Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. A study of more than 22,000 UK dogs found it was the single most common disorder vets diagnosed, affecting 12.5% of dogs in a year. The good news is that most of it can be prevented at home. Here’s what actually works, which dental treats have evidence behind them, and how to avoid the chews that cause more harm than good.
Daily brushing works best
Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the most effective way to prevent plaque building up and hardening into tartar. Use a soft dog toothbrush or finger brush and a toothpaste made for dogs; human toothpaste can contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
Start slowly: let your dog lick the paste off your finger for a few days, then touch the brush to the outer surfaces of the back teeth for a few seconds, building up to about 30 seconds a side. Most dogs accept it within a couple of weeks if every session ends with praise or a reward.
A reusable silicone finger brush or a bamboo-handled brush cuts plastic waste, but the most sustainable option is simply the one you’ll use every day.
Dental chews: look for the VOHC seal
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is an independent body that reviews trial results for products claiming to reduce plaque or tartar. A product only gets its seal if the trials show it works. The seal is the best quick check you have, because many “dental” chews have no evidence behind them.
VOHC-accepted dog chews include several Greenies, Pedigree Dentastix, Purina DentaLife, OraVet, Virbac VeggieDent and Whimzees products, among others. Each product is accepted for plaque, tartar or both, and the claim applies to the specific product and size listed, not to everything a brand sells. Check the current list on the VOHC website before you buy.
Chews help most when given every day and sized correctly for your dog, and they add calories, so count them as part of daily food. They support brushing; they don’t replace it.
Dental diets and water additives
Some dry foods are designed with large, fibrous kibble that scrubs the teeth as the dog chews, and several (from Hill’s, Royal Canin, Purina and others) are VOHC-accepted. Some prescription versions are only available through vets. Water additives and gels are an option for dogs that won’t accept a brush, but check for the VOHC seal and ask your vet first.
Chews to avoid
A common rule of thumb from vets: if you can’t press your thumbnail into a chew, or it would hurt to be hit on the knee with it, it’s too hard. Hard items can break teeth, especially the large upper cheek teeth.
- Cooked bones can splinter and are never safe.
- Antlers, hooves and hard nylon bones are common causes of broken teeth.
- Raw bones are debated. Some vets support them for some dogs; they still carry risks of broken teeth, gut blockages and bacteria. Ask your own vet.
- Tennis balls wear down tooth enamel over time, particularly when sandy.
“Natural” doesn’t mean proven
Plant-based, grain-free and single-ingredient chews can be good treats, but unless a product has been through VOHC trials, “dental” on the pack is a marketing claim. Choose them for other reasons (fewer ingredients, less packaging, Australian-made) rather than for your dog’s teeth.
See your vet once a year
Home care slows dental disease but doesn’t always stop it. Signs of a problem include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown tartar, dropping food and chewing on one side. Small breeds and flat-faced breeds, whose teeth are crowded, are especially prone. Your vet will check the teeth at your dog’s annual visit and can recommend a professional clean under anaesthetic when needed. Treating dental disease early is far cheaper than extracting teeth later.