Dog Dental Chews and the Value of Your Dog’s Dental Health
Dental health is just as important for your pets as it is for yourself. While it’s relatively easy to brush and floss your own teeth, keeping up with your dog’s dental hygiene can be a bit more of a challenge. That is why products such as dental chews were introduced, to help make pet parent’s lives easier and keep your dog’s oral health on track. But can dental chews really keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, and are they worth the price?
The team at Mobile Vet M.D. is here to help answer if dental chews are worth it—and advise you on how to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and smelling fresh!
Dental Care for Your Dogs
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. Thorough care provided by your veterinarian, such as cleanings and checkups, helps prevent dental disease in your canine companion. Without the proper attention, teeth and gums are susceptible to tooth decay and dental disease, which is painful and can impact your pet’s overall health and quality of life.
When combined with regular brushing and regular dental care, dental chews and treats are a great addition to your pet’s oral health care routine. Similar to how vitamins alone cannot supply a human with all the nutrients they need in their diet, dental chews alone cannot keep your pet’s mouth healthy by themselves.
The good news is, dental chews can help in between your pet’s dental cleanings at the vet! Dental treats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find one that is appropriate for your pet. There is also a variety of treats designed for dogs of all ages and stages, including senior pets, puppies, and adult dogs. If you have any questions about the best one for your pet, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
How Dental Treats Work
Dental treats are designed to help scrape plaque and tartar off of your pet’s teeth when they are chewing. When munching on dental treats, dogs tend to chew in a mechanical motion. This repetitive motion is helpful at reducing and removing plaque from the teeth and gums, by scraping bacteria and junk off as they chew. Studies have shown that dogs who are regular chewers tend to have less plaque build-up on their teeth, resulting in healthier mouths.
Often dental treats will include ingredients to help freshen your pup’s breath. However overall, if your dog has “doggy breath” or foul breath, there is a chance they already have some form of dental disease. Treats can only help supplement your dog’s oral hygiene as a part of a regular dental care routine.
Worth the Price?
So, 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. In most cases, they won’t do harm, but they could cause sensitivity to dogs with advanced dental disease or decaying teeth. Overall, the best way to care for your pet’s mouth is through regular brushing and checkups—the same way it works for humans.
The team at Mobile Vet M.D. is here to help care for all your pet’s dental and health care needs! Call us at (732) 387-7977 to learn more about our comprehensive mobile veterinary services.