Caring for your dog's oral health is essential, and dental chews are a popular tool to help keep those pearly whites clean and strong. However, not all dogs find dental chews easy or enjoyable to gnaw on, especially if the chews are too hard or tough.
If your dog struggles with dental chews, you may be wondering how to make them softer and more appealing. In this guide, we'll explain how to soften dog dental chews, ensuring your pup can benefit from their teeth-cleaning properties without discomfort.
We’ve got some good tips for you, but you can save yourself a lot of hassle if you invest in the right dental chews for your dog to begin with. At Mighty Munch, our top-rated dog dental sticks are available in two different sizes, one for smaller dogs and one for tougher chewers.
Whether you’ve got a chihuahua with bad breath or you’re trying to prevent dental disease in your German Shepherd, we’ve got a dental stick that your dog can safely gnaw on, protecting their oral health with every chew.
Why Give Your Dog Dental Sticks?
First of all, are dental sticks bad for dogs, or are dental chews good for dogs teeth? They’re good - they’re one of the most effective preventative measures for keeping your dog’s oral health in check and preventing painful, expensive dental issues down the line.
How do dog dental sticks work, and what do dental chews do for dogs? Dental sticks are specifically designed to support oral hygiene by helping to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated.
Dental sticks are one of the best ways to keep dogs teeth clean, and essential for dental disease prevention for dogs. Daily use of dental sticks can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay, promoting healthier teeth and gums.
Dental chews can also provide mental stimulation and satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew. Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs that helps relieve boredom and anxiety, and dental sticks offer a safer, more beneficial option compared to chewing on household items.
Dental chews shouldn’t entirely replace brushing your dog’s teeth or dental check-ups with your vet, but in terms of using dental chews vs floss and brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews, it’s safe to say most dogs much prefer a daily dental chew - it’s so much easier for both you and your pup!
Should You Soften Your Dog Dental Chews?
Dental sticks are one of the best ways to prevent and remove plaque on dog’s teeth, but how important is it to make sure you’re using soft dog dental chews? Do you need to soften your dog’s dental chews first? Let’s take a look.
Why Hard Dog Dental Chews Can Cause More Harm Than Good
Hard dental chews may be effective at scraping away plaque and tartar, but they can also pose risks, especially for dogs with weak or sensitive teeth. Chews that are too hard can lead to cracked or broken teeth, which may require costly veterinary care.
For older dogs or those with existing dental issues, hard chews can cause significant discomfort and even exacerbate their existing conditions. Also, aggressive chewers might try to swallow large pieces of hard chews, leading to choking hazards or digestive blockages.
The Problems With Dog Dental Sticks That Are Too Soft
On the other hand, dental sticks that are too soft may not provide the necessary abrasive action needed to clean your dog’s teeth effectively. If the chew is too pliable, it might not remove plaque or tartar as intended, reducing its effectiveness in maintaining oral hygiene.
Plus, soft dog dental chews can sometimes be chewed too quickly, which means your dog doesn’t get all the oral health benefits they could be getting. Some dogs might also be more tempted to swallow soft chews whole, which can lead to similar choking hazards as with hard chews.
Finding a Balance for the Best Results
The key to getting the most out of dog dental chews is finding a balance between hardness and softness. The ideal dental chew should be firm enough to provide the necessary cleaning action but soft enough to prevent damage to your dog’s teeth and gums.
If you find that the dental chews you’re using are too hard, it’s a good idea to soften them to make the chew more manageable while still allowing it to effectively clean your dog’s teeth. Next up, we’ll dive into how to soften dog dental chews.
How to Soften Dog Dental Chews
If your dog struggles with hard dental sticks, learning how to soften dog dental chews can make chewing easier and more enjoyable while still providing the oral health benefits these treats offer. Here are some tips for softening up your dog’s dental chews.
Soaking in Warm Water
One of the easiest ways to soften a dog dental chew is by soaking it in warm water. This gradually softens the chew without altering its taste or nutritional content. To do this, place the dental chew in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes until it reaches the desired softness.
Make sure you check the chew regularly so that it doesn’t become too soft, as this might reduce its effectiveness. Once softened, offer it to your dog and see how they handle the texture.
Using Low-Sodium Broth
For an added flavour boost, you can soak the dental chew in low-sodium broth instead of plain water. This not only softens the chew but also enhances its taste, making it more appealing to picky eaters.
Choose a broth that is low in sodium and free from potentially harmful ingredients like onions or garlic. Allow the chew to soak in the broth for a few minutes, then remove it and let your dog enjoy a tasty, softened treat that’s still beneficial for their teeth.
Microwaving or Steaming
Microwaving or steaming is another quick way to soften dog dental chews. To microwave, place the chew on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds. Check the chew’s softness after microwaving, as the heat can soften it rapidly.
If you prefer steaming, place the chew in a steamer basket over boiling water for a few minutes. Both methods can make the chew more pliable, but be careful not to overheat it, as this could change the chew’s texture too much or make it too hot for your dog to handle immediately.
Wrapping in a Damp Cloth
Wrapping the dental chew in a damp cloth is a gentler method that softens the chew over time. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water, wrap it around the dental chew, and leave it for about 30 minutes.
This method works gradually and is ideal if you want to soften the chew slightly without making it too soft. Once the chew has softened, unwrap it and offer it to your dog. This technique is particularly useful for chews that don’t respond well to soaking or heating.
Get Soft Dog Dental Chews at Mighty Munch to Avoid the Hassle!
You can learn to make DIY dog dental chews, or you can learn how to soften dog dental chews that are too hard, but both involve time and effort. Why not just invest in perfectly soft, pliable dog dental chews from Mighty Munch?!
Our dental chews are just the right consistency for dogs to gnaw on. Available in two different sizes, you can choose a dental stick that’s right for your dog and their chewing tendencies. Plus, we only use premium ingredients and never any fillers or harmful additives.
Made with a potent dog probiotic to fight bad bacteria, our dental chews will freshen your dog’s breath, strip away plaque and tartar, and prevent the development of dental disease, saving your dog from tooth pain and potentially dangerous issues down the line.
When can you give puppies dental chews? We recommend waiting six months so that your dog can chew them properly, and in terms of how many dental chews can a dog have a day, it’s best to stick to one per day.
Our dental chews won’t replace professional vet dental cleanings, but you can reduce the frequency of cleanings if you’re using chews as part of your at-home dog dental care. With the high cost of dog dental cleanings, you’ll have significantly more money in your pocket!
Not only do we have the best dental chews for dogs at Mighty Munch, you’ll also find a premium selection of other Australian dog supplements, including our dog joint supplements for pain-free movement and the best dog probiotics Australia for healthy digestive systems.
We also have the best pet odour eliminator Australia for those stubborn pet smells, and make sure you check out our top rated orthopedic dog beds Australia - your pup will sleep more comfortably than ever before!
Closing Thoughts on How to Soften Dog Dental Chews
Hard dental chews can cause serious issues to your dog’s teeth and jaw, but softening them up takes time and effort, plus you risk over-softening your dental chews and reducing their efficacy. Instead, why not invest in soft (but not too soft!) dental chews from Mighty Munch?
Our dental sticks are vet-approved, made from potent active ingredients, contain no harmful additives, and are manufactured right here in Australia. They’re the best way to protect your dog’s oral health and prevent dental issues before they arise.
Treat your dog to the safest, most effective dental chews out there - get them here at Mighty Munch!
