Are Dog Dental Sticks Safe?

Many of us enjoy feeding our pets dental chews or treats every day. After all, we love feeding them treats (and seeing their eyes light up with love), and we also love doing something nice for their teeth and oral health.

Home Dental Care

First things first. There are many dental products on the market today. Some of them even advertise that they can replace brushing and dental cleanings. But evidence shows that the first and best way to prevent bad breath, swollen gums, plaque, and periodontal disease is to have a dental exam and cleaning by your veterinarian, and brush your pet's teeth every day. Dental chews and treats can be a great supplement to your pet's daily oral health. But they are not a replacement for brushing and regular professional dental cleanings.

Dental Chews and Treats

We mentioned that not all dental chews and treats are created equal. Fortunately, there is an organization that has given a seal of approval to some of the treats and chews currently available. The Veterinary Oral Health Council is an organization that evaluates pet products to see if they meet standards for reducing plaque and tartar. Make sure the dental chews or treats you give your pet have their seal of approval.

Dental Chews and Treats Considerations

Some dental health treats advertised are downright unsafe or contain high amounts of fat and unhealthy ingredients that are harmful to your pet. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing dental health treats for your pet. If you have questions, call us.

Rawhide Bones

These can be effective against plaque and tartar, but some dogs may also swallow large chunks, which can put them at risk for gastrointestinal obstruction – which may even require surgery. Rawhide is also fairly high in fat, so watch your pet carefully to make sure they are actually chewing them, and if you feed your pet rawhide, limit calories elsewhere.

Avoid Dried Pig Ears and Hard Bones

In addition to the high fat content (which can cause pancreatitis in some dogs), hard chews, hard plastic bones, and sterilized cow bones or hooves can also cause tooth fractures and other problems.

Cooked Bones

 These bones are too hard and unyielding to do anything to prevent plaque, and can cause tooth fractures or gastrointestinal perforation or obstruction.

It is generally accepted that chews and treats that are soft and sink into the teeth are most effective in preventing periodontal disease. If you have any questions about your pet's dental care and health, please give us a call. We are here to help you ensure your pet remains healthy and happy!