From Plaque to Pain: How the Wrong Chew Can Send Pets to Urgent Care

Keeping up with pet dental care is not easy. Brushing every day sounds great in theory, but for most families it feels impossible, and professional cleanings can be expensive. That’s why dental toys and treats are so appealing. They promise fresher breath, less plaque, and a happier pet. Most dogs and cats love them, and it feels like a win-win.

But do they actually work? And more importantly, are they safe? At St. Petersburg Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we see both sides. Pets benefit from safe dental chews, but we also treat those who land in urgent care with fractured teeth, stuck toys, or foreign body blockages from the wrong products. Understanding what makes a dental chew effective, and what makes it dangerous, can help you choose wisely, protect your pet’s smile, and avoid an emergency visit.

What Are Dental Chews and Treats?

Dental chews and treats are specially designed products that encourage pets to gnaw, scrape, and massage their teeth and gums while enjoying a tasty reward. Unlike ordinary toys, they aim to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. They come in many forms, including soft rawhide alternatives, enzymatic chews, textured rubber toys, and crunchy dental treats.

For these products to actually work, they must be chewed. Some dogs and cats swallow chews whole or in just a few bites. In those cases, the product offers no dental benefit and can even create a choking or digestive hazard. Choosing the right texture and size for your pet’s chewing style is critical.

The Role of the VOHC

When browsing the overwhelming number of products on pet store shelves, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. The VOHC reviews toys, chews, and treats to confirm they meet scientific standards for reducing plaque or tartar. Approved products are independently tested, which means you don’t have to rely on marketing claims alone. The VOHC lists approved items for both dogs and cats, including rawhide alternatives, enzymatic chews, textured diets, rinses, and gels.

The Hidden Dangers of Unsafe Chews

Unfortunately, many popular toys and treats can cause painful and sometimes even emergency veterinary problems. We regularly see emergencies linked to unsafe chews, including:

  • Tooth fractures: Hard objects like antlers, hooves, nylon bones, and bones can crack molars. A broken tooth exposes the nerve, causing severe pain and often requiring extraction or repair. Fractured teeth are among the most common dental emergencies we treat.
  • Stick injuries: Wood splinters can pierce gums, lodge in the throat, or get stuck between teeth. Retrieval usually requires sedation or surgery.
  • Worn teeth: Dogs that obsessively chew abrasive or hard surfaces, like bones and antlers, can grind down enamel until teeth become sensitive and prone to infection.
  • Foreign body blockages: Rope toy threads, bone fragments, or swallowed chunks of chews can clog or perforate the intestines. These emergencies often require surgery and can be life-threatening.
  • Soft-tissue trauma: Oversized or overly rigid toys can bruise gums, create ulcers, or wedge painfully across the roof of the mouth. Nylon toys, antlers, and bones can develop razor-sharp edges that cause lacerations and gum damage.

These situations are stressful for pets and families alike, and treatment can involve anesthesia, X-rays, extractions, or emergency surgery.

Safer Dental Chew Alternatives for Dogs and Cats

The good news is that safe dental chew options exist:

  • For dogs: Ridged rubber toys (such as KONG Dental) flex under pressure and can hold pet-safe toothpaste for extra cleaning. VOHC-approved rawhide alternatives with enzymes provide chewing satisfaction without the fracture risk of traditional rawhide.
  • For cats: Cats are less likely to chew for long periods, so VOHC-approved dental diets and crunchy treats are excellent choices. Puzzle feeders and silver-vine sticks can also encourage short but beneficial gnawing.

Supervision is essential, no matter what you choose. Even the safest toy becomes dangerous once it’s chewed down to a swallowable size.

Why Dental Chews Alone Aren’t Enough

Dental toys and treats help reduce plaque, but they can’t reach every surface, especially below the gumline where periodontal disease begins. That’s why they should always be combined with:

  • Brushing: Using pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush several times a week is the most effective way to slow plaque buildup.
  • Professional dental cleanings: Our dentistry team provides cleanings with scaling, polishing, and dental X-rays to catch problems early and treat disease before it spreads.
  • Regular exams: Oral health should be checked at every wellness visit, since many dental issues hide beneath the surface.

Think of dental chews as a supplement, not a substitute, for complete dental care.

Dental Warning Signs to Watch For

If your pet suddenly yelps while chewing, drops their toy, or begins favoring one side of the mouth, it’s time to call us. Other red flags include:

  • Blood on toys or the gums
  • Swelling along the muzzle or under the eye (a possible tooth root abscess)
  • One-sided chewing or head tilts
  • Bad breath that worsens despite home care
  • Pawing at the mouth, or toys stuck between teeth or across the palate

Our urgent care team can quickly assess the problem, relieve pain, and recommend treatment.

Building a Safer Dental Routine

A balanced dental care routine helps avoid emergencies and keeps your pet’s smile healthy:

  • Inspect toys weekly and discard sharp, frayed, or foul-smelling items.
  • Choose VOHC-approved chews sized for your pet’s mouth and chewing style.
  • Supervise every chewing session and remove toys once they become small.
  • Brush teeth several times a week with veterinary toothpaste.
  • Schedule professional cleanings every 6–18 months, depending on your pet’s needs.

Consistency is the key to avoiding pain, infection, and costly dental emergencies.

Drop in for a Dental Exam to Keep Your Pet’s Smile Sparkling

Every pet has a unique chewing style, and every toy or treat comes with its own benefits and risks. With safe product choices, regular monitoring, and a full dental care plan, you can give your pet the joy of chewing without the danger.

If you are unsure whether your pet’s favorite toy or treat is safe, bring it along to your next wellness visit. At St. Petersburg Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we offer same-day appointments, personalized care, and transparent pricing. Our experienced team will help you build a dental routine that protects your pet’s health, keeps emergencies off your calendar, and supports the bond you share for years to come.