The Top Dental Treats For Dogs

The main issue when it comes to taking care of a dog's oral health is preventing periodontal disease. Indeed, periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease affecting pets, with more than 80 percent of dogs over three years of age showing some form of the disease, explains Denise Skurdalsvold, senior marketing manager for Virbac Animal Health.

One aggravating factor to consider is that chronic infection in a dog's mouth can spread bacteria to the bloodstream potentially reaching important organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidney. Good pet dental care is therefore key to preventing even serious health disorder in dogs, starting in the mouth. Preventing dental disease is pretty straight forward, brushing your dog's teeth and providing good quality dog dental treats can help minimize the accumulation of plaque and freshen the breath. Following are the top dog dental treats to take care of your beloved dog's teeth.

Shelves of pet stores may be stocked with dog dental chews but even though they claim to be effective in preserving your dog's oral health doesn't necessarily mean they are the best. Your best bet is to purchase dog dental treats that carry a special seal from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. The Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance recognizes products that meets standards for plaque and tartar retardation that will reduce the severity of periodontal disease.

• Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews

These soft rawhide chews are effective in maintaining your dog's oral health thanks to the patented formula proven to effectively clean teeth by reducing the presence of bacteria, freshening breath, and preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar build-up by more than 50%. These tasty chews come in a savory bacon flavor that most dogs will find irresistible. Being soft, this treat is easy to chew on and best of all, was awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance for Tartar Control.

• Vetradent Bluechews

When fed twice a day, in clinical trials, Vetradent Bluechews reduced plaque by 22% and tartar by 61%. These uniquely flat-rectangular shaped treats feature a soft outer cover which allows the dog's teeth to penetrate the chew its inner core promoting an effective mechanical cleansing action. These treats are highly palatable and were awarded the VOHC seal of acceptance for both plaque and tartar control.

• Bright Bites Daily Dental Treats

Developed by veterinarians, these dental treats help fight plaque and tartar, freshen breath and promote whiter teeth. These treats are clinically proven to reduce plaque by 21% and tartar by 65%. To make these dental treats safer, these dental treats were made to be 100% soluble, however, for safety's sake the company recommends to not feed Bright Bites to puppies less than 6 months of age and to ensure dogs adequately chew them. Bright Bites were also awarded the VOHC seal of acceptance.

• Purina Dental Chewz

These are high protein, low fat, digestible dog beef hide chew treats that have also been proven to significantly reduce the accumulation of tartar. These chews ideally complement the Purina Dental Health Veterinary Diet. They offer exceptional palatability and were also proudly awarded the VOHC seal of acceptance.

• Greenies

Shaped like a cute small toothbrush Greenies could not miss in the list of top five dental chews. The chews now contain natural sources of antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system, along with dietary fiber for added digestibility. The chews come in different sizes and textures but they all offer that great flavor all dogs crave. Greenie's new recipe now carries the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance.

Preventing Dental Problems in Dogs

Regular annual check-ups, routine dental cleanings, a good oral care program and providing dental chews can all be effective ways to minimize the risks of periodontal disease. Good pet ownership includes taking good care of your dog's teeth: don't take your dog's bad breath, loose teeth and gum disorders for granted.