Hello folks, welcome back to Dog with a Blog. This week’s topic is teeth-cleaning treats, which are a way for dog owners to take care of their pet’s dental hygiene without personally brushing the dog’s teeth. Just like people, dogs can develop periodontal (gum) disease by bacteria left in the mouth, which can cause loss of appetite, broken teeth and even organ damage, according to WebMD. Dental chews help reduce buildup of tartar and plaque, replacing the need for brushing. Although they are effective, owners should still schedule regular dental checkups at the vet.

Because canine health is so important, there is a big market for teeth-cleaning treats and a lot of options for owners to choose from. Picking the right treats for your dog is a trial-and-error process, since much of the effectiveness comes from your dog’s opinion of the taste.

The most famous is Greenies, which are a bit expensive but completely worth it and easily available. They are also a bit tough to chew, lasting at least 10 minutes the first couple times a dog gets into them. This makes them great for medium to large sized dogs. Greenies have very little mint flavor, which can be a positive or negative thing depending on what your dog prefers. Greenies protect against oral bacteria and carry out all expectations of a solid self-brushing treat. After a while, they can get pretty stale, but luckily there are a few different options when it comes to bag size.

Another trustworthy brand is Bone-a-Mints. While I have not personally tried these with Winnie, they are rated highly by NPIC and various other dog treat organizations. Bone-a-Mints are wheat free, and look like an actual bone. These treats are highly digestible, according to trusted veterinarians Foster and Smith, but actually massage your dog’s gums while cleaning off plaque. Bone-a-Mints come in all different sizes depending on how big your dog is, which makes shopping easy. These are less readily available than Greenies, but can always be ordered online.

No matter what brushing technique you use, it is to the dog’s benefit that some kind of dental hygiene practice must be in place. Without a clean mouth, dogs can suffer from toothaches and loose teeth, making even the most energetic pups sit on the sidelines. Do a favor to your dog and either give them toothpaste to eat, or find some kind of teeth-cleaning treat. They’ll thank you for it. Good luck!