15 Dog Treats That Are Harmful to Your Dog’s Teeth

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Dogs love treats, but not all treats are healthy, especially regarding dental health. Similar to humans, dogs can suffer from tooth decay and gum disease if you’re not careful. Check out these 15 everyday treats that might seem harmless but can harm your pup’s teeth.

Hard Bones

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Constant chewing on hard surfaces like bones can lead to excessive wear on a dog’s teeth. Over time, this wear can erode the enamel, exposing the sensitive inner parts of the teeth, which can result in discomfort and dental disease.

Ice Cubes

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Dogs often love crunching on ice cubes, especially on hot days. However, they are very hard, and when dogs chew on them aggressively, the pressure exerted can cause their teeth to crack or fracture. This can lead to painful dental injuries, potentially requiring veterinary intervention and costly dental repairs.

Rawhide Chews

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These ‘treats’ are hard for dogs to break down. They can break into sharp pieces and pose a choking hazard. Their hardness can also cause excessive wear on teeth or even lead to fractures, especially in aggressive chewers.

Antlers

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As dogs chew on antlers, they can develop sharp edges that may cut or puncture the dog’s gums, tongue, or the roof of their mouth. These injuries are painful and lead to infection, requiring professional treatment.

Nylon Bones

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Nylon bones are made from a durable plastic-like material that could render them too hard for some dogs, leading to broken teeth. Their rugged texture is not tooth-friendly, particularly for dogs with sensitive teeth.

Tennis Balls

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While not a treat per se, many dogs love to chew on tennis balls. The abrasive fuzz, like sandpaper on wood, can wear down your dog’s teeth over time. To protect their teeth, use rubber balls or other dog-friendly toys that are gentler on their mouth.

Dried Animal Parts

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Animal byproducts like pig ears, hooves, and bully sticks are often too tough for dogs to chew safely. Although they might seem natural, their sharp edges can cause cuts in their gums and affect their digestive system.

Cow Hooves

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These are incredibly tough and can easily crack your dog’s teeth. They might seem like a long-lasting chew option, but the hooves are tough and can easily break teeth or cause them to chip. Dental chews are a safer alternative.

Cooked Bones

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Boiled, steamed, or roasted bones can splinter easily and cause their sharp edges to damage your dog’s teeth and gums. The brittleness of these bones makes them a potential hazard for causing tooth fractures. 

Jerky Treats

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Jerky treats are often tough and chewy; hence, difficult for dogs to break down. This can lead to excessive strain on a dog’s teeth, and their toughness may cause wear and tear in dogs with weaker teeth.

Hard Biscuits

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Although tasty, hard biscuits can be too crunchy for dogs to chew. The result is chipped teeth or worn-down enamel. Softer biscuits or treats are more favorable for their dental health.

Popcorn

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This seemingly harmless treat can be a dental hazard, particularly unpopped kernels, which are unyielding and can crack a dog’s teeth. Even the popped kernels can get stuck in the gums, leading to discomfort and potential infections.

Marrow Bones

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While marrow bones are tasty, they’re often too dense for dogs, especially if they’re cooked. They can cause fractures and other dental issues because the tough outer layer is not very chewable.

Human Food Treats

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Many human foods, such as cookies, candies, and cakes, contain high sugar levels. Excessive sugar intake can cause dental issues in dogs, like cavities and gum disease, which can cause pain and require veterinary treatment.

Hard Plastic Toys

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These plastic toys might be too sturdy on your dog’s teeth, especially if they love to gnaw. Often, they cause fractures or wear down a tooth’s protective covering over time. Softer yet durable toys are safer alternatives.

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