There are so many firsts to celebrate with your puppy: their first puppy vet visit, their first trip to the dog park, their first haircut. But when should a puppy get their first delicious dental treat?
Giving your young pup dental treats can be a great bonding moment for both of you. Not to mention that you’ll be giving your dog a head start on their dental hygiene routine. And how can you refuse that irresistibly adorable face? You’re only human, after all. Read on to learn when you can safely give your puppy dental treats and the benefits of dental treats for puppies.
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When to Give Your Puppy Dental Treats
It’s important to hold off on dental treats until your puppy is around 6 months old.
- Your puppy has a tender tummy: Your little one is still growing and going through changes, especially in their GI tract. Introducing new foods could lead to messes on the carpet.
- Puppy teeth are baby teeth: While they’re certainly sharp, your puppy’s teeth are not fully developed. Wait until their adult teeth come in (around the age of 6 months) and their jaw structure has had a chance to develop before giving them dental treats; otherwise they may damage their little chompers.
The age you can introduce treats to your pup may vary slightly depending on your dog’s breed and weight, so asking your vet is always a wise option.
Another important thing to remember is …
Puppies Need Treats Made for Puppies
You wouldn’t feed a 6-year-old dog the same food as a 6-month-old puppy. Same goes for treats. It’s important to give puppies treats designed especially for them, because puppies have growing mouths and need the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth and development. A good option is GREENIES™ Puppy 6 Months+ TEENIE™ Dental Treats—they have a softer texture and are designed for developing mouths. Plus, they have nutrients like DHA to support brain development and calcium to support strong teeth and healthy jaws.
The Benefits of Puppy Dental Treats
Your puppy just thinks treats taste great, but they can provide some additional benefits, too:
- Training your puppy with dental treats: Treats are a great way help with puppy training and teaching your pup good habits and behavior. Use them to reinforce and reward positive actions. Just remember to not overdo it—usually 1 dental treat per day is all a puppy can consume. (Ear scratches and praise, however, are calorie-free, so use them often during training!).
- Encouraging healthy habits: When fed once a day, puppy dental treats like GREENIES™ Puppy 6 Months+ TEENIE™ Dental Treats gently clean teeth and gums. They also help keep “puppy breath” pleasant. When it comes to thinking about dental care for puppies, think about including daily toothbrushing, annual vet checkups and daily dental treats. All of these things can help support healthy and happy mouths as your puppy grows.
And when the inevitable time has come when your energetic puppy is all grown (and this depends on the breed size of your furry friend), don’t forget to keep up their dental care routine with dental treats for adult dog.
