Pets are living longer than ever, with most dogs living for more than ten years and cats often passing their twentieth birthdays. However, with longer lifespans also comes an increased risk of dental diseases. In fact, more than 75% of cats and dogs have gum disease by the time they’re only three.
Gum disease is dangerous, because it leads to painful tooth decay, infections, and tooth loss. If your pet doesn’t want to eat or play because they’re in pain, it severely affects their quality of life. They might become depressed, since they can’t enjoy their normal activities. They might even develop further health problems if they aren’t getting enough to eat.
That’s why taking care of your pet’s dental health is so important, and why you should do everything you can to make sure their teeth stay healthy. In addition to yearly dental exams and daily tooth brushing, you might also want to try pet dental treats—here’s why.
How Do Pet Dental Treats Work?
The ingredients and effectiveness of pet dental treats vary from brand to brand. Typically, they rely on the abrasive texture of the treat to scrape plaque and tartar off of your pet’s teeth as they chew. Some brands include enzymes (like bromelain from pineapple) that fight bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. Others include antioxidants to reduce inflammation, or probiotics to reduce bad bacteria.
Dental Treats vs. Brushing Teeth
Studies show that pet dental treats can remove plaque and reduce the risk of dental diseases. They can even freshen your pet’s breath. However, they should never be substituted for a toothbrush. In fact, a 2019 study concluded that:
“Daily tooth brushing was shown to be more than three times as effective at controlling plaque accumulation compared to using a daily dental chew or dental diet.”
Dental chews may not be as effective as tooth brushing, but when you combine the two together, your pet’s teeth and gums will be even healthier. Think of it like using mouthwash—it’s not a replacement for brushing, but when you rinse after you brush you’ll have a cleaner mouth and fresher breath. If you brush your pet’s teeth AND give them a dental chew every day, they’ll have a cleaner mouth and fresher breath, too.
Get Recommendations from a Pet Dentist
Along with daily brushing and yearly dental checkups, dental treats can help you keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. If you want to get a personalized recommendation on the best dental chews for your pet, make an appointment at Anasazi Animal Clinic. Our veterinary dentists will give your pet’s teeth a thorough examination and advise you on the best at-home dental care for your pet. If your cat or dog needs any dental treatments, we can provide those as well. If you live in or near Gilbert, Arizona, contact us today to schedule a visit.
Photo by Marek Szturc on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/26/2024.