Do Dog Dental Chews Really Work?

Do dog dental chews really work? Keeping up with your dog’s dental hygiene can be challenging. That is why products such as dental chews were introduced. Goals was to help pet parent’s keep their dog’s oral health on track. But can dog dental chews really keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy? Are they worth the price?

The Importance of Pet Dental Care 

First and foremost, the best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy is through daily tooth brushing and regular dental exams by a veterinarian. During the regular dental exam, your veterinarian can look for signs of early dental disease, loose teeth, infected gums, etc.

How Dental Chews Work

Dog dental chews can aid in keeping your dog’s teeth clean. They also may help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. However, consider them a supplement to regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings, not a replacement.

Types of Dental Chews 

A wide variety of dog dental chews and/or treats are available. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) evaluates pet products to ensure they meet specific standards for reducing plaque or tartar. To earn the VOHC seal of approval, foods, treats, and chews must reduce plaque or tartar by at least 10%. Products containing chemical anti-plaque agents must achieve a reduction of at least 20%.

Your veterinarian can recommend which chew is best for your dog:

• Rawhide chews. Made from the hides of cows or horses, rawhide chews can reduce plaque and tartar. They come in different sizes and shapes.
• Dental chews, bones, and biscuits. Greenies®, Del Monte Tartar Check® Dog Biscuits, Bright Bites, OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews, and Vetradent Dog Chews are examples of edible products approved by the VOHC.
• Dog Dental Diets: Certain dog food formulations are specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Some achieve this by featuring larger kibble or a texture that resists crumbling, which creates a natural scrubbing action as your dog chews. Others include special coatings that help prevent bacteria, reduce plaque, or discourage tartar formation. Talk to your veterinarian about these options.
• Dog Chew Toys: Non-edible chew toys like Kong® toys, Plaque Attackers®, or Gumabones® can be excellent options, especially for dogs that tend to chew through edible treats too quickly. These toys provide a satisfying chewing experience while promoting dental health.

Choose Wisely

Not all dental treats for dogs are the same. Some are more effective or safer than others. Here are a few important factors to consider when selecting a dental treat for your dog:

Match the Chew to the Dog

Choose a treat or toy that suits your dog’s size, preferences, and personality. For instance, aggressive chewers may require a firmer product.

Avoid Hard Bones and Pig Ears

Avoid giving your dog hard bones or pigs’ ears, especially if they have dental issues. Hard chews, hard plastic bones, sterilized beef bones, or cow hooves can cause teeth to break. Also, steer clear of fresh bones with meat and cartilage, as they pose a risk of bacterial contamination or ingestion of sharp bone

Compressed Chews

Compressed chews for dogs are made from layers of rawhide that are pressed together under high pressure. These products can also be contaminated or cause stomach irritation. Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing. If your dog swallows a large chunk, contact your vet immediately. Keep an eye out for signs of intestinal upset. Be sure to limit how much your dog consumes at once.

Are Dental Chews Worth the Price?

Are dental treats worth the price? Short answer: maybe. Consult with your veterinarian about the best dental care plan for your dog, and see if including regular dental treats will help.

The team at Englishtown Vet M.D. is here to help care for all your pet’s dental and health care needs! Call us at (732) 786-8877 to learn more about our comprehensive pet dental services.