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What is a Dog Dental Chew?
A dog dental chew is a dog treat that has some tooth-cleaning powers. Most canine dental chews are made using mildly abrasive ingredients that can help disrupt or remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Some dental chews claim to remove tartar, but once plaque has hardened into tartar, it needs to be removed by professional scaling. However, by reducing the amount of plaque in the mouth, this helps to prevent new tartar build-up.
What to Look for in Dental Treats
Whether you're trying to prevent stinky dog breath, to find healthy treat options for your pet, keep your dog's teeth clean, or supplement your canine's dental care, here's what you need to know before buying dental treats for your dog.
Dog Dental Health 101
Keeping your dog's teeth healthy is an important part of maintaining his overall health, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Brushing your dog's teeth is "the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for dental cleanings," says the AVMA. “Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible, and brushing several times a week can be effective.”
Be sure to use toothpaste made for dogs, not your toothpaste. Wiping the outside of the teeth with dog dental wipes at least every 2-3 days can also remove plaque.
As part of your pet's routine care, your vet should check your dog's teeth and gums at least once a year to help prevent tooth and gum pain. The AVMA recommends taking your dog to the vet sooner if they're experiencing any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth
- Discolored, tartar-covered teeth
- Any unusual chewing or drooling
- Pain, bleeding, or swelling around the mouth
How Dental Treats Can Help Your Dog's Teeth
Some dogs have a difficult time accepting tooth brushing. Dog dental treats may be more palatable (and acceptable) to your pet than a regular old toothbrush and toothpaste or tooth wipes. And they do help keep your dog's mouth clean.
Treating your dog to something special is one way to show your love. That’s even better when the treats you offer are beneficial to your pet's health. According to the American Animal Hospital Association 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, there are certain dental treats that can, in fact, help with your pet's oral health.
These are dental treats that receive the approval of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which promotes dental products — including dental treats — for dogs and cats.
The VOHC, which is overseen by the American Veterinary Dental College, recognizes products that have met or exceeded the VOHC standards for plaque control and tartar control in dogs and cats. Use of products containing the VOHC Seal of Acceptance can, according to the organization, help reduce the severity of periodontal (dental) disease in pets.
Types of Dental Treats
There are two major categories of dental treats the VOHC has awarded with its seal. All of the examples below help minimize tartar.
Rawhide chew treats, including popular brands such as:
- Purina Busy HeartyHide Chew Treats
Edible treats, including popular brands such as:
- Canine Greenies
- Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews for Dogs
- HealthiDent, Bright Bites, and Checkups Chews for Dogs (all sizes)
- Virbac CET VeggieDent Chews for Dogs (all sizes)
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews for Dogs
Alternatives to Dental Treats
If you're looking for something other than treats, some dog food is specially formulated to help with dental health. In general, dry kibble, especially the larger size, is better for dogs’ teeth than canned food. The VOHC also offers its seal to dog food designed to help with plaque and tartar.
Treats to Avoid
Hard treats, such as antlers or synthetic or natural bones, that could potentially damage your pet's teeth should be avoided, according to the American Animal Hospital Association 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
This is usually limited to a single dental chew daily but check the packaging as it can vary between brands.
It partially depends on your expectations. If you think dental chews are going to remove existing tartar and replace the need for brushing your dog's teeth, then no, they won't do this. However, if you're hoping they'll remove some of the plaque in your dog's mouth to help prevent new tartar build-up between brushes, yes they do work.
As long as your dog isn't vomiting continuously, veterinarian treatment probably isn't necessary. However, you should avoid feeding any more of the dental treat that made your dog sick. It's likely that there's nothing inherently wrong with the dental chew, but like any dog food or treat, there'll be the occasional dog that it just doesn't agree with.
Every chew treat has potential dangers to dogs, especially if they usually gulp down their food. Some dental chews are extra tasty, so dogs are more likely to try to swallow them quickly. The best thing to do is to monitor your dog when they have a chew treat to make sure they take the time to properly chew and slowly the treat.
Dental treats or chews solve multiple purposes. They can help prevent stinky dog breath, keep your dog's teeth clean, or supplement your canine's dental care. Additionally, dental chews can be a healthy treat option for your pet.
Dog dental chews shouldn't replace toothbrushing or dental care, but they can be a great part of your dog's oral health routine. Talk to your vet about how often to clean your dog's teeth.
