How Often Should You Give Your Dog Dental Sticks?
That can vary, but you should allow your dog to chew on something every day. Adding a dental chew to your dogs dental care routine is a great way to care for your pups oral health.
As we talked about above, there are a ton of different products on the market, and many make some impressive claims. But how often should you really give your dog dental sticks?
The answer to this question can depend on different factors, such as the size and age of your dog, their overall health, and any special needs they might have. For example, puppies will chew more often than adult dogs because theyre still teething, and older dogs sometimes dont chew as much.
Pro Tip: Read the package of your chews. Often they have a recommended guideline of how often you should give that particular one to your dog. The veterinary oral health council regulates these guidelines.
What Are Some Safe Dental Sticks to Give My Dog?
Over the years, there have been some dental chew recalls. However, that doesnt mean you shouldnt give your dog a healthy dental stick. Here are a few safe, healthy choices for your pup.
Bully Sticks: These are a safe, popular choice for many dog owners. Theyre made from natural ingredients and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Just make sure you get them from a reputable source.
Natural Cravings sources, processes, and packages their bully sticks here in the USA to ensure the best quality for your best friend.
Nylon Bones: These are also a popular option and come in a variety of sizes. Theyre durable, long-lasting, and can help clean teeth. Just make sure you get the perfect size for your dog.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews: These dental dog treats are an excellent choice for dogs that need a little extra help with their dental hygiene. They have ridges and nubs that help clean teeth and remove plaque and tartar.
Hymilian Cheese Chews: These chews are made with real cheese and are a healthy, low-calorie treat. They help reduce tartar and plaque while satisfying your dogs chewing instinct.
Kong Toys: While not necessarily a chew, these rubber-like toys can be a great option for a long-lasting chew for your dogs oral care.
*Please note that some of these chews are long-lasting, whereas others are meant to be only a single-use chew.
Dental Chews You Shouldn’t Give Your Dog.
While there are many good options out there for your pup, there are some chews you really shouldnt give your dog. There are a few dangerous dog chews that you should avoid at all costs. And some reports by the veterinary oral health council note these chews can break teeth or cause other life-threatening conditions. Some of the most dangerous include:
Rawhide: This is a popular chew, but it can be hazardous for dogs. Rawhide is often overly processed and treated with chemicals and can easily cause choking or intestinal blockages.
Cooked Bones: Cooked bones are scarily dangerous. They can easily splinter and cause choking or cause other internal injuries.
Sticks: Sticks, especially those from the yard, can be dangerous for your dog. Sticks easily splinter, break, and cause injuries and blockages.
Vet Explains 6 Ways To Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
There is a lot of debate about whether dog chews really are effective at controlling bad breath and gum disease in our pooches.
Questions such as Which dog chews are effective? and How often should my dog be given a dog chew? come up regularly in veterinary consultations.
The goal of a dog chew is to both provide a mechanical way to clean your dog’s teeth as well as provide some environmental enrichment or fun!
The mouth is loaded with bacteria because it is a warm, moist & open environment. Bacteria contribute to dental disease and what is known as periodontal disease (gum disease), the most common problem plaguing our pets mouths. Without regular attention and awareness of ways in which to prevent gum disease, your pet could develop a painful condition where the dog’s teeth become loose and may need to be pulled out (extracted).
One of the options to help your dog maintain a healthy, pain-free mouth is to provide him or her with lots of dog chews.