• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Are dental chews and water additives a waste of money?

Posted June 18, 2020

 
Dental chews and water additives aren't a substitute for regular toothbrushing. But they are an excellent addition to a dog's oral hygiene.
Dental chews and water additives aren’t a substitute for regular toothbrushing. But they are an excellent addition to a dog’s oral hygiene.

Dental diseases are a common problem for dogs:

According to the VIN (Veterinary Information Network) reports, up to 85% of canines develop periodontitis by the age of three. If not prevented and treated, the consequences go far beyond gum inflammation or bad breath from a dog’s mouth: missing teeth, bone loss, problems with kidneys, liver, and heart are just a few.

The best option to control a dog’s oral health is everyday toothbrushing, but not many owners do that. (Most dogs don’t enjoy the process, and owners don’t want to traumatize their four-legged friends.) And yet, understanding the need for teeth hygiene in dogs, they look for alternative options. Dental chews and water additives are two of them.

Both have been a source of controversy among vets and pet owners alike. Let’s dig deeper to figure out the pros and cons of these dental treats and understand if they are worth buying.

Dental chews: What’s the problem?

Dental chews are specially designed treats for dogs, molded into shapes for more natural chewing, cleaning between teeth, and gums massaging. Thanks to specific components inside, they clean a dog’s teeth and provide it with fresher breath.

The benefits are many:

  • Clean teeth
  • Fresh breath
  • Preventing a dog from chewing other items in a house
  • Strong jaw muscles
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Rewarding a dog while training
  • Alleviating teeth pain in puppies

At the same time, dental chews may cause problems with digestion for dogs. The reason is low-quality ingredients some manufacturers use to produce these treats. So please check the label with the components before buying, and monitor a dog’s condition after giving dental chews to it. In case of diarrhea, gas, or other signs of gastro issues, stop giving the treats.

Another point to consider is the size of a treat. Make sure it’s firm enough for a dog to chew it rigorously, as some can break and cause a choke. Also, if you give a big treat to a small dog, it won’t be as effective as cleaning with an appropriately sized product.

Water additives: Worth trying?

Beagle drinks fresh water. When it comes to pampering your pooch, most people focus on food. However, the water quality of what you give your dog is equally as important.
Water additives can help keep your dog’s teeth cleaner and reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

A dental water additive is an antiseptic agent in the form of liquid, safe for a dog to consume. As an addition to water, this product becomes a brushless oral solution to clean a dog’s mouth.

The pros of water additives:

  • Cleaner teeth
  • Fresher breath
  • Reduced plaque and tartar buildup
  • Fewer plaque-causing bacteria in the bowl

However, some ingredients in water additives may affect dogs with allergies or stomach sensitivities. Also, a dog may dislike the flavor and refuse to drink fresh water after that. Plus, this product is not as effective as brushing with a dog toothpaste or regular cleanings at vet clinics.

Summary

Neither dental chews nor water additives can be a 100% substitute for regular toothbrushing. And yet, they are an excellent addition to a dog’s oral hygiene. Just pay attention to their ingredients, and choose and use them wisely so a dog wouldn’t have allergies and intestinal problems.

Jimmie O’Chutt is an experienced cat owner who can’t imagine his life without his black feline friend Ronnie. Jimmie is CEO of CatPet.club, an online magazine that provides high-quality guides and tips about cat nutrition and wellbeing. 

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 
 
 
 
 
 

Related Posts

  • Keep your dog hydrated

    Take an easy-to-carry dog water bottle when you are out…

  • Make it a habit especially in the summer, to have SEVERAL water bowls or buckets, filled with clean, cool water, located where your dog will most likely need them and use them.
    Keep your dog safe on the water

    Practice dog water safety. Teach dogs to swim, use life…

  • Beagle drinks fresh water. When it comes to pampering your pooch, most people focus on food. However, the water quality of what you give your dog is equally as important.
    What you should know about water quality for your dog

    When it comes to pampering your pooch, most people focus…

  • dog teeth cleaning guide
    Teeth brushing is essential to a pet’s health - Here’s why

    Proper dental care for our pets includes brushing their teeth…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Dog teeth

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Pet sitterSeparation anxietySmall dogsPit bullRottweilerOld dogsTicksPuppy-proofVeterinarianWorking dogstraining tipsTwo dogsService dogsPandemicSocializationOutdoor activitiesThanksgivingVacation dog carePetfinder.comPuppy kindergartenWaterValentine's DayPomeranianSheddingRescue dogPet parentsPoodleYorkshire terrierPawPotty training

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort: The ultimate guide for dog owners
    Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort is crucial for the well-being of your pet. This guide is for you if you want to achieve this balance. […]
  • The importance of a balanced diet for dogs: Why and how you should care
    Feed your dog a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure they get the right amounts to stay healthy. […]
  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.