27 Jun Chewing Guidelines for Dogs
As a general rule, chewing on toys and dental treats is good activity for the majority of dogs. Chewing can help teeth clean, will promote gum health, and keeps dogs busy. However, it is important to consider options carefully when selecting the ideal chew item. Discourage chewing on excessively hard items like bones, antlers, nylon toys, hooves, ice cubes, etc. Dogs have enough strength in their jaws to break teeth on these items.
Excessively hard items are not the only chewing hazard for dogs. Tennis balls can wear teeth down excessively. The outer felt coating acts like a fine sandpaper. Depending on how much a dog is allowed to chew on tennis balls, the degree of tooth wear can be mild or severe. Dirty tennis balls are more problematic. When dirty with dirt, mud, or sand, the ball can act like coarse sandpaper. Finding an alternative should be implemented.
Finally, be careful with soft, sticky, sweet treats like bananas and sweet potatoes. Caries (cavities) are rare in dogs, but these treats predispose to their development. The cause of multiple cavity-affected teeth is usually traced back to bananas. It is best to avoid these treats, or at least brush the dog’s teeth soon after.
Instead, encourage your pet to chew on safer items like Kong toys, rubber balls, rope toys (with trimmed ends), CET Hextra chews, Tartar Shield treats, Greenies, etc. Ideal chew items can be bent or twisted with your hands or indented with a thumbnail. For a more exhaustive list of Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved treats, please visit www.VOHC.org.