What Works Best for Cleaning Your Dog's Teeth?
Caring for your dog's dental health is crucial in preventing oral diseases and ensuring their overall well-being. One of the most commonly recommended tools for supporting your dog’s oral hygiene is the use of dental chews. These chews, often shaped and textured in specific ways, are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup while being enjoyable for dogs to chew.
Why Dental Chews Work
Dental chews function through mechanical chewing action, which helps scrape off plaque from the surface of teeth. The ingredients often include enzymes or compounds like polyphosphates that can break down tartar or prevent mineralization of plaque.
Scientific Backing for Dental Chews
Research supports the role of dental chews in improving oral health. A notable clinical study found:
- 12–17% reduction in plaque coverage
- 20–36% reduction in calculus coverage
- Improvement in breath freshness
But these benefits are most apparent when such products are used daily and chosen based on individual dog needs.
Look for the VOHC Seal
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provides a seal of acceptance to products proven effective through clinical trials. Look for the VOHC seal as a reliable indicator of efficacy when choosing dental chews.
Best Practices When Using Dental Chews
- Match the chew to your dog’s size and chewing habits
- Monitor your dog while chewing to avoid choking hazards
- Discard chews when they become small enough to swallow
- Limit to recommended daily usage to manage calorie intake
What to Avoid
Not all chew products are safe. Avoid:
- Hard items such as bones, antlers, or hooves, which may crack teeth
- Compressed chews that could be swallowed whole or cause blockages
- Overuse of treats which may lead to gastrointestinal or weight issues
Dental Chews vs. Tooth Brushing
While beneficial, dental chews are not a substitute for tooth brushing. Brushing is still considered the gold standard in maintaining dental hygiene for dogs.
Complete Oral Health Routine
To maintain your dog’s oral health, consider a combined approach:
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily
- Use VOHC-approved dental chews for added benefit
- Schedule regular veterinary cleanings
- Monitor oral health signs like bad breath, reddened gums, or tartar
Additional Considerations
Factors like breed, age, immune function, and dental history can influence your dog's oral health risks. Small breeds often suffer from crowded teeth, giving bacteria more room to grow, even with routine chewing.
Puppies and Dental Chews
Always check age recommendations on packaging, as some chews are not safe for young puppies. Choose age-appropriate products to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Dental chews are a valuable tool for dog owners wanting to enhance their pet’s dental hygiene. Used in combination with brushing and regular veterinary care, they can help reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath, providing a well-rounded dental routine that keeps your dog healthy and happy.
