Like humans, dental health is crucial to dogs' overall well-being. This is why, as pet parents, we constantly search for products and solutions to keep their mouths healthy. In the past few years, dog dental chews have become increasingly in demand as a supplement to regular tooth brushing, helping keep dogs' teeth and gums in optimal condition.
Why You Should Worry About Your Dog's Oral Health
Whereas potty training with dog-friendly solutions like Gotta Go Grass® pads for dogs can help reduce accidents indoors and reinforce good potty habits, maintaining your dog's oral health is crucial to prevent dental issues like plaque and tartar buildup. When left unchecked, these problems can lead to cavities and decay, potentially causing discomfort, pain, or the risk of lost or broken teeth.
Additionally, untreated dental problems can progress to more severe conditions such as periodontal disease or gum disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through diseased gums, leading to more serious health problems in dogs, including heart disease, kidney disease, or liver problems. Regular dental care, including the use of dental chews, can help prevent these issues and keep your dog happy and healthy.
The Benefits of Dental Treats for Dogs
While dental treats are not a substitute for regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings, they're a great addition to your dog's oral care routine. They come in flavors and designs your dog will enjoy chewing on while keeping its teeth clean.
Chew-A-Bulls® Hydrant, available at the Gotta Go Grass® website, is a dental chew designed to reduce tartar and plaque buildup in dogs. It has ridges and grooves that reach the nooks and crannies between your dog's teeth, gently scraping away food and other particles and massaging the gums effectively simultaneously.
Additionally, Chew-A-Bulls® Hydrant is made with all-natural, gluten-free, and dog-friendly ingredients. It includes parsley for antioxidants and freshening breath and other spices that support digestion. Beyond its dental benefits, this dental chew offers additional advantages, such as promoting a healthy coat and helping to maintain a healthy weight. Continue reading as we break down the benefits of dental chews for dogs.
Reduces Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Dental dog treats have a gritty texture that gently scrubs away food particles on the dog's teeth when chewed. Their ridges and grooves reach between the teeth, further helping to control plaque buildup. Moreover, when dogs chew on these treats, their salivary glands are stimulated, boosting saliva production. Saliva contains natural antibacterial properties that, combined with the scrubbing effect of the chews, help maintain good oral health in dogs.
Freshens Dog's Breath
It's not unusual for a dog's breath to smell bad, which is often the result of bacteria build-up in the mouth. By removing food particles, dog treats can also diminish the bacteria contributing to bad breath. Additionally, some treats and chews add breath-freshening ingredients like parsley or mint, further increasing their benefits.
Strengthens Jaw Muscles
Dental chews and chew toys encourage dogs to exert force with their jaws as they chew. As a result, they help strengthen their jaw muscles over time, much like how resistance training builds muscle in humans. This is particularly helpful for dogs with weaker jaw muscles due to age, health issues, or lack of regular exercise.
Soothes Irritated Gums
Plaque buildup and food particles in the mouth can contribute to gum irritation. Chewing on dog dental treats not only removes these irritating food debris and buildup but also gently massages the gums, which helps relieve inflammation and discomfort.
Relieves Boredom, Stress, and Anxiety
Chewing can be a calming activity for dogs. It releases endorphins, the hormones that help them feel more relaxed and better cope with stress. Additionally, the repetitive action of chewing can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy and anxiety, distracting them from negative emotions or situations.
How to Use Dog Dental Treats Properly
Overall, dental chews are a valuable addition to your dog's oral care routine, helping maintain clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath. However, keep in mind that not all dental treats are the same, and they should not replace regular tooth brushing or professional teeth cleaning. Below are some final tips to remember when purchasing dental treats for your dog.
- Select a chew that is soft enough not to irritate your dog's gums but provides some resistance for jaw muscle exercise.
- Avoid treats that are too hard, as they can damage teeth, especially if your dog has dental issues. These include hard plastic bones, sterilized bones, hooves, and pig ears.
- Match the dental chew to your dog's age and chew personality. For example, adult dogs and aggressive chewers may need firmer treats than puppies.Â
- Give dental chews sparingly and choose high-quality, low-calorie treats to avoid weight gain. Generally, the smaller your dog, the fewer the treats.
- Do not give your dog fresh bones with meat and cartilage due to the risk of bacterial contamination or ingesting sharp bone fragments.
For a wide range of products to keep your dog happy and healthy, including grass pads for dogs and other accessories, visit the Gotta Go Grass® website.
