All About Dog Dental Chews

How easy do you find it conversing with someone with bad breath?  Some may describe the experience as discomforting.

What you may not know is that bad breath, known medically as halitosis, isn’t exclusive to humans; dogs also suffer bad breath.

In addition to bad breath, canines also suffer other oral problems humans suffer too. Gum disease, bad cavities, and plaque buildup are only a few risks of poor canine dental hygiene. If you own a dog and want to keep them healthy (who wouldn't), you have to take their oral health seriously.

Dog dental chews have increasingly become a go-to oral care solution for dog moms and dads. Their intrinsic benefits are probably one of the main reasons for their growing popularity. Before jumping on the bandwagon, it makes sense to first understand what dog dental chews are all about.

What Are Dog Dental Chews?

Put simply, dog dental chews are products specifically designed to help dogs maintain sound oral health. Of course, they only work if the dog chews away at them regularly.

As a dog owner, you might find it difficult to brush your pet’s teeth regularly. Dog chews are a great alternative to teeth brushing.

Sometimes, depending solely on dental chews may not yield desired results; you will have to combine it with occasional teeth brushing. Better yet, seek guidance from a veterinarian for the right oral solution.

What Are the Benefits to Using Dental Chews?

There are several benefits to including dental chews in your dog’s oral care plan. Some of the benefits include:

Healthy Gums

As mentioned earlier, chewing not only helps dogs maintain healthy teeth, but also helps with gum health. Dogs that gnaw at chews regularly tend to suffer less periodontal diseases, as the chewing action flushes away plaque.

Mental stimulation

How well do you handle boredom? Probably not well. Dogs, too, also get bored easily. Chews are a good escape from boredom and regular chewing exercise has been found to help growing pups stay mentally alert.

Are There Any Issues With Dental Chews?

While dental chews are a great activity for dogs an issue to be aware of, especially for dogs that like to gobble down food in large bites, is the risk of choking. Also if your dog is a particularly aggressive chewer rubber-based dog chews might not be a good choice due to the fact that rubber is indigestible.

How Do I Ensure the Safety of My Pet?

Thankfully, there are certain precautionary measures you can take to ensure your pet stays out of harm’s way.

Go for Sizable Chews

For indigestible chews, it is best that you go for chews that are way wider than your dog’s esophagus. That way, your dog will be discouraged from attempting to swallow the chew.

Digestible Chews Are a Better Choice

As with any food product, it is strongly recommended that you supervise your dog while chewing.

A dog with a large appetite can easily shred a large piece of chew and might accidentally swallow it. If it is a digestible chew, there is little to be worried about. If it’s an indigestible chew, you may run into troubles.

At Peppy Pooch, we know how important it is to keep your dog’s dental care in order. Call us today for suggestions and information on your options for dental chews.