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Dental care is essential for maintaining oral health for every dog, including Pomskies, the adorable and energetic crossbreed of Pomeranians and Huskies. Dog owners can neglect oral health if they don’t recognize its importance in maintaining overall health.
One common question from Pomsky owners is whether dental chews and treats help with that care. They can be a helpful tool when used correctly, but unfortunately, many of the treats and chews on the market aren’t the most effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup for your Pomsky.
Here’s all you need to know about dental treats and chews, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your Pomsky. This article will also examine whether more steps are necessary to aid your Pomsky’s oral health.
Dental Treats and Chews: An Overview
Most dental treats and chews on the market have a seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). They are designed to help clean a dog’s teeth and freshen breath through the action of chewing and in some cases, chemical ingredients.
Chewing scrapes plaque from the outer surfaces of the teeth, reducing tartar buildup. The act of chewing also helps your dog increase saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Many dental chews or treats contain enzymes or antibacterial properties that break down plaque or kill bacteria. This is an easy way to promote oral health.
Why Dental Care is Important for Pomskies
Pomskies are prone to dental problems due to their smaller size. Smaller-sized dogs often experience more crowded teeth, which makes it easier for plaque and tartar to accumulate and increases the risk of dental disease.
Benefits of Dental Chews and Treats for Pomskies
There are some helpful benefits that the vet techs from expert veterinary care in Westport, CT, say dental treats and chews can do for your Pomsky. These benefits include the following:
- Reduces plaque and tartar: the regular chewing associated with dental chews and treats helps to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove and usually requies professional cleaning.
- Freshens breath: many of the treats and chews you can buy in stores are formulated to combat bad breath, which makes being close to them more pleasant.
- Convenience: they are a great way to help promote oral health, especially for Pomsky owners who might struggle when trying to brush their dog’s teeth at home. Chews and treats are quick, mess-free, and readily accepted by most pups.
- Mental stimulation: Pomskies are an intelligent breed and benefit from mental engagement activities, particularly those that come with chewing. Dental chews and treats are a great way to keep them entertained while also supporting oral health.
The chews and treats can certainly be helpful in reducing your dog’s risk for dental issues like periodontal disease. Having this disease can lead to more severe illness, including issues with the heart, liver, or kidney.
Limitations for Dental Chews and Treats
Although the treats and chews can be helpful for your Pomsky, they are not a solution. Some things to keep in mind about them include:
- Watch calories: Many treats and chews are higher in calories and contribute to weight gain. Keep portions down so your Pomsky doesn’t suffer from obesity.
- They may not work: Not every chew and treat is going to work as well as you may hope. Some may lack certain things to help provide more oral health benefits. It can be helpful to consult with your veterinarian or a vet professional regarding recommendations for your Pomsky.
- Can’t replace brushing: Brushing is still the best way to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth, so don’t think that dental treats and chews are the only things to use, particularly as your Pomsky gets older. It’s much more challenging to brush an older dog’s teeth, so you should try to get your pup used to brushing early on.
How to Choose the Right Dental Treats and Chews for Your Pomsky
It may be challenging to find specific things to look for when choosing dental treats and chews for your Pomsky. Keep in mind that you want to look closely at the size and texture of the treat or chew so that it’s sized for your dog and firm enough to help clean the teeth without causing harm.
All treats or chews should have the VOHC seal, and look for low-calorie options to avoid contributing to your Pomsky’s weight. When addressing ingredients, look for natural or organic seals, and avoid those that have lots of sugar or artificial additives.
Your Pomsky may already have specific dietary restrictions. You can find chews and treats made with safe and hypoallergenic ingredients.
Take Care of Your Pomsky’s Oral Health
It’s important that as owners, we are doing our responsibility to take care of our dog’s oral health. Some tips to ensure you take proper care of your Pomsky include:
- Schedule professional cleanings: Visit your vet for regular check-ups and get your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally (usually once a year).
- Look for chews your dog doesn’t have to eat, such as a rubber toy with ridges that massage gums and scrape away plaque.
- Brush your Pomsky’s teeth regularly at home. You can find or have your vet advise on the proper dog toothbrush and paste that’s best.
- Monitor your dog’s diet: Feeding your Pomsky a quality nutritional diet helps support its overall health and longevity.
Dental treats and chews can help with your Pomsky’s oral health. They are effective at removing plaque and freshening breath but should only be utilized as part of an oral health routine.
Regular brushing, cleanings, and monitoring your Pom’s diet are the best ways to ensure that you keep a healthy smile and overall health a priority.
