Do Dog Dental Chews Work? Understanding Canine Teeth Products

Do Dog Dental Chews Work? Understanding Canine Teeth Products

Dogs need help taking care of their teeth. They can handle the exercise part of dental health — by chewing everything they’re allowed to chew and some of the things they aren’t allowed to chew, of course — but when it comes to hygiene they could use assistance from their human companion.

Walk down a pet aisle at any major retailer and it will be hard to avoid the number of products that are out there that combine chewing with dental hygiene. The question is, do dog dental chews help? The answer is yes, but dog dental chews aren’t the only ingredient for achieving and maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and fresh breath. 

Gingivitis In Pets

Dogs have a high likelihood of developing gum disease. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine reports that up to 90% of dogs over the age of three have some hint of periodontal disease. 

Gingivitis in dogs is the first phase of periodontal disease, and it is caused by a build-up of bacteria on a dog’s teeth. That build-up can trigger inflammation in the gums, and if untreated, the condition can worsen and progress. 

Best Dog Teeth Products

With an understanding that most dogs will at some point develop some level of periodontal disease, it’s important for pet owners to educate themselves on the benefits of certain at-home products and find a way to integrate them into a reliable dental hygiene regimen. 

According to WebMD, some dog treats and dog dental chews help reduce the build-up of plaque by a considerable amount. In fact, the Veterinary Oral Health Council reviews food and chews for their ability to reduce plaque or tartar. If a certain product is effective to a certain degree, the organization puts its stamp of approval on it. 

The good news is, that some of the most recognizable dental chew brands — including Purina, Greenies, Pedigree and Hill’s — are approved by the organization for their ability to reduce plaque and tartar. Of course, chews are just one way to promote good dental hygiene for your dog.

Dental Chews To Choose

Not all dental chews are the same, which means pet owners need to be informed on what types of chews to choose. Some may include ingredients that upset a dog’s stomach and others may pose choking hazards.

The American Kennel Club suggests that pet owners look for chews that are durable enough to handle vigorous chewing, big enough that they don’t present a choking hazard, and long-lasting, so a dog won’t plow through it and return to being bored within minutes.

In addition, the organization suggests that owners seek out chews made from natural ingredients, to avoid stomach upset and digestive issues. It’s also important to avoid dog chews that are too hard, as they might damage a dog’s teeth.

Affordable Dog Dental Care

There truly is no substitute for regular dental cleanings for your dog. Even with brushing at home, and with the occasional dog dental chew, regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar from the hard-to-reach places — preventing it from progressing into a bigger, more costly problem.

At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we offer affordable dog dental care and encourage dog owners to schedule a cleaning for their pup once a year. Those cleanings not only allow for plaque and tartar to be removed, but they also give our veterinary professionals a chance to benchmark changes in a dog’s dental health. 

Most importantly, regular cleanings help prevent the need to care for dental problems that may go untreated — a type of care that is often significantly more costly than the cost of regular cleanings. 

To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, visit our website or reach out to our team.

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria, East Mesa, Queen Creek, and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures, and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services or to schedule an appointment.