Can I give my dog dental chews everyday

Picture your Lab happily gnawing a mint-scented dental stick while you sip coffee – an easy win for their pearly whites, right? But before tossing one daily, let’s crack the science. Daily dental chews can be safe if you nail three things: ingredient safety, calorie math, and vet guidance. Quality chews with the VOHC seal (Veterinary Oral Health Council) reduce plaque by 60–70% through mechanical scraping, while enzymes in brands like Greenies® break down bacteria. But here’s the catch: a large dental chew might pack 90+ calories – nearly 10% of a small dog’s daily intake. Overdo it, and you’re trading tartar control for obesity.

Smart daily routines start with sizing and timing. Match chews to your dog’s weight (e.g., "small" for <25 lbs) and opt for shorter-edible options like Purina DentaLife (7-minute chews). Always supervise – if your dog swallows chunks whole, switch to rubber toys like Kong Dental. Subtract chew calories from meals; if Fido gets a 90-calorie chew, reduce dinner by ¼ cup kibble. For puppies under 6 months or dogs with sensitive stomachs, skip daily chews until your vet approves. Turn chew time into positive reinforcement training: reward calm chewing with praise, but never use chews to "apologize" for crate time – that fuels separation anxiety.

Safety and compliance anchor this habit. Choose EU/US-regulated brands (avoid imported treats with mystery ingredients). Check your rabies vaccine is current – some groomers require proof for teeth-cleaning services. Post-chew walks demand extra vigilance: those high-fiber ingredients mean urgent potty breaks. Always carry biodegradable bags – yes, even during quick apartment courtyard trips – as cleanup fines hit $500 in cities like L.A. Apartment dwellers, note: hard chews on hardwood floors annoy downstairs neighbors; add a rug under your dog’s chew zone.