Dental chew toys make oral care easy and fun for dogs and their parents. A quality dog teeth cleaning toy keeps your pet busy and does a decent job at eliminating tartar and plaque while they’re at it. A win-win!
Some toys are designed to hold treats, offer more challenging play or feature savory or refreshing flavors. Others are squeaky, bouncy, stretchy or great for fetching, but their basic function is promoting dental health and providing gum stimulation.
While it is not recommended to rely solely on toys for dog teeth cleaning, they are reliable helpers for tackling plaque and tartar buildup between brushing. On top of that, they are best for satisfying your pet’s natural chewing urges and alleviating anxiety. They reduce the risks of tooth damage or choking resulting from chewing on sticks and other inappropriate items.
Choosing pet-safe dog teeth cleaning toys
An array of products sold in stores doesn’t mean all are risk-free and safe for your pet’s teeth – their quality and durability are often questionable. Hence, these are the things you should question first and foremost, as no dog teeth cleaning toys are indestructible, even if they are marketed as such. All canines are into biting, but some turn into aggressive chewers when upset or bored.
The best dental toys that encourage positive chewing habits come in ergonomic shapes and ridged or multi-textured designs. The top performers for your companion would be:
- Made of natural or scientifically engineered rubber, nylon or polyurethane
- Lead- and phthalate-free
- Vet-approved
- Flexible to withstand heavy chewing
- Easy for dogs to hold
- Enhanced with special cleaning ribs and nubs
- Available in different textures to keep your pet engaged
Choosing size-appropriate dog teeth cleaning toys is essential – they can be swallowed if too small, while the big ones can be too hard and cause pain. Typically, you’ll find pieces for teething pooches, products for small and medium breeds and those designed for larger breeds and aggressive chewers.
What to avoid when buying dog teeth cleaning toys?
Unfortunately, many dog toys are not dental-appropriate due to extensive chemical processing and textures that can wear down enamel or cause tooth and gum damage. So, steer clear of:
- Hard materials– These may cause enamel damage, broken teeth or jaw fracture.
- Bits and pieces– The toys your pet can easily tear or chew into pieces are a choking or obstruction hazard.
- Rawhide chews– They may cause diarrhea, indigestion or intestinal blockage due to large and sharp fragments and chemical processing.
- Synthetic stuffing– This red flag is often to blame for more severe digestive issues and blockages.
- Anything with a strong rubber or chemical scent or paint that comes off
Skimping on quality and using dog teeth cleaning toys instead of proper dental cleaning are the biggest no-nos when selecting the right products for your beloved canine. Focus on premium materials and chew-proof features to last through numerous tough playing sessions. And don’t forget to see a vet when necessary!
