Dental chews – they’re like a secret weapon in the battle against doggie breath and dental woes. But before you toss one to your pup like a treat from the heavens, let’s dive into the wide array of options available to help you choose the best dog dental chew for you. From animal-derived delights to plant-based wonders, there’s a chew for every pooch pal.
Animal-Derived Chews:
- Minimal Processing: These chews are as close to nature as you can get. Think bones, marrow bones, long bones, trachea, hooves, antlers, horns, and tendons. They’re packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a favorite among many pups. Plus, the act of gnawing away helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, keeping those teeth sparkling.
- Extensive Processing: While still derived from animals, these chews have undergone a bit more transformation. Rawhides, compressed rawhides, and chews made from meal or bone meal fall into this category. They may not be as natural as their minimally processed counterparts, but they still provide a satisfying chewing experience and can help promote oral health.
Non-Animal-Derived Chews:
- Plant-Based: For the veggie-loving pups out there, plant-based chews offer a tasty alternative. These may include ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, or pumpkin, packed into chewy treats that satisfy your pup’s craving to chew without the animal products. Just be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens or sensitivities.
- Non-Consumables: If you’re not keen on the idea of your furry friend chomping down on animal products or plant-based treats, fear not! There are plenty of non-consumable options available, such as rubber or plastic chew toys. These durable toys are designed to withstand even the toughest chewers and can provide hours of entertainment and dental stimulation.
Benefits Galore:
Regardless of the type of chew you choose, the benefits are bountiful. Dental chews help keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay, freshening your pup’s breath and preventing dental issues down the line. Plus, chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, so providing them with an appropriate outlet can help prevent destructive chewing habits and keep them mentally stimulated.
Navigating the Options:
With so many choices available, how do you find the perfect chew for your furry friend? It’s like a treasure hunt in the land of doggie delights!
Start by considering your pup’s size, age, and chewing habits.
Are they a gentle nibbler or a hardcore gnasher? And gentle nibbler may prefer a softer chew like a Himalayan dog chew where they have to soften the outer layer with saliva thus allowing them to scrape off the outer layer or perhaps a soft rubber chew will be their new favorite thing.
Do they have any dietary restrictions or sensitivities? If their stomach gets upset by new tastes or food, then non-consumable chews may be best.
The Positive Side of Dental Chews for Dogs:
Behavioral Benefits of Dental Chews:
One of the standout benefits of dental chews is their role in behavior management. For puppies, chewing is as natural as breathing. Providing them with appropriate chews serves as an outlet for this instinctual behavior, preventing destructive chewing habits and keeping them mentally stimulated. It’s like yoga for their jaws!
Moreover, dental chews can offer a means of distraction during stressful situations, such as when the owner leaves the house. They provide a comforting activity that helps ease separation anxiety and keeps your pup’s mind occupied until your return.
Overall Health Boost:
Studies suggest that dental chews play a vital role in promoting overall health, especially when introduced during puppyhood. Chewing not only provides daily enrichment and mental stimulation but also contributes to enhanced protection against gastrointestinal (GI) disease later in life. It’s a bit like sending children off to school. When children come into contact with new bacteria and viruses in their expanding world, it helps their immune system to grow, strengthen and adapt to the world around them. It’s like laying the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome from the get-go!
Pearly Whites:
While regular tooth brushing remains the gold standard for maintaining optimal oral health, dental chews offer a convenient and effective supplement. Studies have shown that giving raw femur bones to the dogs in the study markedly decreased dental tartar, showcasing the potential of chews to support dental hygiene efforts. It’s like having a mini-dentist in treat form right in your living room!
The Negative Side of Dental chews for Dogs:
While dental chews are often hailed as superheroes in the battle against plaque and tartar, it’s crucial to point out the potential drawbacks of using them. From choking hazards to dental disasters, let’s shine a light on the dark side of dental chews and how to navigate them safely.
Choking Concerns:
One of the most pressing risks associated with dental chews is the possibility of choking, especially if left unattended. Dogs, in their eagerness to devour these tasty treats, may bite off more than they can chew, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.
To mitigate this risk, always supervise your pup while they’re munching away on their dental chew. Opt for chews that are appropriately sized for your dog’s breed and chewing habits, and remove any small or sharp pieces that could pose a choking hazard. It’s all about keeping a watchful eye and putting safety first. And as a last resort, make sure you are knowledgeable on CPR for pets if your dog does ever run into trouble and begin choking
Dental Dilemmas:
While dental chews are intended to promote oral health, they can inadvertently contribute to dental woes if not used judiciously. Excessive chewing on hard objects like bones or antlers can wear down your pup’s teeth over time, potentially leading to dental fractures or even exposing the dental pulp. It’s like a game of dental roulette with high stakes.
These dental issues may necessitate costly veterinary procedures, such as tooth extraction, to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. In veterinary medicine, two options are the most common: extraction of the tooth, or a tooth sparing procedure. If the broken tooth has become infected, too damaged or not enough of it remains above the gum line, the most likely thing your veterinarian will do is to recommend removal of the tooth. A broken tooth offers bacteria a straight line access point into your pet’s blood stream and can set up some very nasty infections that can make your dog sick, or cause additional tooth or bone loss. Depending on the size and which tooth is damaged, the cost to remove a tooth can be anywhere from $20-300 each to extract- and this is not including the cost of the actual anesthesia and/or a dental cleaning of the other teeth. Some of the larger teeth like the canine (the long points “fangs” in the front of their mouth) are extremely complicated to remove and they extend a long way back into the bone.
If the broken tooth is still healthy, but just has the dental pulp exposed, it can be saved with a crown or a root canal. This cost is similar to human medicine, a root canal can cost $1500-3000 per tooth, depending on the size and which tooth it is.
To avoid such outcomes, choose dental chews that are specifically designed to be gentle on your dog’s teeth and rotate them with other forms of dental care, such as regular brushing and professional cleanings. If you notice damage to your pet’s teeth after playing with a dental toy, it is recommended that you stop using that one in the future. The traditional rule of thumb for choosing dental chews for pets is that they are usually ok if you can dent it with your fingernail.
Navigating the Risks:
While the risks associated with dental chews are cause for concern, they shouldn’t deter you from incorporating them into your pup’s oral hygiene routine altogether. Instead, approach their use with caution and awareness of the potential pitfalls.
Choose dental chews that prioritize safety and quality, opting for products that have earned the seal of approval from veterinary professionals. Additionally, closely monitor your pup’s chewing sessions, intervening if you notice any signs of distress or discomfort.
Conclusion:
Dental chews are more than just a treat – they’re a cornerstone of your pup’s overall well-being. From behavior management to GI health and dental hygiene, the benefits are as diverse as they are undeniable. So, the next time you’re perusing the pet aisle, consider adding dental chews to your shopping list. Your furry friend’s smile – and their entire being – will thank you for it! For the most up-to-date list of the best dog dental products, please follow this link to the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s List of Accepted Treats.