belly rubs too!
Key Takeaways:
- Dog dental chews help break up plaque and tartar to promote oral health.
- Poor dental care in dogs can lead to infections, tooth loss, and other health issues.
- Dental chews clean teeth, massage gums, and freshen breath as dogs chew.
- Choose size-appropriate chews with natural ingredients right for your dog’s needs.
- Develop a consistent routine for offering dental chews daily.
- Supervise chewing and discard small pieces that pose a choking risk.
- Used routinely, dental chews help maintain your dog’s dental health between cleanings.
Why can’t I just use regular treats and chews instead of dental chews?
Regular treats and chews are not specially designed to clean your dog’s teeth. Many break down too quickly or don’t have the right texture and shape. Dental chews are made to be abrasive enough to break up plaque and tartar while being enjoyable for dogs to gnaw on. The physical act of chewing also stimulates gum and saliva flow. Without these specific properties, normal treats will not provide the same dental-health benefits.
How often should I give my dog dental chews?
Veterinarians generally recommend daily dental chew use for optimal oral health. Giving a dental chew once daily ensures a regular teeth-cleaning that provides a similar level of preventative care to humans brushing daily. Keep dental chews accessible in a designated spot and incorporate them into your dog’s routine at a consistent time just like their regular meals. Maintaining this cadence will provide better plaque control between professional dental cleanings.
What ingredients should I look for in a dental chew?
Seeking out dental chews with natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory ingredients is ideal. Substances like turmeric, yucca schidigera, parsley, coconut oil, and aloe vera promote gum and dental health. Always read the ingredients list closely and avoid artificial colors and flavors. Look for brands that use recognizable, high-quality ingredients. Steer clear of hard filler ingredients that could chip teeth. Softer natural compounds are gentler on both teeth and digestion.
Can I give my puppy dental chews?
You can give your puppy safe, age-appropriate dental chews designated for their developing mouth, teeth, and chewing ability. Avoid extremely tough adult chews which could crack their unsettled teeth. Seek out softer puppy dental chews with rounded edges that avoid gum damage. Always monitor your pup’s chewing and take the chew away once it’s worn down to a choking hazard size. Starting dental care habits young sets your dog up for excellent oral health in adulthood.
How do I transition my dog to dental chews?
Make dental chew time a fun, rewarding experience by incorporating play and praise. Hand feed your dog pieces at first paired with belly rubs and their name. Offer larger pieces they’ll work at for a sense of accomplishment. Pair chews with a favorite toy or activity too. Try small amounts of different textures and flavors to discover their preferences. Place dental chews conveniently near food and sleep areas as daily cues until they become habit. Eventually, phase out higher calorie treats for healthier teeth-cleaning rewards instead.