Do Vets Recommend Dental Sticks?

Are dental sticks a necessity for dogs?

Are the dental sticks we’re used to seeing on the shelves of our favorite pet stores really necessary? Do they work, or are they just a trend that’s destined to fade? In this article, we examine the benefits of dental sticks, as well as any potential drawbacks.

What are dental sticks for dogs?

Dental sticks for dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all are based on the premise that they can help clean your dog’s teeth and promote oral health while chewing.

The mechanical “scrubbing” effect of a dental stick may help remove plaque from teeth, but how effectively it does this will depend on several different factors, including the shape, texture, and ingredients of the stick.

Dental sticks often contain a variety of ingredients that can have a positive impact on your dog’s teeth, depending on the quality of the stick you use.

What are the risks of using dental sticks for your dog?

There are warnings that dental sticks can pose a choking hazard or cause irritation in the mouth or throat if they’re too large or difficult to chew properly. We always recommend supervising your dog when chewing on a dental stick, in addition to choosing a stick that’s appropriate for their size.

Dental sticks can also be high in calories, which means you need to be mindful of how often you feed them to your dog to avoid them gaining weight.

What are the benefits of dental sticks?

The main benefit of dental sticks is that they help clean your puppy's teeth and promote oral hygiene. However, some dental sticks can offer even more benefits.

So, should I give my dog dental sticks?

High-quality and well-formulated dental sticks can certainly play an important role in helping maintain your dog's oral hygiene. But it's important to note that they are not a replacement for regular brushing.

When choosing dental sticks, be sure to pay attention to the ingredients they contain and consider their calorie content when feeding them to your dog - to avoid weight gain.

The best thing to do is... research! Find a brand of dental sticks that you think will work for your furry friend and monitor them over the long term.