We have all met the adorable-looking dog, only to be shocked by how their breath smells. We’ve come up with phrases like ‘puppy breath,’ ‘dog food breath,’ and everything in between to describe the pungent aroma coming from our dog’s mouths.
But the fact of the matter is, whether a dog’s breath is good or bad is not related to age, or what they most recently ate. It’s connected to their dental hygiene or lack thereof.
Cute dogs with bad breath beg the question, ‘are dental chews good for dogs?’ Well, the verdict is out. And the answer is a resounding yes. Dental care treats, and other teeth cleaning dog treats, help improve a dog’s dental hygiene.
So if you’ve got a dog with bad breath, or know of one who could use a little help in the dental hygiene department, then keep on reading to learn about how dental chews are good for dogs.
Dog Dental Problems
Like humans, dogs will experience dental problems if they do not take care of their teeth. For us, proper dental hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing. That hygiene regiment would be great for dogs too. But good luck getting a toothbrush in your dog's mouth!
If a dog has little to no experience with teeth cleaning dog treats, they may begin to experience:
- The buildup of plaque- soft and yellow bacteria on the teeth
- The creation of tartar- hardened and brown staining
- Bleeding gums after playing with toys or eating
- Bad breath
- Pain and sensitivity while eating
- More advanced dental problems like abscesses and oral cancers
Based on what we know about dog dental problems, veterinary expertise now tells us that the answer to the question ‘are dental chews good for dogs’ is yes. So now, let’s take a look at some dental care treats for dogs that will surely help improve your dog's dental hygiene.
Dental Care Treats for Dogs
Veterinary experts have found that roughly 80% of dogs deal with some sort of dental disease. That’s a pretty high percentage. It’s no wonder that nowadays we have teeth cleaning dog treats to help combat the problem.
Teeth cleaning dog treats help improve a dog’s dental hygiene in a number of ways. Dental care treats for dogs help:
- Remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums
- Freshen breath
- Incorporate safe and digestible ingredients that help protect teeth and provide nutrients
But how, you ask? Well, dental treats and chew toys provide an irresistible incentive with yummy flavors and strong scents that most dogs cannot possibly turn down. I mean, let's be honest, if we could use bacon-flavored toothbrushes, we probably would.
Once a dog has been turned on to a dental treat, the treat’s rough and sturdy surface helps rub off tartar, plaque, and bacteria via friction, just like brushing with a toothbrush would.
5 Types of Dental Chews That Are Good For Dogs
There are tons of different types of dental treats and chew toys that are good for your dog’s dental hygiene. It may take some time to figure out which your pet prefers the most, but once you do, everyone will be so thankful.
- Elk Antlers: these are great at scraping teeth clean and perfect for heavy chewers
- Bully Sticks: all-natural, odor-free, and durable. Bully sticks are a time tested favorite amongst dogs
- Pig Ears: flavorful and durable edible chew toys that last forever. The scent and flavor of pigs ears drives dogs crazy (in a good way)
- Dental Treats and Biscuits: small, irresistible treats with healthy ingredients that freshen breath. Perfect for incorporating into your training, a 2-for-1 experience!
- Chew Toys: these are not edible, but their rough surfaces help brush off plaque. Keeping at least one of these around the house is recommended.
Improve Your Dog’s Dental Hygiene with Dental Chews
Dental chews are in fact good for dogs. Teeth cleaning chew toys and other dental treats help a dog:
- Remove plaque and tartar from their teeth and gums
- Freshen their breath
- Prevent oral diseases and other health problems
So if you are beginning to see some yellowing on your senior-aged dog, or just cannot deal with your puppy’s foul breath any longer, it’s time for a trip to the pet store.
Chances are your dog already adores you. But they will adore you even more with a surprise trip to the store and a bag full of new treats. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!