Did you know that Pet Dental Health Month is every February? The opportunity to learn more for our furry friends, more in particular about how we can better care for our dog's smile is definitely NOW! Better yet, did you also know that creating a routine for dog dental care can extend your dog's life by 3-5 years? That’s amazing, right? Of course, we want longer lives for our pets–so let’s make it an active choice to care for their well-being.

While many pet owners use dental chews to aid with the problem, it is advisable to first and foremost conduct thorough research. If you’re looking for the best way to keep your pup’s choppers sparkling clean,dental bones might be the way to go. But not all dental bones are created equal—so how do you know which ones are right for your pup?

3 Things to Watch Out for When Using Dental Chews

Let us not solely rely on dental chews since they vary in the range of quality, thus not they are not always safe. But do not fret, we’re here to help and guide you with three things to watch out for when using dental chews! Here’s what you need to look out for when buying dental bones for dogs:

#1 The wrong size

When it comes to buying dental bones, picking the right size is important! First, make sure that the bone is sized appropriately for your dog; if it’s too small, they may swallow it whole and choke on it, and if it’s too big, they won’t be able to properly chew on it and a chunk could break off and get lodged in their throats.

Both scenarios create a choking hazard. You’ll want to look for chews that break into Goldilocks-approved “just right” pieces as your dog munches, ‘er, greedily gobbles, at the chew. The bone should also have a texture that encourages chewing; softer bones may get gobbled up in one bite, whereas harder bones can help remove plaque buildup from their teeth and gums. 

#2 Dangerous Ingredients 

Not all dental bones are made with natural ingredients—some may contain artificial flavors or preservatives that can be harmful to your pup over time. Before selecting a bone for your pup, make sure the ingredients list carefully and check if there are no added chemicals or fillers that could cause stomach upset or other health issues down the road.

Additionally, avoid bones with sugar or corn syrup as these can cause tooth decay if consumed in large quantities.

Although they are the most common chew treat for pets, rawhide chews derived from animal skins can actually be rather harmful so be careful! A piece of rawhide that your dog ingests might become lodged in their esophagus or result in a blockage in their digestive tract (more likely to occur with small breed dogs, according to the ASPCA).

Dogs with sensitive stomachs could also not tolerate rawhide well; you'll be able to tell by the carpet! It's advisable to avoid rawhide completely to be on the safe side.

#3 Pay Attention to Labels 

When shopping for dog treats and chews of any kind, always read the label carefully before making a purchase! Look out for labels such as “made in USA” or “organic” which indicate that only high-quality ingredients were used in the manufacturing process.

Although it is in their nature to chew, dogs should not be given hard chews like cow hooves, elk or deer antlers, DIY chews like ice cubes, or Nylabones since they are just too hard and can fracture teeth, even in those with good teeth.

You should especially avoid giving your dog hard chews if they already have gum disease, which weakens the bones that support their teeth.

Additionally, some brands may use terms like “grain-free” or “gluten-free” which can help keep your pup healthy by avoiding allergens like wheat and corn products. It's also important to look at reviews from other pet owners who have purchased and used these products before deciding what type of dental bone is best for your dog.  

Knowing Which One to Select for Safe Dental Bones for Dogs

Choosing the right dental bone isn't an easy task but taking some time to research and compare different options will ensure that you pick one that's safe and effective for your pup! Remember to pay attention to size, ingredients list, labels, and reviews so you can determine which product is best suited for your pup's needs.

With so many options available nowadays, finding just the right type of dental bone doesn't have to be a daunting task; just use these tips as a helpful guide when shopping around! 

Let The Chewing Begin With BetterBone!

When it comes to our pawsome friends, we need to consider quality above all! Purchasing some high-quality chew bones like Betterbone can be really beneficial for whatever kind of dog you have, whether it is a little puppy or an older dog. Click here to order!