There’s nothing more exciting (or cute) than bringing a new puppy home, but it’s also a lot of work. From all the training and socialising you need to do to the play and exercise that’s required to wear out an energetic puppy, you’ll certainly have your hands full!
Of course, you also have to stay on top of vet visits and puppy vaccinations. One area of your new puppy’s health you can’t forget about is oral care. Dental sticks are a great way to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene, but are they safe for puppies?
When can you give puppies dental sticks, and what do you need to know about dental sticks and puppy safety? Today, we’ll explain how to safely introduce dental sticks to your puppy, and give you an idea of when you can start using dental sticks to protect your pup’s oral hygiene.
When you are ready to introduce your puppy to dental sticks, Mighty Munch’s top-rated dental sticks for dogs are the most effective, safe option for helping your pup grow strong, sharp teeth and fight the effects of bad bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
Overview of Dog Dental Sticks
Many dog owners don’t realise just how important dental sticks are. They’re formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a dog's teeth, and their abrasive texture helps scrape away food particles and debris, which can lead to expensive and damaging dental issues down the road.
Many dental sticks also contain ingredients like chlorophyll or parsley that help freshen your dog's breath. Using dental sticks regularly can significantly reduce bad breath caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth, leaving your dog’s breath fresh for those adorable, slobbery kisses.
Another benefit of dental sticks is that chewing on them stimulates the gums, promoting blood flow and helping to prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis. Chewing is a natural and comforting instinct for dogs, and dental sticks can reduce anxiety and prevent destructive chewing behaviours.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is important, but let’s face it - it’s not an activity your dog enjoys and it can be a real struggle. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily just isn’t realistic, but a daily dental stick can bring all the benefits of brushing (and more) without the hassle - a total win-win!
Are Dental Sticks OK for Puppies?
So, are dental sticks safe for puppies? And when can you give puppies dental sticks? There are lots of benefits of dental sticks for puppies, but it’s important to wait until it’s safe to give these treats to your pup. Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits of Dental Sticks for Puppies
Starting dental care early helps establish good habits that can last a lifetime. Dental sticks can aid in the prevention of plaque and tartar buildup from a young age, setting the foundation for healthier teeth and gums as your puppy grows.
Puppies also go through a teething phase, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Chewing on dental sticks can provide relief from teething discomfort by massaging the gums and helping to soothe the irritation.
Dental sticks can also be a valuable tool in training and behavioural enrichment. They can help keep your puppy occupied, reduce anxiety, and prevent destructive chewing behaviours by providing a safe and satisfying outlet for their natural chewing instincts - your slippers and sofa will be safe!
Just like adult dogs, puppies can develop bad breath due to bacteria buildup in their mouths. Dental sticks with breath-freshening ingredients can help keep their breath smelling clean and pleasant. Cuddling your pup will be a much more pleasant experience thanks to their fresh breath.
Why Age Matters
Puppies have delicate teeth and gums, especially during the early stages of teething. Introducing dental sticks too early or choosing the wrong type of sticks (for example, ones that are too large or too tough) can pose choking hazards or cause dental damage.
Puppies also have unique nutritional needs compared to older dogs, so it’s important to find dental sticks that meet these needs, or wait until your dog is old enough to enjoy regular dental sticks. So, when can you give puppies dental sticks? Let’s find out.
When Can You Give Puppies Dental Sticks?
When can you give puppies dental sticks? Not all puppies develop at the same age, so it’s important to understand the different factors that determine when it’s safe to give dental sticks to your pup. Here are some guidelines to get you started.
Factors Influencing Development
Puppies are born without any teeth, then they grow a set of baby teeth, which are often referred to as needle teeth. These teeth usually come in by around 6 weeks, and by the time your puppy is about 3 months old, they start to lose them.
Your puppy should generally have all their adult teeth by the time they’re around 6 months old, but the timeline can vary slightly depending on your dog’s breed. Once your pup has their adult teeth, it’s usually safe to start them on dental sticks.
Recommended Age Range
As well as growing their adult teeth, the strength of a puppy’s mouth and jaw muscles develops over time. Puppies need to reach a certain level of maturity in their oral structures to handle the texture and hardness of dental sticks without risking injury or discomfort.
So, when can you give puppies dental sticks? Generally, by the time your puppy is 5-6 months old, it’s safe to start them on dental sticks. It’s best to choose smaller, softer sticks to begin with, as your puppy’s jaw and teeth are still developing.
Signs Your Puppy Is Ready for Dental Sticks
One clear sign that your puppy may be ready for dental sticks is their increased interest in chewing on various objects. This behaviour often coincides with the teething phase and indicates that they need something appropriate to chew on.
Look for signs of teething, such as drooling, swollen gums, or a tendency to chew on fingers, toys, and furniture. These symptoms suggest that your puppy is seeking relief from teething discomfort and could benefit from dental sticks.
If you’re still not sure about when to start your puppy on dental sticks, you can always ask your vet for guidance. They can provide personalised guidance based on your puppy’s health, breed, and developmental stage.
How to Safely Introduce Your Puppy to Dental Sticks
So, it’s time to introduce your puppy to dental sticks. What do you need to know, and how can you do it safely? Here’s how to start your puppy on dental sticks the right way, and enjoy all the oral health benefits that these tasty treats bring.
Choosing the Right Dental Stick
There are lots of different dental sticks out there, and it’s important to take the time to choose sticks that are right for your puppy. Generally, smaller, softer dental sticks are a good place to start while your puppy’s teeth and jaws are still developing.
Check the ingredients list to ensure the dental sticks are made from safe, non-toxic materials. Opt for natural ingredients whenever possible and avoid sticks with artificial additives or preservatives. If the sticks contain other ingredients with added health benefits, that’s a bonus!
Gradual Introduction
Begin by offering your puppy a dental stick for a short period, such as 5-10 minutes. Watch how they interact with it and make sure they don’t experience any difficulty chewing. Gradually increase the duration as your puppy becomes more familiar with the dental stick.
Provide a variety of safe chewing options alongside dental sticks, such as soft toys and puppy-safe chews. This prevents boredom and allows your puppy to choose what they are most comfortable with at different times.
Remember that dental sticks contain calories, so stick to the recommended dosage guidelines and use them as a substitute for other treats, not an extra addition to your puppy’s diet. Also, keep an eye out for any digestive issues or signs your puppy might be sensitive to any of the ingredients.
Supervision and Monitoring
It’s important to keep a close eye on your puppy when you first start introducing them to dental sticks. This allows you to intervene if they start to choke, attempt to swallow large pieces, or exhibit signs of distress.
Regularly inspect the dental sticks for signs of wear and tear. Discard any sticks that are breaking apart or becoming small enough to be swallowed whole. Replace them with new sticks to help keep your puppy safe.
Get Australia’s #1 Puppy Dental Sticks Today!
If you’re ready to introduce your puppy to dental sticks, you can find the best option right here at Mighty Munch! Our sticks are available in two different sizes, with the smaller option being best for puppies who are just getting the hang of dental sticks.
Our dental sticks also contain a secret key ingredient - a dog probiotic that does wonders for your dog’s breath and oral health. Like all our dog supplements in Australia, our dental sticks are made in a human-grade facility and exceed the country’s pet safety standards.
These aren’t your average dental sticks. We have a proprietary manufacturing process that helps us keep our key ingredients active, making our sticks much more effective at fighting bad bacteria. Vets all across Australia recommend Mighty Munch dental sticks for all breeds and ages.
It’s not just our dental sticks - we have so many more products that can help protect your dog’s health and longevity. Whether you need a dog itchy skin treatment, you need to know how to help a dog with arthritis at home, or you’re searching for a dog hip dysplasia home treatment, we’ve got it!
All our products are made using premium ingredients, and manufactured here in Australia. We only offer products that can genuinely benefit your pup’s health - we want to help you be the best pet parent out there!
We also have premium joint supplements for dogs, collagen for dogs, and the best probiotics for dogs in Australia. And don’t forget to check out our top rated orthopedic dog beds Australia and the best pet odour eliminator Australia to remove even the most stubborn pet smells.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to When Puppies Can Have Dental Sticks
Once your puppy is ready for dental sticks, they’re an important addition to your pup’s wellness routine. Brushing your puppy’s teeth every day can be a nightmare, but giving them a dental stick is an easy, effective way of staying on top of your pup’s oral hygiene.
Once your puppy gets their adult teeth, they have to last their entire life. Don’t take any risks - protect your pup’s precious teeth with dental sticks from Mighty Munch!
