Do vets recommend dental sticks?

While routine professional veterinary dental care is vital to your pup's oral health, dental chews can help clear away plaque at home. Yes, well-designed dental chews can help reduce tartar and plaque buildup. That said, dental chews should not be used as a substitute for routine tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings but as an additional tool. However, it is essential to remember that they cannot replace regular tooth brushing and dental checkups. Check the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s list of product recommendations for buys worth your money. Book your pet’s routine oral exam and dental cleanings at your vet’s office. Scheduling regular health checkups with a qualified veterinarian is crucial. While some dental chews are effective for dogs, these aren’t a replacement for regular toothbrushing or professional dental care routines.

See what your vet recommends. Some have voluntarily been tested and received the VOHC seal of approval. Most are available in stores, but some you can only purchase through veterinarians. Ask your vet about these and special dental diets available only through the veterinary market. Ask your vet if you have questions about this. Not all dental dog treats are created equal.

High-quality and properly formulated dental care sticks can certainly play an important role in helping maintain your dog’s oral hygiene. The main benefits of dental sticks are that they can contribute to cleaning your pup’s teeth and helping to promote oral hygiene. Some warn that when dental sticks are too large or difficult to chew properly, they can become a choking hazard or result in irritation to the mouth or throat. We’d always recommend supervising your dog as they chew their dental stick, in addition to choosing dental sticks that are designed for their size. Dental sticks may also be high in calories, which means that you’ll need to be mindful of how often you feed them to your canine companion to avoid them gaining excess weight. Usually containing a range of ingredients, dental sticks can have a positive effect on your dog’s teeth, depending on the quality of the sticks you’re using. The mechanical ‘scrubbing’ effect of the dental stick may help to remove plaque from the teeth, but how effectively it achieves this will depend on several different factors, including the shape, texture, and ingredients of the stick. It’s important to note, though, that they’re not a substitute for regular brushing. When choosing your dental care sticks, be sure to be mindful of the ingredients they contain, and to factor in their caloric content when feeding them to your dog – to avoid weight gain.

Dental chews and treats are also a good way of helping to keep your dog's teeth clean. Ask your vet for advice first before feeding your dog bones, and supervise them if and when they do eat them. Ask your vet first - before you start cleaning your dog's teeth, it's always best to ask your vet to show you the best way to do this. If you're unsure what works best for your dog, a vet or reputable pet shop will be able to give you more specific advice on the best diet. Your dog will most likely need sedation or a general anaesthetic to properly examine their mouth. If you find your dog has dental disease, only carry out treatment under the direction of your vet.

Estcourt Vets’ nurses advise owners to look for ingredients that actively support oral health. Tartar Control: Some chews are designed with tartar-fighting ingredients, like enzymes, that help break down plaque and tartar as your dog chews. Baking Soda or Calcium: These ingredients can help maintain tooth enamel and prevent the build-up of plaque. Natural Additives: Some chews include ingredients like parsley or peppermint, which can freshen your dog’s breath and keep their mouth clean. The size and shape of the dog chew you choose are important factors in both safety, comfort, and effectiveness, according to Estcourt Vets’ nurses. Dental chews are a fantastic addition to your dog’s oral care routine, but they shouldn’t replace regular dental cleaning at home and check-ups with your vet. Book a dog dental check-up Dental chews can be a great way to keep your dog’s teeth clean, they also add extra calories to their diet. Be mindful of the caloric content and adjust your dog’s regular meals accordingly to prevent weight gain. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Non-edible chews for dogs are a great way to help maintain oral health without adding extra calories. Made from durable materials like rubber or nylon, they help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews.

Though chews that are properly designed can potentially reduce tartar and plaque buildup, they’re not a substitute for regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings - just an additional tool. Feel free to use dental chews to supplement your dog’s oral care routine - somewhat like we sometimes chew sugar-free gum to keep our breath fresh, but we wouldn’t use this in place of regularly brushing our teeth or visiting the dentist. While some dental chews are effective for dogs, these aren’t a replacement for regular toothbrushing or professional dental care routines. These elements of a great oral health care routine should stay on your dog’s calendar, and their teeth will remain in good condition. Remember to book your pet’s routine oral exam and dental cleanings at your vet’s office. Check the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s list of product recommendations for buys that are worth your money.