Do Dogs Really Need Dental Chews? A Simple Guide to Dog Dental Care

Looking after your dog’s teeth might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about their daily routine, but dental care is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy.

Just like us, dogs can develop a build-up of plaque on their teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can eventually harden into tartar, which can contribute to sore, inflamed gums and other dental problems. PDSA

The good news is that looking after your dog’s teeth doesn’t need to be complicated.

What causes plaque and tartar in dogs?

Plaque is a build-up containing bacteria, saliva and food debris that collects on the teeth. If it isn’t regularly removed, it can harden into tartar.

Once tartar has formed, brushing alone is unlikely to remove it, and your vet can advise whether professional treatment is needed. PDSA

Building a regular dental-care routine is therefore much easier than waiting until there’s already a problem.

Do dental chews actually help?

Dental chews can be a useful addition to your dog’s dental-care routine.

The chewing action of some dental products can provide mechanical contact with the teeth, while particular shapes and textures may encourage chewing. However, products vary, and a dental chew shouldn’t be considered a replacement for regular tooth brushing or professional veterinary dental care when needed.

Some dental products have undergone assessment for their ability to help control plaque or tartar. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), for example, awards its Seal of Acceptance to products where submitted evidence meets its standards for dental efficacy. Veterinary Oral Health Council

Think of a dental chew as one part of your dog’s dental routine rather than the whole routine.

What should you look for in a dental chew?

With so many options available, it’s worth looking beyond the front of the packet.

Check the ingredients and feeding guidance and choose something appropriate for your dog’s age and size. If you’re giving a dental treat every day, remember that it also contributes calories to your dog’s diet and should be accounted for alongside their normal food and other treats. PDSA

At Nose & Whisker, we particularly like products that keep things straightforward.

Our Gently Dently Salmon Dental Treats are made with natural, human-grade ingredients and contain 14% salmon. Their distinctive buffalo-head shape is designed to encourage chewing as part of your dog’s daily dental-care routine.

There are seven treats in each pack, making it easy to incorporate one into your dog’s daily routine. They’re also gluten free, low in fat and contain no added sugar or artificial colours.

What about brushing?

If your dog will tolerate it, regular tooth brushing is one of the best habits you can establish for their dental health.

Ideally, dogs’ teeth should be brushed daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs. Human toothpaste should never be used because some formulations can contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. PDSA

If brushing is new to your dog, take things slowly. You can begin by getting them comfortable with having their face and mouth touched before gradually introducing dog-safe toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Short, positive sessions can help make brushing part of their normal routine rather than something they learn to avoid. PDSA

Keep an eye on their teeth and gums

It’s worth getting into the habit of having a quick look at your dog’s mouth regularly.

Persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, loose or damaged teeth, difficulty eating or signs of discomfort around the mouth can indicate a dental problem and should be checked by your vet. PDSA

Dental chews and brushing can form part of everyday dental hygiene, but they can’t treat an existing dental problem.

Regular veterinary check-ups are important too, as they give your vet an opportunity to spot dental problems that might not be obvious at home. PDSA

A little every day

As with many aspects of caring for our pets, consistency is more useful than trying to do everything at once.

A simple routine of checking your dog’s teeth, brushing regularly and providing an appropriate dental chew can help make dental care part of everyday life.

And if your dog thinks their dental routine is actually treat time, that’s not a bad arrangement either. 🐾