Oral health becomes even more important as our dog ages. It can be easy for tartar to build up in the mouth causing damage to the teeth and gums. Dental chews are an excellent way to keep a dog’s teeth clean. Regular dental chews and teeth brushing can help prevent or delay a senior dog from needing to go under anesthesia for a dental cleaning.
The best part about dental chews is that your dog just thinks it is getting a treat. These products are designed with special shapes and ingredients that work to scrape plaque off the teeth while promoting fresh breath and gum health. Your dog just gets to enjoy chewing on a special treat.
Some senior dogs have no dental issues, which allows them to continue enjoying the same treats as all other dogs. However, many older dogs have sensitive teeth that can no longer handle chewing hard objects. Keep this in mind when choosing dental chews for your elderly dog.
1. WHIMZEES
WHIMZEES is a brand of dental chews that offers a variety of products for pets of all ages. All their chews are made to promote dental health, but they come in several shapes, sizes, and flavors. You can find which product works best for your senior dog. Their Brushzees chews are a great choice thanks to their unique shape and ridges.
2. Virbac CET Veggiedent FR3SH Tartar Control Chews
The unique z-shaped design of Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews allows the chews to scrape all sides of your dog’s teeth. The chews are plant-based and gluten-free, so even dogs with dietary restrictions can enjoy them. In addition to promoting oral health, Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews contain a prebiotic to keep your dog’s gut healthy also.
3. EcoKind Yak Cheese Dog Chews
EcoKind Yak Cheese Dog Chews are an excellent chew treat for dogs that do not have sensitive teeth. These chews are made from 100% cow and yak milk. During the curing process, the lactose is removed. Yak Cheese Dog Chews are not marketed as a dental chew, but they can still remove built-up tartar. Since these chews are extremely hard, your dog will be able to chew on them for long periods, removing tartar with each bite.
4. Zesty Paws Omega OraStix
The long, grooved design of Zesty Paws Omega OraStix gives plenty of surface area to clean off your dog’s teeth. These sticks are made with healthy ingredients, specifically omega-3 fatty acids. That means that your dog gets dental support and a nutritional supplement. An added bonus is peppermint oil, leaving your dog with fresh breath after each stick.
5. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
OraVet sells top-notch Dental Hygiene Chews for your dogs. These chews come in a variety of sizes to correspond with the weight of your dog. Not only will your dog’s teeth get the benefit of mechanical cleaning from chewing the product, but helpful ingredients work to prevent future plaque and bacteria build-up.
6. GREENIES Aging Care Dental Chews
GREENIES has a variety of dental chew products, but their Aging Care Dental Chews are made specifically for senior dogs. The chews are 50% more flexible than original GREENIES chews, making them easier on older teeth. Healthy ingredients are added to the dental chews to promote your senior dog’s overall health. For those concerned with added ingredients, you’ll be happy to know that the green color comes from decaffeinated green tea extract instead of food coloring.
7. Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste
The Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste chews were created specifically for senior dogs. Most importantly, it is a softer texture than many other dental chews.
The chews include toothpaste in the formula, helping to further clean your dog’s teeth while they chew on the product. Natural ingredients work to prevent future bacteria and tartar growth.
8. Natural Balance Dental Chews
Natural Balance Dental Chews come in several flavors that are all grain-free. These are a great option for senior dogs that have sensitive stomachs or are on limited-ingredient diets.
The chews have ridges to manually scrape the surfaces of the teeth while the dog is chewing. The addition of vitamin C helps support your senior dog’s immune system.
9. Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz
The Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz are flat pieces of beef hide. The shape makes it harder for even the faster chewers to scarf down the product.
Longer periods of chewing mean more cleaning as the chew scrapes off the tartar from the dog’s teeth. This is a great high-protein option since most dental chews have a grain base.
10. Blue Wilderness Wild Bones Dental Chews
Blue Wilderness Wild Bones Dental Chews are available in different sizes to meet your dog’s needs. These chews are grain-free and made of all-natural ingredients. In addition to cleaning your dog’s teeth, the chews also leave your dog with fresh breath.
Related Questions
Do Senior Dogs Need Dental Chews?
For dogs to get a full dental cleaning (similar to human teeth cleaning), they need to be put under anesthesia. Since many older dogs have health conditions, anesthesia becomes riskier as a dog ages. By keeping with your dog’s oral care at home, you can help prevent or delay veterinary dental cleanings.
Dental chews are an easy (and delicious) way to supplement your dog’s oral care routine. Regular brushing and a healthy diet are the main components of dental health.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Chews?
The main benefit of dental chews is the mechanical cleaning of the teeth. This occurs as the dental chews scrape the sides of the dog’s teeth while the dog is chewing. Since dental chews usually have a denser texture, this scraping can remove most or all tartar build-up.
Dental chews can also have added ingredients for added benefits. Some have peppermint or other herbal oils to give your dog fresh breath. Many dental chews include vitamins or minerals to support your dog’s overall health.
How Can I Keep My Senior Dog’s Teeth Healthy?
The best way to keep your senior dog’s teeth healthy is to feed them a nutritional and balanced diet. You should also be brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. It is best to start a brushing routine when your dog is a puppy, but don’t worry if you’re starting late. Indeed, old dogs can easily learn new tricks. Make sure your senior dog is getting regular veterinary check-ups. Finally, offer your dog dental chews to help keep their teeth and gums clean of bacteria and plaque.
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