Are dental chews worth buying, and are they good for dogs? Our Perry vets explain how these treats are designed to work and which factors to consider when deciding whether to give them to your pup.
Do dental treats work for dogs?
As dog owners, we understand that maintaining a regular oral health routine is critical to our dogs' long-term health. We're also always looking for ways to save time. While tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent our pups from getting periodontal disease (or the precursors of gingivitis, which causes tartar buildup and inflamed gums), they don't often appreciate our efforts!
That's why dog dental chews, treats, and sticks have grown in popularity in recent years. However, before you get overwhelmed with all the choices, let's take a look at these oral healthcare products for dogs and find out if they are actually worth the cost.
How do dog dental chews work?
The questions of whether dental chews are good for dogs and whether they work can be thorny ones to answer. Dental chews can help improve your dog's dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy gums, and preventing bad breath. They can also provide mental stimulation and entertainment for your dog while satisfying their natural urge to chew.
However, while properly designed chews do have the potential to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, they're not a replacement for routine dental cleanings. Consider them supplements to your dog's oral care routine – similar to how we sometimes chew sugar-free gum to keep our breath fresh, but we wouldn't want to use that to replace regularly brushing our teeth or seeing the dentist.
Therefore, it's important to regularly brush your dog's teeth as part of their at-home oral care routine and schedule annual dental exams and cleanings with your vet to keep your pet's teeth and gums in good condition.
Here are a few things to consider before purchasing dog dental chews that claim to support dental health:
- Ensure any chews or treats you give your dog are not too hard, as these can fracture teeth. Bones, antlers, and hooves are likely culprits for tooth fractures.
- Look for long-lasting chew products like rawhide, nylon, knucklebone, or rubber chew toys (keep a watchful eye on these and toss them if your dog gnaws them down enough for them to become a choking hazard).
- Be skeptical of any claims that certain products are supportive of dental health.
- Don't forget to book your pet's routine oral exam and dental cleanings with your veterinarian.
How long should dogs spend chewing?
Allow your dog about 30 minutes of daily chew time for them to get the maximum benefit out of their dental chews.
About Dog Breeds, Teeth, and Oral Health Issues
Is your dog a smaller breed? Does he have a stacked or crowded jaw of teeth? In these cases, plaque and tartar are more likely to form in hidden areas, regardless of how hard he chews. You'll need regular toothbrush bristles to get under his gum line and scrape or brush away the bacteria that can cause periodontal disease.
Keep in mind that your dog’s immune system, breed, age, and history can influence his health and factor into whether he develops dental problems. That’s why routine health checkups with a qualified vet are so important.
Can puppies have dental chews?
You can offer your puppy dental chews once they are six months old. Our vets do not recommend giving chewing sticks to puppies under three months old as these may be a choking hazard.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.