These bone-shaped dental treats are chewy and have a texture designed. The shape and texture work together to help remove tartar and plaque while freshening breath. Potatoes are the main ingredient and they contain added minerals.
Fortunately, dental chews are specially designed to help remove plaque and tartar from teeth, and they also help to massage the gums and reduce inflammation. As a result, regular use of dental chews can help to keep your dog's teeth healthy and prevent serious health issues down the road.
Just like us, dogs need daily dental care for a healthy mouth. One stick a day helps mop away bacteria before plaque can become tartar. Plus, a daily routine is a great way to bond with your dog. It's best to give dental sticks after a meal - we recommend after breakfast.
How often should my dog be given a dog chew? Ideally your dog should be given something to chew on for at least 30 mins every day, or every second day at a minimum. This helps prevent large amounts of plaque from accumulating and hardening into tartar.
Sadly, no. While dental chews certainly have many benefits, and are better than doing nothing at all, there's simply no substitute for regular toothbrushing. Dental chews are best used in conjunction with brushing.
It's important to only give a dental chew once a day.” Keep these tips in mind when giving your dog a dental chew, from Dr. Danielle: WHIMZEES® can be used as a training option so asking your pup for good behavior or rewarding them for it is encouraged prior to giving the treat.
Size is important when it comes to dog dental chews. If the chew is too small, dogs may swallow it whole, and if it's too large, a chunk could break off and get lodged in their throats. Both scenarios create a choking hazard.
Our Winner: Greenies
Greenies, which are shaped like a toothbrush, are made in four different sizes to meet the needs and the mouths of most dogs from five to a hundred pounds. They also have special formulas for puppies, seniors, and weight management.
Like us, it is best to brush your dog's teeth at least twice every day. For many dogs, once brushing becomes a part of their daily routine, they will begin to expect and enjoy it. Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation.
Once your pup is over 6 months old, you can give them dental treats. Just remember that treats do have calories, so they count as part of your pup's daily food portion.
Hard treats, such as antlers or synthetic or natural bones, that could potentially damage your pet's teeth should be avoided, according to the American Animal Hospital Association 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
While some dental chews are effective for dogs, these aren't a replacement for regular toothbrushing or professional dental care routines. These elements of a great oral health care routine should stay on your dog's calendar, and their teeth will remain in good condition.
Starches with high glucose availability, like corn or wheat starch, promote the growth of bacteria which cause plaque formation (3). Certain dental treats also contain artificial paletents, colours and flavours. Preservatives like ethoxyquin, BHA, TBHQ and BHT can also be potential health hazards.
Avoid hard bones and pigs' ears.
If your dog has diseased teeth, they are likely to break them on hard chews, hard plastic bones, sterilized beef bones, or cow hooves.
You can improve your dog's oral health by cleaning their teeth either with a brush or just your fingers, using a few drops of coconut oil. Dog teeth cleaning can also be done by including coconut oil in his meals. Coconut oil helps to stop gingivitis and the pain of dreaded periodontitis.
For dogs, Lee recommends brushing in a downward direction (and for cats, a horizontal motion is preferred). Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day.
Offer the Most Delicious Treats and Ample Praise
The best treats will help encourage your pet to sit tight and tolerate the toothbrushing routine. Some pets even start to enjoy the gum massage and attention, not to mention all the praise, that comes with the daily oral healthcare routines.
Yes, Greenies are safe for dogs and puppies over six months of age who weigh more than five pounds. In the past, Greenies were recalled due to reports of dogs not digesting the ingredients causing intestinal blockage and needing surgical removal of the greenies.
You've most likely seen adult dogs chew on pig ears as an edible toy, but are they safe for younger dogs? Yes, puppies can have pig ears, BUT we recommend that you wait until your puppy is of 6 months of age or older before giving this treat. This is due to health concerns with the pig ears themselves.
Make items unpleasant to your dog.
Furniture and other items can be coated with a taste deterrent (such as Bitter Apple®) to make them unappealing. Caution: Supervise your dog when you first try one of these deterrents. Some dogs will chew an object even if it's coated with a taste deterrent.