Dental treats with breath-freshening ingredients help reduce plaque and tartar build-up in cats’ mouths, while providing relief for dental problems. There is an assortment of shapes and claims associated with them; look out for products bearing the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance for best results.
An effective oral hygiene routine includes routine veterinary teeth cleaning sessions, tooth brushing sessions and dental chews as part of a wellness plan for your dog. They may provide an easier alternative than dog toys which may not appeal to him/her as much.
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Chewing
Dental chews are an excellent way to ensure your dog maintains optimal oral hygiene when used alongside daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and an appropriately designed toothbrush for him or her. Look for chews with antiplaque/tartar properties; products bearing the VOHC seal of approval can help significantly.
Most dental chews boast ingredients to clean teeth, freshen breath and provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Chews come in various textures, chewability and abrasiveness levels; ideal chews for dogs should be soft enough to wrap around teeth when chewing for easy cleaning action – the best ones usually feature meat byproducts, cellulose starches and xanthan gum as ingredients.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, with their ridged and nubbed surfaces that scrub teeth and remove plaque, are one such popular brand of dental chews for canines. Other such chews that help reduce plaque include Virbac C.E.T VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control chews and Greenies. When selecting the appropriate chew for your dog’s size – small dogs need smaller treats while larger breeds may require larger chews – it’s also important to remember how big they may get as you choose.
Breath Fresheners
Greenies dental chews are widely known for both their teeth-cleaning and breath-freshening benefits. Shaped like toothbrushes and filled with spearmint extract to freshen breath, Greenies have earned the approval of the Voluntary Offset Health Committee of Health Canada while manufactured in the USA using globally sourced ingredients.
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Chews feature a channel of gummy toothpaste in their center to polish each tooth; and Whimzees Brushzees come in various shapes including alligators, hedgehogs, and pumpkins; both treats contain poultry flavoring and are approved by VOHC.
Dental chews offer more effective solutions than regular dog toothbrushes for freshening breath or reducing tartar build-up than the latter, although they should never replace regular brushing sessions. But be mindful that some dental treats contain as many as 10 calories per treat so use with caution; all dogs should visit their veterinarian regularly for professional oral exams and cleanings.
Tartar Control
Bocce’s Bakery makes Brushy Sticks, single strips of rawhide shaped like toothbrushes available in three sizes for dogs from five pounds up to 50 pounds, approved by VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Another option available from Virbac is their C.E.T VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dental Chews which come in green rectangular form with poultry flavors specifically created to reduce tartar build-up.
Tartar is an accumulation of hardened plaque that forms a crusty coating on teeth. If left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease which begins with tender or swollen gum tissue and advances to periodontitis, which destroys tissue and bone supporting teeth leading to loose or lost teeth. Brushing, flossing, mouthwash and regular visits with your dental professional are effective tools in preventing tartar buildup.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene benefits typically include fresh breath and a bright smile; less well known is its connection to general body health; poor oral hygiene increases risks for various medical conditions.
Regular dental cleanings are key to maintaining good oral hygiene and helping avoid tooth decay, gum disease and other serious health concerns. Regular visits to your dentist will ensure a healthier mouth! These visits could prevent tooth decay, gum disease or any other issues that might arise in future visits.
Keep your dog’s mouth healthy between teeth cleaning visits by giving him treats such as natural chew sticks made from real beef or poultry processed in the USA or ridged nylon bones that reduce plaque. There are food products specifically formulated to fight bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up such as Greenies, Del Monte Tartar Check Dog Biscuits or Milk-Bone Brushing Chews; consult your vet about additional solutions that could aid with his oral hygiene.
