Dog Toys & Chews for Dental Health

Did you know that your dog’s dental health is connected to its overall health? A dog with good dental hygiene can live years longer than a dog with poor dental health. That’s why is essential you take care of your pup’s chompers by brushing regularly and providing the occasional dog dental toy.

According to Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital:

“Unless you regularly provide some form of dental care, you are ignoring an important part of your pet’s overall health and wellness.”

Learn how dog toys for dental health can tackle plaque and soft tartar on your dog’s teeth in an effort to support your pet’s overall health.

Let’s help them chew the right thing!

Periodontal Disease & Dental Health Care Basics

Dogs have a total of 42 permanent adult teeth and it’s important that each one is healthy and protected from periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. And it is the most common disease seen in adult dogs and cats. 

According to WebMD, periodontal disease in dogs can lead to “chronic pain, eroded gums, missing teeth, and bone loss,” — not to mention steep vet bills.

Symptoms of periodontal disease may include:

• Bad breath
• Lethargy
• Salivating
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Decreased or loss of appetite 
• Weight loss
• Dropping food from mouth while eating
• Facial swelling
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Pawing at the face
• Teeth becoming loose or falling out

When it comes to dental care, the American Animal Hospital Association stresses the importance of regular professional cleanings rather than anesthesia-free ones.

“Without anesthesia, a pet dental cleaning will—at best—only clean the visible surface of the tooth.”

Anesthesia-free cleanings are very stressful for pets and are not always safer. Dogs should receive one professional dental cleaning a year by the age of 2 (or as your veterinarian advises). 

Preventing Doggy Dental Disease

In addition to annual dental cleanings, veterinarians recommend that we brush our dog’s teeth 2-3 times a week for at least 60 seconds. 

It’s important to use toothpaste made for dogs. Never use human toothpaste as it contains xylitol, an ingredient that is highly toxic to dogs. 

Dog toothpaste comes in flavors like chicken, bacon flavor, peanut butter (Arm & Hammer makes one with baking soda), liver, and beef that can keep your dog interested and help them tolerate brushings.

While you’re in their mouth brushing (with a dog toothbrush, not human), examine for any cuts or changes. Dogs often won’t signal if they are in pain, so monitor their mouth over time.

Try to ramp up your new teeth-brushing habit over time if you currently don’t brush your dog’s teeth. Soon your pup (and you) will get comfortable with it. 

In the meantime, Petstages toys like Orka DentaLinks and Mini Dental Chew dog toys can provide gum stimulation and remove food debris between brushes.

Dog Toys for Dental Health

In addition to regular brushing, you can supplement your dog’s dental health with special dental chews, dental sticks, dog bones, or dog treats. You just can’t solely rely on them to do the full job.

Dental chew toys aren’t limited to dog teeth cleaning toys. It’s important to find dog chew toys that are safe for your dog’s mouth in general.

Dogwood

As we all know, dogs love their sticks. But sticks pose a lot of danger to dogs. We developed Petstages Dogwood faux sticks to give dogs a safe version of the sticks they love so much.

Dogwood won’t splinter like a stick. Made from a blend of natural wood fiber and safe synthetic materials, Dogwood mimics the texture and taste of real wood. It provides a healthier outlet for dogs who need to satisfy natural chewing urges. 

Does your dog’s breath stink? Dogwood also comes in a 2-pack of one regular chew and one chew that’s mint-flavored for fresh breath.

Be sure to pick out the appropriate size for your dog. Large breeds need large sticks. Leave the smaller sizes for small dogs — this is a choking hazard for large dogs. Remember there is no such thing as an indestructible dog toy. Not for aggressive chewers.

Teething Toys for Puppies

Petstages Orka puppy chew toys help soothe sore and achy gums of new puppies.

Orka Dog Toys for Dental Health

Orka rubber toys are gentle on your pet’s teeth. Many Orka bone dog toys include raised nubs that massage gums and help remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Treat Dispensing Dog Dental Chew Toys

Maintaining good dental health comes with perks when you have a long-lasting, interactive treat-dispensing chew toy. 

The flat shape of this durable dog chew toy helps exercise jaw muscles while rope pieces act as bristles to support good dental hygiene by removing soft tartar. Pet parents can keep the fun going for their pooch with two easy-to-fill treat spots perfect for kibble and other chewy snacks. 

Don’t Neglect Your Dog’s Oral Health

Don’t skimp on oral care. Chewing on a kong, nylabone, benebone, or Dogwood stick alone is no substitute for proper dental cleaning.

The best dog oral care starts with consistency. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and make an appointment to get them professionally cleaned!

You can find more dental toys, squeaky toys, natural rubber toys, and more on our website, Amazon, or other pet retailers.