Do Dog Dental Chews Work? | Pupford

If you’re one of the few people whose dog absolutely loves getting their teeth brushed for a full two minutes every single day, congratulations! You’ve unlocked some unearthly secret that the rest of us mere mortal pup parents have yet to master…

But for the rest of us, oh how dog dental care can be a hassle. Even if you are able to get your dog to agree to a semi-regular date with the toothbrush (if this is next to impossible for you, you’re not alone), it might not be enough. And as we hear more and more about dog teeth brushing alternatives you may wonder... do dog dental chews work?!

Think about how often your dog uses their teeth to eat, play, add “character” to your furniture, etc. -- their teeth are always working so they need constant care. And unlike humans, twice daily brushing and regular cleanings aren’t always feasible.

Luckily, there are a number of products out there designed to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. One of the most popular types is dog dental chews. But do they really work?

We’re going to give you the full lowdown on dog dental chews today. Specifically, we’ll be covering:

• Importance of dental hygiene for your dog
• Do dog dental chews work?
• Benefits of finding the right dog dental chew

THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL HYGIENE FOR DOGS

Since this (below) isn't possible, it's on us as pup parents to care for our dog's teeth.

Before we get into the specifics of dental chews, let’s take a moment to talk about how important dental hygiene is for our dogs, as it’s often one of the most overlooked parts of a dog’s grooming and healthcare routine.

Not caring for your dog’s teeth properly can lead to more than just bad breath (although that’s not fun either). Some uncomfortable and expensive issues can come from poor dental hygiene, including:

• Cysts
• Tumors
• Periodontal disease
• Proliferating gum disease
• Tooth extractions

Yikes! That’s why we want to make extra effort to keep our dog’s mouths healthy. Not only are these conditions potentially really painful for your dog, they also get in the way of their eating, drinking, and playing. Not only that, but the treatment bills for some of these issues can add up to thousands of dollars.

🐶 Try them out for yourself! Shop Dog Dental Chews here! 🦷

But how do you know if your dog’s dental health is on point? Look for these signs of healthy dog teeth:

• Intact teeth that are not jagged or broken
• Clean teeth that are clear of hard, scaly, or sticky discolorations
• A moist tongue that’s free of lumps or cuts
• Pink gums that are not red or inflamed
• Mouth free from lumps or raised spots

If you notice your dog’s mouth doesn’t look quite like that, don’t panic -- many of these conditions are reversible. But you’ll want to consult your veterinarian for any necessary treatment before moving to a preventive plan.

Related Reading: Are Dogs' Mouths Cleaner Than Humans?

This brings us back to our original question...

DO DOG DENTAL CHEWS WORK?

Veterinarian Kristi says, “Do dental chews work? The short answer is, it depends! If your dog has a significant amount of tartar and plaque accumulation, dental chews may not be able to work to the best of their ability. If your dog’s oral health is deemed healthy by your veterinarian, dental chews may be the perfect addition to keeping and maintaining healthy oral hygiene.

It is extremely important to care for your dog's teeth because they aren’t able to brush their teeth themselves. Dental disease can be a source of pain, infection, and systemic infection.”

While dental chews won’t reverse any existing dental issue (like a disease), they’re a great compliment to brushing for your dog’s preventive dental hygiene routine.

Two main factors are at play to make dog dental chews work: their unique shape and their ingredients.

Dental chews (also called dental sticks) are carefully designed with ridges and grooves that help scrape plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as they chew. It’s one of those pretty gross but also oddly satisfying things.

They are also often formulated with ingredients that work to further help teeth and gums as they break down in your dog’s mouth. If they’re made with the right ingredients, health benefits can extend beyond the mouth too!

Overall, dental chews are really great for cleaning your dog’s teeth without brushing, while channeling their natural chew instinct in a positive way.

But just like any treat, be sure to check the calorie content of the dental chew so you can appropriately work them into your dog’s diet. And as always, supervise your pup whenever they’re chewing a new chew or treat to make sure they don’t attempt to swallow it.

🐶 Try them out for yourself! Shop Dog Dental Chews here! 🦷

BENEFITS OF DOG DENTAL CHEWS/STICKS

When used correctly, dental chews can be very beneficial for your dog. When we say that, we mean when used in conjunction with regular brushing as well as one that’s an appropriate size for your dog and is made with natural ingredients that work.

A high-quality dental chew can be a gamechanger in your dog’s dental routine, which is why we’re so excited to introduce Pupford’s new Dog Dental Chews!

Here are some of the benefits and reasons why we think your dog will love our dental chews:

• They clean teeth and freshen breath through something your dog loves to do naturally: chew!
• They are formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that not only keep your dog’s mouth clean, but aid in digestion and boost overall health!
• Turmeric which helps reduce inflammation
• Spirulina which is high in antioxidants
• Peppermint oil which improves digestion (on top of helping with minty fresh breath!)
• Dogs love the healthy, natural mint flavor
• The sticks measure about four inches so they are safe for dogs of all sizes and ages.

Pretty cool, right?! You can learn more about our dental chews here.

RECAP OF DO DOG DENTAL CHEWS WORK?

So while nothing can truly replace brushing your dog’s teeth when it comes to dental hygiene, adding dental chews is a great way to make sure your dog’s mouth stays clean and healthy between brushing.

As Veterinarian Kristi mentioned, dental chews work best for dogs that don't have an existing dental disease or major issue. Dental chews can be a perfect addition to preventing oral health issues and helping reduce plaque and tartar.

Shop Dental Chews for your pup here!

We want to see your dog in action with our dental chews! Take a picture and be sure to tag us on Instagram!

🐶 Try them out for yourself! Shop Dog Dental Chews here! 🦷