Okay, so I’ve got this dog, right? And like many dog owners, I worry about his teeth. I mean, I brush my own teeth every day, but it’s not like I can do the same for him that easily. He hates it when I try to brush his teeth. So, I started looking into other options, and that’s when I found out about these things called “plaque off chews for dogs.”
My first step was hitting up the internet to see what was out there. I found a bunch of different brands, so, I started to read reviews. Some people swore by them, others said they didn’t do much. I figured, like anything, there’s probably a lot of variation between brands and even individual dogs.
Next, I went to the local pet store and looked at the options in person. They had all sorts of dental chews – rawhide, bones, biscuits, you name it. I checked the labels to make sure they were safe and appropriate for my dog’s size and chewing habits. I grabbed a bag of what they called Yummy Combs treats and also a bag of ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews, these were specifically labeled for “large and giant breed dogs” so they seemed like a good fit for my big guy.
The Yummy Combs were a huge hit. He loved them, and I could tell they were doing something because his breath definitely improved. The ProDen ones were a bit different. The bag said they were made with kelp, which is apparently good for dental health. He wasn’t as crazy about these, but he still ate them.
- Started by researching online, read reviews on various brands of dog dental chews.
- Visited a local pet store to see the products in person.
- Compared different types of dental chews, like rawhide, bones, and biscuits.
- Bought a bag of Yummy Combs treats and a bag of ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews.
- Gave my dog the Yummy Combs first, which were well-received and improved his breath.
- Then tried the ProDen chews, which he ate but didn’t seem to enjoy as much.
My observation
Over the next few weeks, I kept giving him these chews regularly. I also tried to sneak in a few brushing sessions here and there, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and some enzymatic toothpaste I found. I noticed that the plaque on his teeth was definitely softer and easier to remove when I brushed after he had a chew.
Honestly, it wasn’t a miracle cure or anything, but I do think the plaque off chews helped. His teeth looked better, his breath was fresher, and I felt a little better knowing I was doing something to help his dental health. I realized the chews work best when your dog is relaxed, like when he is laying down. It is also important to use an upbeat voice when you place your finger on one of its teeth.
So, yeah, that’s my experience with plaque off chews for dogs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for my dog, they seem to be a helpful part of his dental care routine. Maybe they’ll work for your dog, too!
Discussion about this post