What the best thing you can do to protect your pet’s teeth?
Ideally: brush their teeth daily.
Realistically: get them chewing.
Chewing acts as nature’s toothbrush, helping to clean off plaque and keep those chompers in good shape. But not all chew toys are safe or effective. Here’s how to choose the right ones and avoid dental disasters.
4 Simple Rules for Safe and Effective Chew Toys
1. The Fingernail Test
If you can’t make a dent in the toy with your fingernail, it’s too hard for your pet to chew safely. Skip bones, antlers, and rigid nylon toys—these can crack teeth and cause pain or even tooth death. Imagine biting into a rock—ouch, right? That’s what your dog feels when gnawing on something too hard there’s just too much instinct in it for them to stop.
2. Size Matters—Avoid Swallow Risks
Chews should be large enough that your pet can’t swallow them whole. As an emergency vet, I’ve seen way too many abdominal surgeries from dogs swallowing rawhide knots or small dental chews. If you’re giving treats like rawhide or bully sticks, go bigger than you think your dog needs and supervise them while they chew. I personally stick to low-sodium, low-fat rawhide rolls about the size of a rolled-up magazine, and my critters get them once or twice a week. Avoid the chews draw pencil thin and the ones twisted into bones- those are commonly swallowed whole.
3. Ditch the Tennis Balls
Yes, dogs love them—but tennis balls are secretly sabotaging their teeth. The felt material, combined with dirt and sand, acts like sandpaper and can wear down enamel over time. If your dog is ball-obsessed, switch to a rubber racquetball instead—just as fun, and way more tooth-friendly.
4. Retire Toys That Are Falling Apart
Rope and fabric toys can gently clean teeth during play, but they don’t last forever. Once they start fraying or shedding stuffing, toss them. Strings and squeakers can easily be swallowed and lead to blockages.
Bonus Tip: What Your Pet Eats Matters
Dry kibble offers a little natural abrasion to help reduce plaque; canned or soft food lacks that texture and can accelerate dental disease. If your pet is on an all-soft food diet, you’ll want to be extra diligent about cleanings—or ask your vet about prescription dental diets designed to help scrape plaque away.
For cats or dogs that just won’t chew no matter what you try, brushing may be your only option. Finger toothbrushes and dental wipes can help make the process easier and more comfortable. If your pet already has signs of dental disease, there are special dental diets and prescription options that may help slow progression between cleanings.
The Bottom Line
Healthy teeth = a healthier, happier pet. Think about how you feel with a toothache….With the right chews, food choices, and a little prevention, you can save your pet from painful infections—and yourself from costly dental procedures down the road.
And if you’re ever unsure or need expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.
