CHEWING 101: Your Comprehensive Guide to Canine Dental Health
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The Joy of Chewing: Enhancing Your Dog’s Life
Why do dogs love to chew? If you have a dog or have ever had a puppy, you know that dogs love to chew! You may have even been the victim of some destructive chewing - you came home from a long day at work to find that your beloved companion had decided to use your new slippers or the TV remote as his latest and greatest chew toy!
Chewing is an instinctual need for dogs. It eases teething pain in puppies and keeps teeth healthy in older dogs. Chewing releases endorphins, the “happy” chemicals, helping to alleviate anxiety and stress. It’s also a great way to burn off excess energy on a rainy day.
Chew Time Tips:
Chewing sessions of 15-20 minutes satisfy your dog’s needs and prevent overuse. Evening chewing time can provide quiet relaxation to wind down from the day.
Small Dogs Need Chews Too:
Don’t underestimate the power of a tiny jaw! Small dogs love to chew just as much as larger ones. Offer appropriately sized chews and increase size as needed. If a chew is too big, your dog might get bored and lose interest.
Safe Chew Options:
Rawhides: Avoid chemically treated rawhides - many use chemicals, bleaches, and even glues to help preserve them, making them undigestible. Opt for natural, hand-scraped cowhides which are fully digestible.
Antlers: Great for bigger dogs or power chewers, antlers help with dental health and provide essential nutrients. The marrow of the antler is a great resource for their dental health as it helps scrape off tartar while also being a great source of calcium and phosphorus.
Bully Sticks: Available in various sizes, these are ideal for satisfying chewing needs over multiple sessions.
Raw Bones: Perfect for dental cleaning, raw bones from the freezer are safe and nutritious. Offered in various sizes, marrow bones won’t splinter into pieces and have live enzymes that help break down plaque. Little dogs and specific breeds are especially prone to dental issues. Giving raw marrow bones frequently reduces tartar build-up as chomping to dig out marrow helps scrape tartar build-up.
Quick Chews: Tendons and trachea offer a fun mix and are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.
Puppy Chews: Frozen carrots, Kongs filled with pumpkin puree, or frozen coconut oil cubes help soothe teething puppies. Always vet any “human” food items for pup safety and introduce new things slowly, but don’t be afraid to try new things! Your pup will appreciate the variety and can benefit from the various nutritional aspects.
Happy Chewing!
These chews have significantly reduced mental frustration, helped dogs cope with stress, and led to a calmer home. Always monitor your dog during chew time, especially with new treats.
