By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Dental disease is one of the most common findings on dog check-ups. Plaque hardens into tartar, gums become inflamed, and bacteria can affect comfort, breath and overall health. Dental chews are popular because they are easy to offer, but they work best as one part of a wider plan that includes home brushing, appropriate diet, and professional dental care under anaesthetic when needed. Choosing the right type of chew also matters for safety.
Key takeaways
- The most effective home care is still daily brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste.
- Look for chews with independent dental efficacy claims (for example VOHC-accepted products) rather than marketing alone.
- Size the chew to your dog, supervise every time, and avoid hard objects that can fracture teeth.
- Chews do not replace veterinary dental assessment or anaesthetic dental procedures when disease is present.
- Anaesthetic-free scraping of tartar is not a substitute for proper dental treatment under anaesthetic.
What dental chews can and cannot do
Mechanical chewing can reduce some plaque on accessible tooth surfaces. Some products also include ingredients that help limit tartar build-up. They will not clean under the gumline where much of periodontal disease sits, and they will not reverse established gum disease. Think of them as a helpful extra, not a cure.
For more on gum disease itself, see gum disease in dogs. Related reading: dog toothpaste and tooth infection.
What to look for when choosing a chew
- Evidence: Prefer products accepted by recognised dental councils or backed by peer-reviewed trials for plaque or tartar reduction.
- Size and texture: Soft enough not to crack teeth, firm enough to encourage chewing. Very hard nylon bones, antlers, hooves and cooked bones are high risk for tooth fractures.
- Ingredients: Complete, dog-appropriate formulas. Avoid xylitol entirely. Be cautious with high-calorie chews if your dog needs weight control.
- Digestibility: The chew should break down. Large swallowed chunks can cause choking or gut blockage.
- Your dog's health: Dogs with pancreatitis history, food allergies, or missing teeth need individual advice from your vet.
We do not rank commercial brands here. Your veterinarian or veterinary nurse can recommend options suited to your dog's size, age and medical history.
Safety rules every time
- Supervise chewing and take the chew away when it becomes small enough to swallow whole.
- Match the product to body weight as directed on the label.
- Skip chews for dogs that gulp rather than chew, unless your vet suggests a safer alternative.
- Stop if you see coughing, gagging, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, or sudden reluctance to eat on one side of the mouth.
- Do not use essential oils, tea tree oil, or human mouthwash on your dog.
How chews fit a full dental plan
- Book regular veterinary oral exams.
- Brush teeth most days with a canine toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste.
- Add a suitable dental chew or water additive only if your vet agrees it fits your dog.
- When tartar, gum pockets, loose teeth or pain are present, discuss a professional dental procedure under general anaesthesia with dental radiographs. Cleaning only the visible crown while the pet is awake leaves disease under the gum untreated and can give false reassurance.
When to see a vet
Book a check if you notice:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, bleeding or receding gums
- Loose teeth, drooling, or chewing on one side
- Facial swelling or nasal discharge
- Dropping food or reluctance to chew hard items
Sudden facial swelling, inability to swallow, choking, or severe lethargy needs urgent care.
After a professional dental clean
Once your vet has treated existing disease, chews and brushing help maintain results. Follow post-operative feeding instructions, restart chews only when your vet says the mouth has healed, and book rechecks if breath or gum colour worsens again.
FAQ
Are rawhide chews good for teeth?
Many vets discourage rawhide because of choking and digestive blockage risk. Safer, digestible dental chews with evidence behind them are usually preferred.
How often can I give a dental chew?
Follow the product guidance and your vet's advice. Daily use is common for some products, but calories count.
My dog has tartar. Will chews fix it?
No. Established tartar and gum disease need veterinary assessment. Chews may help slow future build-up after professional care.
Are green-coloured chews better?
Colour is marketing. Look for evidence, safety and the right size instead.
Talk with a vet
If you are unsure which dental products are safe for your dog, or you have noticed bad breath or red gums, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you prioritise brushing, chews and when an in-clinic dental work-up is needed. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Global Dental Guidelines.
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Accepted products criteria overview.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Periodontal Disease in Dogs.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.