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Did you know, dog chews not only keep your dog busy but also help in maintaining dental hygiene? Surprised? Well, here is some more insight into how important long-lasting dental chews are in keeping your dog’s teeth clean.
Most dogs dislike brushing, but just like humans, even dogs develop plaque and bacteria in their mouths. This same plaque can turn into tartar if not brushed away within 36 hours. The buildup of tartar leads to a list of dental problems like periodontal disease, inflamed gums, which in turn, causes loss of appetite and broken or lost teeth in your dogs.
Professional cleaning and brushing, of course, are great ways to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene but long-lasting dog chews and other dental treats also provide beneficial qualities in cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Just as humans, dogs also face dental problems like:
Unpleasant Breath
Plaque (bacteria, food on teeth, saliva build-up)
Tartar (Yellowish or brownish hard residue on teeth)
Pain in gums along with swelling, bleeding, or irritation.
The Benefits of Long Lasting Dog Chews
Reduces Bad Breath
Dogs do have slightly unpleasant breaths, and this occurs due to the bacteria that is building up in their mouth. But when dogs have extremely unpleasant breaths, it could be due to dental problems relating to the gums. Long-lasting dog chews for teeth play a vital role in keeping your dog’s mouth clean and smelling fresh. Certain dog chews that are made up of cow and yak are beneficial in dental hygiene and helps in improving your dog’s breath.
Improves teeth and gum health
The mechanical action of chewing by itself makes a huge difference when it comes to removing plaque. Dogs that chew actively see a lot less plaque than other dogs. Chewing not only helps in strengthening the gums and keeping them clean, it also encourages the flow of cleansing, antibacterial saliva through the dog’s mouth.
Precautions to be taken while identifying the right dog chews
Some dog chews are slightly better than others, hence, one must keep in mind certain precautions when it comes to choosing the best dog chew for teeth.
Right Match
You have to find the perfect match for your dog’s personality and size. If your dog is an aggressive chewer or is a large breed dog, then a chew that is firm and long-lasting would be perfect, and so on.
Appropriate for your dog’s age
It is imperative to keep in mind the life stage of your dog when it comes to choosing the perfect long-lasting chew for them. Puppies and younger dogs find solace in chewing due to the discomfort caused by teething, thus they would prefer something hard, and sturdy. When it comes to older dogs, they encounter more dental issues, thus you need to find the right chew that is soft and long-lasting so that they are easier for them to chew.
Perfect Ingredients
The best dog chews are made from natural ingredients that will dissolve easily over a period of time, which will allow your pet to chew and digest the bit of the dog chew with ease. A good long-lasting dog chew will last for a longer period of time without getting spoiled and will give your dog endless pleasure. But some dog chews are made of soft plastic and other artificial ingredients that may not suit your dog and can cause allergic reactions, upset tummy, or even contribute to poor oral hygiene. Thus, always look out for the ingredients on the package of the dog chew you are purchasing for your pet.
Avoid chews that are too hard
If your dog is finding it difficult to bite on a chunk of the dog chew, then it is probably too hard to swallow. If your dog is chewing on an extremely hard dog chew, it can cause oral injuries or even fracture your pet’s tooth. Just like the rule of thumb, if you banged your knee onto the chew and it hurts hard, then it is not suitable for your pet.
Other than long-lasting dog chews, there are various ways to ensure that your pet has the best dental and oral hygiene.
Here are some tips to ensure dental hygiene in your pets:
Regular Brushing
Yes, just like humans, even dogs require their teeth to be brushed regularly. But regularly does not mean daily in this case. Your dog needs brushing at least two to three times a week to avoid dental diseases. Setting a routine when it comes to brushing does help a dog have fresh breath and avoid dental diseases. Toothpaste specific to dogs has to be used, and you can either use a dog toothbrush or also your fingertip based on the convenience and comfort of your pooch.
Professional Cleanings
A vet knows what is best for your dog and your dog’s teeth. Even though professional cleaning is expensive, it is one of the best ways to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene. Vets can detect or locate if there is an issue within the mouth or teeth and can help prevent it at an early stage.
Dental Wipes
Use soft dental wipes to wipe out the gunk stuck in your dog’s teeth to ensure oral hygiene and fresh breath. These are good for training if you have just started the routine of brushing your dog’s teeth.
Dental Toys
Just like dental chews and treats, dental toys are a great way of distracting your dog during the teething phase, and it helps in removing tartar or plaque from the surface of the tooth due to chewing mechanism, thus improving the dental hygiene of your pet.
All in all, long-lasting dental chews are very beneficial for your dog’s oral and dental hygiene.
Dogsee has plenty of chews and treats that are apt for all kinds of dogs. Ranging from Hard dental chews to Puppy dental treats, the options cater to the needs of your pets irrespective of their age and size.
Hard Dental Chews
They come in three different sizes- large, medium, and small which can be chosen based on the size of your pet. These hard dental long-lasting dog chews are very effective when it comes to fighting against tartar, plaque, and also maintaining pleasant dog breath.
Puffy Bars (Soft Dental Treats)
Puffy bars are perfect for senior dogs who don’t have strong teeth and find it difficult to chew on the hard dog chews. The puffy treats are easy to digest and provide your senior dogs with all the nutrition required for their age. Along with nutrition, they ensure excellent dental hygiene by removing plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and also ensuring fresh breath.
Crunchies (Soft dog treats for Puppies and Small Dogs)
Crunchies make an ideal treat for small dogs and puppies when it comes to dental hygiene. They help your puppy during their teething phase and help fight plaque and tartar, while their crunchy texture helps their teething pains. Crunchies also help in maintaining fresh breath and are ideal for their healthy skin and shiny coat.
All in all, long-lasting dental chews are very beneficial for your dog’s overall oral and dental hygiene. As a pet parent, all you have to do is choose the right long-lasting chew for your dog to ensure that they have happy and clean teeth!
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