It's uncommon to find a dog that doesn't like chewing on something, be it a toy, stick, or something discovered on your regular walks. However, not everything you put in your dog's mouth is suitable for chewing. In reality, many objects that dogs find on their own and those offered in stores can endanger your pet's dental health.
Dental health can influence a dog's general health, including the heart and digestive system. Every pet parent who likes doggie kisses is well aware that tartar and plaque development may cause foul breath in even the prettiest of dogs.
Some commercially made chews can damage your pet's overall health, from cracked teeth and punctured gums to intestinal blockages and tummy discomfort. You can select your pet's best dental chew items by following these guidelines.
Most dental chews eliminate plaque and tartar by scratching the surface of a dog's teeth. Anytime your dog chomps on its chews, its chewy texture enables the teeth to dig in for optimum contact with large areas of the tooth, resulting in a mechanical washing and scraping of the tooth surface.
For example, delmopinol, an anti-plaque chemical, reduces the stickiness of plaques, diminishing plaque cells' capacity to adhere to the tooth surface. Before plaque sticks to the tooth surface, enzyme cleaners break down plaque cells in different ways.
Dogs, like their human counterparts, suffer from dental hygiene issues:
The following are the principal ways these chews help combat these dental issues:
Improve Dog Teeth And Gum Health
The best dog dental chews produce less plaque accumulation. Furthermore, some dental treats for dogs can reduce plaque by up to 70%. As previously indicated, the chewing mechanism can make a difference. According to one study, a 50% increase in kibble diameter resulted in a 42% reduction in tartar. In the same study, the chemical coating of polyphosphate on the treats reduced tartar by 55%.
Getting Rid of Foul Breath
It's fairly common for a dog's breath to be a little unpleasant. Germs in the mouth commonly cause this, suggesting that your dog needs better gum or dental care. However, you should consult your veterinarian to ensure that poor breath isn't because of something more serious.
Some dog treats are developed to aid enhanced breath in addition to expert cleaning and regular dental brushing. Hard chew toys could also be beneficial. Check with your veterinarian for advice.
As a result, not all dental dog treats are created equal. Some are more helpful or healthier than others. Consider the following aspects when selecting a dental chew for your dog:
Pick The Perfect Match - Adjust the treat or chew to your dog's size, taste, and disposition. For instance, aggressive chewers may prefer a tougher product.
Limit edible treats - Per the brand you decide to purchase, your edible chew could dissolve too quickly to fully impact your dog's teeth. Furthermore, these sweets can quickly accumulate a large number of calories. The general guideline is that the tinnier the dog, the less the treats should be. In any case, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Choose compressed chews with care - For instance, rawhide chews taste great and are also good for dogs' teeth. However, some breeds, especially vicious chewers, may swallow whole pieces or eat them too quickly.
Avoid Pig Ears And Hard Bones - Hard plastic chews, cow hooves, or sterilized beef bones will likely harm your dog's teeth strength. Even though dogs may adore pigs' ears, research has shown that they do not provide any dental advantages but increase the possibility of bacterial contamination.
Per the VOHC, dental treats for dogs decrease tartar and plaque by approximately 15–20%. Provided you get the right dog chews, you can use them to enhance the effects of brushing using an authorized toothpaste and decrease tartar and plaque by up to 25%. Fortunately, the VOHC Seal of Approval has been given to the aforementioned dental treats. So, you can shop for each one with confidence!
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