A Guide to Canine Dental Chews

As pet owners are painfully aware, dogs are prone to bad breath.

Along with bad breath, dogs can suffer from plaque, tartar and gingivitis, just like their two-legged counterparts. They also, just like us, benefit from good dental hygiene.

While most dogs will need to be taken to the vet from time to time to have their teeth professionally cleaned, these vet visits can be significantly decreased—saving you time, headache, and money in your pocket book—by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly and using canine dental chews.

Canine dental chews come in a variety of flavors, textures and shapes and offer a healthy—and non-destructive—outlet for the natural chewing behavior of dogs. Chewing helps to mechanically remove plaque and tartar buildup, much like the brushing action of a toothbrush removes plaque from your own teeth. According to Web MD, “dogs that chew actively have less plaque build-up. And some types of dog dental treats and diets can reduce plaque by nearly 70 percent.”

Dental chews are made to enhance the plaque cleaning action of chewing by being chew resistant and textured in a way to promote scrubbing. Some chews are also coated with ingredients that help prevent bacteria and the formation of plaque.

There are a number of options to choose from when looking for dental chews for your dog. Different dogs may prefer some brands over others, but do your research because not all chews are created equal.

C.E.T. Virbac

C.E.T. Virbac is a popular brand that offers various products to promote the dental health of your furry friend. Among these products are a variety of dental chews that are specially made to eliminate tartar and plaque. C.E.T. Virbac uses ingredients such as enzymes and chlorhexidine—a chemical proven to control plaque.

OraVet

OraVet uses an ingredient called delmopinol—similar to chlorhexidine—to help reduce plaque and tartar. Like most dental chews, OraVet products clean the teeth through scrubbing. It also coats the teeth in a protective layer to discourage future build-up.

The Honest Kitchen

Going in a slightly different direction than most other companies selling dental chews, the Honest Kitchen offers a natural option to promote dental hygiene—dried fish skins. The dried skins provide a tough and durable treat that mechanically cleans as your dog chews, and is a great choice for anyone looking for a more natural product.

Remember, when offering edible dental chews to your pet, treats contain calories. While chews are beneficial to your dog’s oral hygiene, too many can cause other problems, especially in dogs that already struggle with obesity.

Dental chews are a wonderful way to supplement your dog’s diet and keep their teeth healthy and happy. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean can improve his or her overall health and help to control bad breathe. Plus, with a bit of oral hygiene, you might find yourself not minding quite so much when your furry friend goes in for a sloppy kiss.