Dental Sticks for Dogs - Keeping Your Dog's Teeth Healthy

Being greeted by your overexcited, waggy-tailed dog is often the highlight of arriving home after a hard day's work. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm to wash your face with a slobbery tongue is a strangely fun ceremony enjoyed by countless dog owners everywhere.

However, do you feel a sense of dread as your hairy face-washer comes hurtling towards you? And could that reluctance have something to do with your dog's eye-watering breath?

Unfortunately, many pet owners neglect to properly care for their dog's teeth because they don't realise the importance of oral hygiene for their pets.

Did you know that a whopping 80% of dogs will have some form of dental disease by the time they reach three years old?

That's why it's so important to start oral care early on and to make sure that you create a good dental care routine for your pup. Because healthy teeth mean healthy dogs.

Just like with humans, neglecting your pet's dental needs can lead to all sorts of nasty health problems down the line.

Bad breath is just the beginning!

Some of the more serious conditions that can develop from poor oral care in dogs are gingivitis, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

Yikes!

So, what can you do to make sure your pup's gnashers stay pearly white and cavity-free?

One way to help keep your dog's teeth clean is using dog dental chews. These are dental dog treats that help scrape plaque off of your dog's teeth while they chomp away on them.

The best dental sticks for dogs are made from quality ingredients and can be a valuable tool in keeping your dog's teeth healthy.

If you're on the lookout for natural dog chews, we have a post on that too. Be sure to check it out as we review some of the most healthy chews for any lucky pup.

As we mentioned before, poor oral hygiene in dogs can lead to some serious health problems. Having an issues such as an abscess or anything requiring a tooth extraction can also be rather expensive to treat.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is often the first sign of dental disease. It can be treated and reversed with proper oral care, but it can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.

Periodontitis is a more serious condition that can cause damage to the tissues and bones that support the teeth. If ignored, it can result in tooth loss.

Dental disease can also lead to other health conditions for your pup, such as kidney and liver disease, heart disease, and, surprisingly, a fractured jaw.

Dental sticks are a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. When your pup is munching on this tasty treat, they are unknowingly scrubbing their teeth and improving their dental health one chomp at a time.

Dental sticks help your dog by:

• Gently scraping plaque off their teeth 

• Preventing tartar build-up 

• Reducing bad breath

Many dental sticks on the market also have added nutrients, vitamins, and minerals beneficial to your dog's oral health. 

Just be sure to read the label carefully to make sure that the dental stick you're giving your pup is actually good for them. Not all dog dental chews are created equal! 

By introducing dog chews for teeth, you can actually make oral hygiene and clean teeth a fun activity for your furry friend.

If your furry little friend is still a puppy, then you have to be a bit more careful about what you give them to chew on. In many cases, you can't just give treats or foods meant for adult dogs to your pup.

Your little sharp-toothed munch monster's teeth and jaw will not yet be fully developed, and giving them something too hard to chew on could do some serious damage.

It's not recommended that you give your puppy dental chews until they are at least four to six months old.

If your pup is the right age, you can introduce them to puppy dental sticks. These are specially made for puppies and are soft, yet they still help to scrape plaque off of their teeth as they chew.

Always supervise your puppy when giving them a dental stick, so they don't get carried away and try to swallow it whole.

When it comes to choosing the right dental sticks for your pup, you want something that's natural and healthy but will still do a fantastic job of cleaning their teeth. 

Not all dog dental chews are made of the same high quality, so we did a little bit of digging to find which are the best ones on the market.

These are the top dental treats currently available, and we highly recommend them for your poochy pal with Waggel's seal of approval:

These dental sticks for dogs from 8in1 Delights are an excellent option for any pup.

They have a quirky, twisted design, made with real chicken meat. Due to their unique recipe only containing 2% fat, they can be added to most dogs' diets without worrying about gaining extra weight.

These twisty treats contain minerals and an anti-plaque formula that helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your pup's teeth.

If you want long-lasting dog dental chews that can satisfy your dog's need for a meaty treat while also stopping plaque in its tracks, then these yummy dental sticks are the ones to try.

You can find these delicious dental treats with a twist here.

Greenies Canine Dental Care treats come in a fun, unique toothbrush shape, making it easy for your pup to hold in their paws as they munch away.

They have a soft texture that helps clean right down to the gum line, getting to all that hard-to-reach plaque.

Made with natural vegetable extracts and ingredients that are highly soluble, they're highly digestible, making them easy for your pup's tummy to handle.

Greenies Dental Care treats are available in various sizes, perfect for any dog, big or small. They come in the following:

Teenie - 2-7kg
Petite - 7-11kg
Medium - 11-22kg
Large - 22-45kg

There are also grain-free Greenies dental treats available, perfect for pups with allergies, food intolerances and sensitive stomachs.

If you're looking for a dental chew that is both effective and tasty, then look no further than Greenies Dental Treats.

With an original X shape design and a gently abrasive texture, these dental sticks are designed to stop plaque and tartar build-up on your pooch's teeth by an impressive 80%.

They are low in fat, sugar-free, only 124 calories per stick, and completely free from artificial colours and flavours.

They're not only great for your pup's teeth but are also a pretty healthy treat all around.

These amazing dental sticks also contain green tea extract and eucalyptus oil to freshen your little stick chompers' breath.

You can find these tooth-defending treats for your furry friend right here.

If your dog's breath is so stinky that it's making your flowers wilt and your stomach churn, it might be a good time to invest in some good-quality dental chews.

All in all, dental sticks for dogs are a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar buildup. They won't replace the need for regular tooth brushing, but they can be an important part of keeping your pup healthy and happy.

Be sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing and always supervise your dog when they're chewing on a dental stick.

Most importantly, have fun with your furry friend! They'll love getting those pearly whites clean, and you'll enjoy your dog's fresher breath.

This has been another friendly, and uber-useful announcement from team Waggel.

Waggel pet insurance is dedicated to helping you navigate through life with your best buddy. We offer fantastic pet insurance in the UK, with coverage that is affordable, and covers things such as dental care, cancer, and more. Learn more at our super-informative pet insurance FAQ.

Plus, we have some wonderful rewards to help pamper you and your pet.