Dog Dental Health: The Truth About Brushing, Antlers, and Recreational Bones

Dental disease is the most underdiagnosed health issue in dogs. By age 3, around 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease. Bad breath isn't normal. It's a sign that something needs attention. Untreated dental disease has been linked to heart, kidney, and liver problems.

Here's what we recommend at Barks N Purrs for dental health.

Why teeth go bad

Plaque builds on teeth from food residue and bacteria. Within 36-72 hours, plaque hardens into tartar, which can't be removed by brushing. Tartar irritates gums, gums recede, bacteria invade, infection sets in. The result: pain, bad breath, tooth loss, and sometimes systemic illness.

What actually works

Daily brushing (gold standard)

Daily is the goal. Not human toothpaste (xylitol is toxic to dogs). Use a pet-specific enzymatic toothpaste. Soft-bristle brush or finger brush. Start short, build up. Praise heavily.

Most dog owners aren't going to do daily, and that's the truth. So we layer other tools.

Raw meaty bones

The most natural mechanical cleaner. The chewing action scrapes teeth, and raw bone provides nutrients (calcium, phosphorus, marrow). Best options:

  • Raw chicken necks or wings for small dogs (whole, not cooked)
  • Beef ribs or marrow bones for medium-large dogs
  • Lamb shanks or beef knuckles for power chewers

NEVER cooked bones. Cooked bones splinter and can perforate the gut. Raw only.

Antlers

Long-lasting, single-ingredient, packed with minerals. The chewing action mechanically scrapes teeth. Antlers are our origin product at Barks N Purrs (it's literally how we started). We carry elk, moose, and deer antlers, all locally shed in Manitoba.

What to know:

  • Match antler size to your dog. Small dog, small antler. Big chewer, big antler.
  • Split antlers (with marrow exposed) are easier and faster.
  • Whole antlers last longer but need a stronger jaw.
  • Take away if it gets too small to safely chew (golf ball size or smaller).
  • Some heavy chewers can fracture teeth on whole antlers. If your dog is a serious crusher, go with split or softer chews.

Other long-lasting chews

  • Bully sticks. Single ingredient (beef pizzle), softer than antlers, gentler on teeth.
  • Yak cheese chews. Hard but slowly softens.
  • Chicken/turkey feet. Naturally crunchy, full of joint support.

Dental treats and chews

Some commercial dental chews work. Look for VOHC-accepted (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Skip the rawhide products.

Diet matters

Dry kibble does NOT clean teeth meaningfully (the marketing claim is mostly busted). What helps: raw or fresh diets which produce less plaque-forming residue, and including raw meaty bones in the rotation.

Signs your dog needs a dental check

  • Bad breath
  • Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
  • Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Dropping food while eating
  • Eating on one side

Dental cleanings under anesthesia are sometimes needed. Annual exams catch problems early.

What we carry

Antlers, bully sticks, yak cheese, chicken feet, raw meaty bones, enzymatic toothpaste, finger brushes, and dental treats. Stop by Barks N Purrs at 925 Headmaster Row in Winnipeg, call 204-219-1928, or browse our Antlers and Dog Treats collections.

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