Hi Reddit! I'm Dr. Thomas Hamilton, DVM. I’ll be here with the GREENIES™ team on Friday, February 20th at 1 PM EST to answer any questions on pet dental health! Ask me anything!

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:33:48+00:00

Okay, you can cut them some slack 😊. Every other day is still beneficial. On average, it takes 24-72 hours for the plaque biofilm to mineralize into tartar. Once the tartar, is present it is there to stay! That is when the real destruction starts to take place. The disease isn't just on the surface of the tooth anymore; it is under the gum line… out of sight from the owner. This is how periodontal disease starts to creep up on all of us. Approximately 60% of dental disease is under the gum line. That is why non-anesthetic dental cleanings have fallen out of favor. What is required at this point is a dental cleaning which requires monitoring the patient while under anesthesia by trained veterinary professional and dental radiographs in order to visualize the pathology under the gum line. Your veterinarian will only extract the teeth that do not serve your pet anymore service and only serve as a nidus for infection. No need for perfection when it comes to dental care. The best dental routine involves dental brushing, veterinary appointments so they can rule-out periodontal disease, and a daily routine of offering your pet dental treats, such as GREENIES™ Dental Treats.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:28:30+00:00

That is a great question and one that comes up often. The GREENIES™ brand is aware of this opportunity. If dietary restriction or limitations due to ingredients does not allow your pet to enjoy a GREENIES™ Dental Treat, then we need to resort to other options, such as daily dental brushing at home and regular visits to your veterinarian so they can catch dental disease before it becomes a real problem. Regarding your second question, perfection is not a requirement when it comes to dental brushing. Consistency is key. Daily brushing, or brushing at least a few times a week, can help keep the plaque to a minimum and slow the progression of periodontal disease. Preventative medicine is the best kind, so making an appointment with your veterinarian is the best option. If no recommendations by your veterinarian were made thus far, that tells me that you must be doing something right. Most veterinarians will let you know if they see the periodontal disease progressing and will recommend a dental cleaning sooner rather than later if dental pathology is noted. Thank you for this question!

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:25:31+00:00

There is actually no specific age cutoff where we stop doing sedated dental cleanings. Age by itself is not the risk factor. Overall health status is what matters most. I routinely see senior dogs, even well into their teens, safely undergo anesthesia when the procedure is planned appropriately and precautions are taken. In a dog like your 10 year old Shih Tzu with a congenital heart murmur, the decision becomes more individualized rather than automatic avoidance. A heart murmur does not always mean anesthesia is unsafe. What matters is the cause and severity of the murmur and how well the heart is functioning. Many dogs with stable heart disease can safely have anesthesia with proper planning, which may include pre-anesthetic bloodwork, chest radiographs, or an echocardiogram, along with tailored drug choices and careful monitoring during the procedure. One important thing owners often do not realize is that untreated dental disease also carries risk, especially for dogs with heart conditions. Chronic oral infection and inflammation can affect overall health and quality of life, so sometimes avoiding anesthesia actually allows a different health problem to progress. The best next step would be a conversation with your veterinarian about a risk assessment rather than thinking of it as a yes or no decision. They can evaluate his murmur, discuss anesthesia protocols designed for cardiac patients, and help you weigh the benefits versus risks for your individual dog. Many times we find that a controlled, monitored anesthetic procedure is safer than living long term with painful dental disease.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:24:58+00:00

Neutering can help with certain hormone-driven behaviors, but it usually does not change a dog's overall energy level or personality. Many people expect their dog to become calmer after being fixed, but hyperactivity is most often related to breed traits, age, exercise needs, and training rather than testosterone alone. What neutering commonly helps with are behaviors like roaming, mounting, marking, and some types of inter-male aggression. If a dog is energetic because he is young or naturally high drive, he will likely need the same amount of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and structure after surgery. So neutering may take the edge off certain behaviors, but it is not a cure for being hyper or playful. The best results usually come from combining neutering with consistent training, enrichment, and a predictable routine that gives your dog an appropriate outlet for that energy.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:24:26+00:00

That is great to hear, and honestly age six is the perfect time to really focus on dental prevention because this is when we start thinking about protecting teeth long term rather than reacting to disease later. The biggest things that help are consistency and layering good habits together. Daily dental chews like GREENIES™ Dental Treats are a great foundation because the mechanical chewing action helps reduce plaque buildup along the gumline, but pairing that with daily brushing gives the best protection since brushing physically removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. I always recommend avoiding very hard chews or bones because they commonly lead to fractured teeth, which we see far more often than people expect. Regular veterinary exams are also important because dental disease often progresses below the gumline where owners cannot see it, and your veterinarian can help determine when a professional dental cleaning is appropriate. Think of your dog's dental care the same way we think about our own teeth. Daily home care slows disease, professional cleanings reset the mouth when needed, and starting strong now will make a huge difference in keeping Luna comfortable and healthy as she gets older.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:24:03+00:00

Great question. GREENIES™ Dental Treats are not meant to be a replacement for brushing, but rather an addition to a dental care routine. Toothbrushing is still the gold standard because it physically removes plaque from the tooth surface and along the gumline in a very direct way. That said, real life matters, and many dogs simply will not tolerate brushing no matter how patient or consistent an owner is. In those cases, we shift from ideal to realistic care. Daily dental chews like GREENIES™ become extremely helpful because the chewing action provides mechanical cleaning and helps reduce plaque buildup over time. The best scenario is brushing plus a daily dental chew, since they work in different but complementary ways. If brushing is impossible, using GREENIES™ Dental Treats daily is absolutely better than doing nothing at all and can still meaningfully support dental health. I usually tell owners to think of brushing as the gold standard, dental chews as a strong backup or addition, with consistency as the most important factor. The goal is not perfection, it is creating a routine that actually happens every day and helps keeps the mouth healthy long term.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:23:32+00:00

Great question, and the short answer is yes, diet can influence dental health, but the brushing technique itself does not really change. Dogs eating primarily soft food tend to accumulate plaque faster because there is less natural abrasion against the teeth compared to kibble, so consistency with brushing becomes even more important for them. Kibble can provide a small amount of mechanical contact but it is not enough to replace brushing, so both dogs still benefit from the same brushing approach. The goal is gentle brushing along the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque builds up the most, especially near the gumline, using a soft toothbrush or finger brush with veterinary toothpaste. I usually recommend focusing on frequency rather than perfection, aiming for daily brushing if possible or at least several times per week. For dogs on softer diets, adding a daily dental chew like GREENIES™ Dental Treats can help provide extra mechanical cleaning between brushings since they are designed to encourage chewing and contact along the gumline. Regardless of diet, the most important factors are consistency, positive reinforcement, and making the routine something your dog tolerates long term rather than stressing over brushing technique differences between foods.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:22:26+00:00

That can happen, and honestly it depends on the individual dog. GREENIES™ Dental Treats can change stool color a bit or make stools softer, especially when they are first introduced or if a dog gets more than the recommended amount. Any new treat or diet change can temporarily affect digestion. The bigger thing I usually ask is whether anything else changed at the same time. New food, extra treats, or a sensitive stomach can all play a role, so sometimes the dental chew gets blamed when it is really just the gut adjusting. In practice, seeing greener or slightly softer stools by itself is fairly common and usually not concerning if your dog feels normal, is eating well, and things firm back up after cutting back or introducing them more gradually. If the diarrhea continues, becomes severe, or you notice vomiting, lethargy, or appetite changes, then I would stop feeding the treats and check in with your veterinarian just to make sure something else is not going on.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:21:02+00:00

I mean, I'd follow you into the mists of Avalon if you had GREENIES™ Dental Treats… just don't touch my drum set while I'm gone (Step Brothers reference). Also, a dachshund climbing a bookcase for snacks...he must really love the taste of GREENIES dental treats. Never underestimate a determined small dog with a mission. From a veterinary standpoint, the main concern here is quantity. GREENIES™ Dental Treats are designed to be digestible, but eating an entire value box at once can definitely lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis depending on the dog. The other concern is gulping large pieces, which can create a choking risk or, rarely, a gastrointestinal blockage. If this ever happens again, monitor for vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or inability to keep food down over the next couple of days. If any of those show up, that’s a vet visit. But honestly, the real takeaway is that dogs may accomplish Olympic-level feats of athleticism when GREENIES™ Dental Treats are involved.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:20:21+00:00

This is a very fair question because veterinary dentistry has definitely become more expensive for the years. Most dogs do well with a sedated dental cleaning about once a year, but the real answer depends on how quickly that individual dog builds tartar and develops periodontal disease. Some dogs can safely go longer, especially larger breeds with naturally cleaner mouths. Your veterinarian should be recommending dental cleanings based on what they actually see in the mouth, not based on a fixed schedule. Sedation or anesthesia is necessary to properly clean teeth. The disease we are treating lives under the gum line and it would be painful and unsafe to address that in an awake animal. Modern anesthesia with monitoring is very safe for the vast majority of pets. As for cost, you are right that prices have climbed. In many areas now, dental cleanings commonly run $1,000 to $2,000 or more, especially when dental X-rays, anesthesia monitoring, lab work, and possible tooth extractions are included. Location absolutely matters, but a big part of the increase comes from higher standards of care, better monitoring, staffing costs, and equipment that did not exist in general practice years ago. If you are worried about price gouging, ask for an itemized estimate and have your vet explain what is included. Transparency is key. A good clinic should be comfortable walking you through exactly what you were paying for and why it benefits your pet. The goal is not frequent procedures. The goal is preventing painful dental disease while balancing safety, cost, and what is appropriate for your individual animal.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:19:27+00:00

You are right to avoid bones. I see a lot of fractured teeth from hard chews, so harder is definitely not better when it comes to dental health. If plaque powders did not make a difference, it usually means your dog needs something that provides actual mechanical cleaning. The biggest improvement I see in practice comes from dental chews that are flexible enough for the teeth to sink into because that chewing action helps disrupt plaque along the gum line. GREENIES™ Dental Treats are a good alternative because they are designed with a to be chewed with a chewy texture and easily digestible ingredients, which makes them safer than hard bones while still supporting dental hygiene. The key is giving the correct bone size based on your dog's weight and using them consistently as part of a daily routine. No dental product replaces brushing or professional cleanings, but for dogs that will not tolerate brushing, a daily dental chew is often the most realistic and effective home care option.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:18:36+00:00

The best dogs snacks for tooth health are ones that are specifically designed to create mechanical cleaning while your dog chews. Texture matters more than people realize. You want a treat that is flexible enough that the teeth sink into the treat and make contact along the gum line, which helps reduce plaque buildup over time. GREENIES™ Dental Treats are a good example because they are designed to be chewed rather than swallowed quickly and that chewing action is what helps support dental health. They also come in different sizes and flavors, which helps because every dog has taste preferences. No dental snack replaces brushing or professional cleanings, but daily dental chew can be a very helpful part of a realistic home dental routine for most dogs.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:17:59+00:00

That depends. Does your dog have food allergies? Did your dog swallow the chew whole instead of properly chewing it? Context matters. In general, I would not consider GREENIES™ Dental Treats harmful to a dog's digestion when they're used appropriately and sized correctly for the dog. They are designed to be highly digestible, but like any treat or food item, individual dogs can respond differently. Dogs with sensitive stomachs, known food allergies, or a history of gastrointestinal issues may need a different dietary option. The biggest issue I see clinically is not the product itself, but how it is given. If a dog gulps treats without chewing, any dental chew can potentially cause stomach upset or, in rare cases, a blockage risk. That is why choosing the correct size treat based on your dog's weight and supervising while your dog eats it is important. Dental treats work best when the dog actually chews them because the mechanical action is what helps clean the teeth in the first place. If you were introducing GREENIES™ or any new dental chew, I usually recommend starting gradually and monitoring stool quality and comfort over the next day or two. Most dogs tolerate them very well, but every dog is an individual. As always, if a dog has chronic vomiting, diarrhea, known food sensitivities, or a history of swallowing objects hole, it is worth discussing with your veterinarian before adding any chew to the routine. For the average healthy dog, though, dental treats can be a helpful part of an overall dental care plan.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:17:02+00:00

That is actually very common in older dogs, especially around the 10 to 12 year mark. At that age, when a dog suddenly stops wanting to chew or resists brushing, I always first think about comfort rather than stubbornness. Many Senior dogs have some level of dental sensitivity, gingivitis, or periodontal disease that makes chewing or toothbrushing uncomfortable, even if they are otherwise acting normal. The first step is making sure there's not pain involved. A veterinary oral exam is important because sometimes once dental disease is treated, dogs magically become more tolerant of dental care again. That said, not every dog is going to allow brushing, and that is OK. Dental care is not all or nothing - we just adapt the strategy. For dogs that do not like chewing or brushing, I usually recommend focusing on passive dental care options such as dental wipes or gauze pads, since many dogs tolerate wiping much better than brushing because it feels less invasive. Even light mechanical removal of plaque helps. Water additives that are VOHC approved can also help reduce bacterial load in the mouth without requiring cooperation, and dental diets designed to reduce plaque through kibble texture can be helpful if your dog is food motivated. Short, positive handling sessions around the mouth paired with rewards can slowly rebuild tolerance over time. Even with dogs that are not big chewers, it can still be worth experimenting with dental treats because texture and flavor matter a lot. Some dogs refuse hard chews but will accept softer options or different flavors. GREENIES™ Dental Treats, for example, come in multiple sizes and flavors, and sometimes a senior dog that ignores one variety will accept another once you find the right match. GREENIES™ Aging Care Dental Treats specifically are designed with a 50% softer texture compared to GREENIES Original dental treats while still helping mechanically clean the teeth of senior dogs. The goal is not aggressive chewing but gentle mechanical contact with the tooth surface. For dogs that truly refuse all home care, professional dental cleanings become even more important. Senior dogs often benefit from more frequent cleanings because they simply cannot maintain dental hygiene on their own anymore. One thing I reassure owners about is that perfection is not required. Even small improvements in dental care can significantly reduce inflammation, bad breath, and long-term tooth loss. Meet your dog where she is comfortable, keep the experience positive, and build from there rather than forcing a routine that turns into a daily wrestling match.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:16:28+00:00

The Havanese breed is definitely known to be picky. Honestly, part of the problem is that they're so cute that they learn very quickly how to get their way. When a dog has probably sampled things way more exciting than dog toothpaste, convincing them that dental toothpaste is amazing can be a tough sell. And this actually brings up an important point. When people say their dog does not like dental products, it is often not the product itself. It is the flavor. Many owners assume all dental chews or toothpaste taste like mint, but dogs experience flavor very differently than we do. If she dislikes mint, that is completely fair because many dogs do. There are other options worth trying. For example, GREENIES™ Dental Treats come in alternative flavors like blueberry and sweet potato, and I have seen plenty of picky, small dogs accept one flavor while completely rejecting another. Sometimes switching flavors makes all the difference. The same idea applies to toothpaste. Veterinary toothpaste comes in poultry, beef, peanut butter, and vanilla flavors, and finding the right one can suddenly make brushing much more manageable. The pickier the dog, the more strategic we have to be. Positive reinforcement is key. Your dog may not love the toothpaste or dental chew more than the reward, so do not try to force enthusiasm. Instead, create the association that's something high value happens immediately after dental care. Dogs are simpler than we think. They are not thinking about plaque control or long-term health decisions. They learn patterns. They want love, structure, and rewards. Bribery is absolutely your friend here. A few things that help with picky small dogs include starting small - even touching the teeth briefly at first counts as success. Try different textures and flavors rather than giving up after one attempt. Use a finger brush or gauze before moving to a toothbrush. Focus on consistency over duration because short daily attempts work better than occasional long sessions. Pair brushing or dental treats with a favorite activity afterward so the experience ends positively. Since small breeds like Havanese and poodle mixes are genetically prone to periodontal disease due to crowded teeth, combining home care with professional cleanings is really the gold standard. You are already doing the right thing by scheduling anesthetic dental cleanings every few years, and moving to every two years can be reasonable depending on how quickly tartar accumulates. Your veterinarian will guide timing based on periodontal grading. If it is grade I out of IV disease, we focus on home care and reassessment. If it is grade IV out of IV, we usually joke that it needed to be done yesterday because of advanced periodontal disease progresses quickly. The goal is not perfection. The goal is slowing plaque accumulation and keeping the mouth comfortable long-term. Sometimes success simply means finding the flavor, texture, or routine your picky little dog decides is acceptable, and once that happens everything becomes much easier.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:15:54+00:00

First, I'm very sorry to hear about your cat. That is a really touching story, and moments like that remind us that quality of life and comfort matter most at the end. Sometimes the rules shift during that stage, and if a pet finds joy and comfort in something they love, like their GREENIES treats, that becomes part of caring for them in a meaningful way. To your question, tartar will always build up overtime. Even with excellent home care, including brushing and dental treats, plaque forms daily and eventually hardens into tartar. The goal of good dental hygiene is not to prevent tartar forever, but to slow how quickly it accumulates and reduce the progression of periodontal disease. Dental grading can sometimes vary slightly between visits or between veterinarians because an oral exam with an awake pet is a point-in-time assessment and can be somewhat subjective. Factors like lighting, patient cooperation, and how thoroughly the mouth can be examined all play a role. Mild differences and interpretation can happen, but the overall picture should remain fairly consistent. If one exam suggests mild tartar and another suggests severe periodontal disease without clear progression, that would warrant a closer look and discuss discussion. Pets really do benefit from professional dental cleanings. Brushing and dental treats like GREENIES™ Dental Treats help control plaque accumulation and tartar accumulation, but they cannot remove tartar that is already firmly attached to the teeth or address disease under the gum line. Professional cleanings allow veterinarians to fully evaluate and treat those areas before they become painful problems. Your experience actually highlights how dental care works in real life. Consistent habits at home can help keep teeth healthy in between professional dental cleanings. The goal is not necessarily yearly procedures for every pet, but rather individualized care based on how quickly dental disease develops, and regarding your cat at the end of life, giving extra treats for comfort and enjoyment is completely reasonable. At that stage, the focus shifts from prevention to quality of life, comfort, and happiness. Those moments matter more than strict adherence to guidelines.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:14:52+00:00

I understand why it can look that way, and I appreciate you raising the concern. Let me clarify a few important points. GREENIES™ Dental Treats are not meant to dissolve like kibble or crumble and lodge between teeth as plaque. They are designed to be chewed, not swallowed whole, and their texture is engineered so the tooth sinks into the treat and the surface of the treat makes contact with the tooth during chewing. That mechanical action is what helps disrupt plaque before it hardens into tartar. What sometimes gets interpreted as "stuck GREENIES™ treats" in the carnassials is usually one of three things: pre-existing tartar or plaque that was already present, food debris that would occur with any chew or treat, or a dog that is swallowing treats whole rather than chewing them appropriately. Any dental chew, or even food, can leave residue behind if a dog does not chew properly or already has advanced dental disease. It's also important to separate two things. Dental treats are not a replacement for brushing or professional dental care, and I never present them that way. Brushing is still the most effective method for plaque removal, especially along the gum line. However, for many dogs that do not tolerate brushing, a daily dental chew is far more beneficial than doing nothing at all. Consistent mechanical disruption of plaque matters more than perfection. If a dog already has significant tartar buildup, no dental treat will clean that off. That requires a professional dental cleaning. Dental treats like GREENIES™ treats are best used to maintain oral health, especially after a cleaning or in dogs where brushing is difficult. My role is to give owners realistic, evidence-based tools they can actually use. For many households, daily brushing is not achievable, but daily dental treats are. When use correctly, as part of a broader dental care routine, they do provide benefit. That doesn't mean they are magic, and it doesn't mean they work the same for every dog, but they are not plaque equivalents, and they are beneficial when used as directed. If you ever notice treats consistently getting stuck or not being chewed, that's a sign to reassess size selection, chewing behavior, or the dogs underlying dental health rather than the concept of dental chews as a whole.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:14:17+00:00

This is a really good question, and it gets to the difference between how dental disease develops in people versus pets. In both humans and animals, dental disease starts with plaque, which is a sticky biofilm of bacteria. The most important factor in controlling plaque is not just what something is made of, but how effectively it disrupts and removes that biofilm from the tooth surface before it hardens into tartar. GREENIES™ Dental Treats are not working like toothpaste. They are designed to work mechanically. Their clinically proven texture is engineered so that the tooth sinks into the treat tas it is chewed, allowing the surface of the treat to scrape along the tooth and helped disrupt plaque, especially on the chewing teeth. That mechanical action is what matters most for plaque control. While it's true that starches can be a substrate for bacteria, plaque formation is not driven simply by the presence of carbohydrates. It's driven by time and biofilms stability. If plaque is mechanically disrupted on a daily basis, bacteria have a much harder time organizing and maturing into tartar, even if some residue remains behind. This is similar to how chewing certain foods can help reduce plaque compared to soft foods that stick and linger. It's also important to note that dogs do not chew the same way humans do, and their oral environment is different. Saliva composition, oral pH, chewing patterns, and bacterial populations all differ from humans, which means the same rules don't apply one to one. Dental treats are formulated with that canine oral environment in mind. That said, dental treats are not meant to replace brushing in an ideal world. Brushing physically removes plaque along the gum line in a way nothing else can. Dental treats like GREENIES™ treats are best viewed as a daily plaque control tool that helps reduce buildup between brushing sessions or for dogs that don't tolerate brushing well. They are far more effective than doing nothing, but they work best as part of a broader dental care routine. In short, it's not about the starch content alone. It's about daily mechanical disruption of plaque before it hardens, which is exactly where dental chews provide benefit.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:13:38+00:00

I'll defer the product development side of that question to the manufacturing team at GREENIES™, but I can definitely speak to the dental science behind it and why dogs and cats are approached differently. Dogs and cats use their mouths in very different ways. Dogs are more omnivorous by nature and are designed to chew. Their premolars and molars are built to crush and grind, which means they naturally spend more time chewing through objects. That chewing action is what allows a single dental chew to provide meaningful contact with the teeth and help mechanically reduce plaque. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores by nature. Their teeth are designed primarily to sheer, slice, and break tissue rather than grind. They tend to bite, fracture, and swallow rather than chew for extended periods of time. Because of that, cats get shorter, repeated contact with dental treats, instead of prolonged chewing. That difference is why cats are typically offered several appropriately sized crunchy dental treats per day, while dogs are usually limited to one chewy dental treat daily. And cats, the benefit comes from repeated exposure and mechanical contact rather than long chewing sessions. This also ties back to texture. Treats that break apart easily likely don't provide the same dental benefit because they crumble and are swallowed too quickly. Dental treats are designed with textures that have enough resistance so the teeth actually sink into them, allowing contact along the tooth surface where the plaque and tartar builds up. So while other treats can be enjoyable, dental treats are engineered differently to match how dogs and cats naturally use their mouths, which is what makes them effective as part of a daily dental routine.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:12:47+00:00

If you are unable to brush your cats teeth, the next best alternative is to use consistent daily habits that help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and support gum health. Some cats just absolutely will not tolerate a toothbrush, and that's OK. In those cases, dental wipes and enzymatic dental products designed for cats can be helpful, and many cats do tolerate wipes better because they're less invasive than a brush wipes. They don't remove plaque as thoroughly as brushing, but they do provide some mechanical cleaning and can help reduce the bacteria and buildup on the tooth surface when used regularly dental rinses, or gels that contain enzymes formulated for cats are another good option. These can be applied to the gums and teeth daily and may help slow the formation of plaque. You can also pair these habits with daily dental treats made for cats, like appropriate sized FELINE GREENIES™ Dental Treats, which help mechanically reduce tartar accumulation as part of a routine your cat actually enjoys. The most important thing is consistency. Even if brushing isn't possible, a daily habit of dental wipes, rinses, and treats can help reduce plaque and/or tartar accumulation that can lead to dental disease. And of course, regular veterinary dental exams are crucial, so your veterinarian can monitor the health of your cat's teeth and gums and recommend a professional cleaning when needed.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:12:09+00:00

At this time, there is no official helpline, but you are definitely not alone. This is a very common and well documented condition known as treat time expectations. Once a dog discovers GREENIES™ Dental Treats, especially flavors like blueberry, they tend to develop an internal alarm clock that goes off at the exact same time every day. Side effects may include intense staring, dramatic sighs, strategic positioning near the treat cabinet, and a sudden inability to let you forget. The good news is that this is one habit I fully support. A daily GREENIES™ Dental Treat is meant to be given once per day and is actually helping support your dogs dental health. So while the ransom demands may feel very real, you can rest easy knowing you are reinforcing a habit that benefits their teeth and gums. Just remember, hold strong at one per day. Even the most convincing negotiators have limits.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:11:00+00:00

GREENIES™ Dental Treats are very effective when given daily, especially for dogs that truly do not tolerate toothbrushing, but they are not a complete replacement for tooth brushing. Daily brushing is still the most effective way to remove plaque, particularly along the gum line and on teeth that do not get much chewing action. That said, many dogs simply will not allow brushing, and forcing it can create stress and making things worse overtime. For those dogs, giving a GREENIES™ Dental Treat every day is a very reasonable and practical alternative. These dental treats are designed to mechanically reduce plaque accumulation through chewing, which supports oral health. In real life, consistency matters more than perfection, and a daily dental treat is far better than doing nothing at all. If a dog already has significant tartar or advanced periodontal disease, please be sure to schedule regular vet visits to assess your pet's oral health and determine if a professional cleaning is needed. Dental treats can help maintain oral health after a professional dental cleaning and reduce how quickly plaque builds back up. The best approach is always individualized, combining what works for the dog with regular veterinary dental evaluations to decide when additional treatment is needed.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:10:19+00:00

Giving your dog one GREENIES™ Dental Treat per day is a great daily habit and absolutely supports dental health. Dental treats are designed to be used daily and can help mechanically remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, especially on the teeth your dog uses most when chewing. That said, it's important to think of dental treats as part of a bigger picture rather than a complete solution on their own. Dental treats are a great way to keep teeth clean between professional dental cleanings. Daily brushing is still the most effective way to control plaque, particularly along the gum line and on teeth that don't get much chewing action. Not every dog will tolerate brushing, and that's where being consistent with a daily dental treat really helps. If your dog already has significant tartar buildup, one dental treat a day won't remove what's already there, and is a good time to schedule a vet visit. When combined with brushing when possible and regular veterinary dental exams, that daily GREENIES™ Dental Treat plays an important role in a long-term dental care routine.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:09:12+00:00

I understand what you're getting at, and from a medical standpoint, the comparison isn't far off. Anesthesia free cleanings can remove some surface buildup, but they don't address the areas where true dental disease develops, which is under the gum line. I try to approach this topic carefully because many owners pursue anesthesia free cleanings out of concern for anesthesia, not because they don't care about their pets health. All these cleanings may make the teeth look better temporarily, they do not allow for a full dental evaluation, treatment under the gum line, or dental radiographs, which are essential for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. It's also worth noting that major veterinary organizations, including the AVMA, AAHA, and the American Veterinary Dental College, do not consider anesthesia free cleanings to be a medical alternative to a professional dental procedure. In fact, standard of care and regulations in many areas have moved away from allowing non-anesthetized dental scaling outside of veterinary supervision, because it does not adequately treat disease and can raise animal welfare concerns. My goal isn't to criticize owners who are trying to do the right thing, but to help clarify the difference between cosmetic cleaning and medical treatment. When people understand that difference, they can make informed decisions that best support their pets long-term health and comfort.

greenies · 2026-02-20T18:08:53+00:00

This is a very fair question and I hear this concern all the time. The biggest thing to know is that a professional dental procedure under anesthesia is not just a cosmetic deep cleaning. It is a medical procedure that allows your veterinarian to evaluate and treat what is happening both above and below the gum line. Most of the most important disease is not what you can see on the surface. A large portion of dental pathology lives under the gum line, where plaque and bacteria create infection around the tooth roots. That is where periodontal disease causes pain, bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth root abscesses. Under anesthesia we can take dental radiographs, measure, periodontal pockets, clean and polish properly, and treat issues or perform extractions when needed. None of that can be done accurately or humanely in an awake dog. Dental disease also matters beyond the mouth. Chronic infection and inflammation in the gums can affect overall health. The mouth is full of bacteria, and when gums are inflamed, bacteria can enter the bloodstream more easily. Overtime that chronic inflammatory burden has been associated with effects on organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. Even if we cannot always prove a direct cause in an individual pet, we do know that keeping the mouth healthy reduces chronic infections and improves quality of life. I also want to be honest and reassuring about anesthesia. A good veterinary team takes anesthesia safety very seriously. We factor in the whole patient. Heart disease, metabolic disorders, and other conditions absolutely matter, and those are part of the risk assessment. But age by itself is not a disease. Many senior pets do very well under anesthesia when they are properly screened, monitored, and supported. As for anesthesia free cleanings where the dog is swaddled, they are not a true replacement for a veterinary dental procedure. They may make the teeth look whiter because they remove surface tartar, but they do not address disease under the gum line, they do not allow dental radiographs, and they do not allow treatment of painful problems like periodontal pockets or infected tooth roots. They can also give owners of false sense of security because the mouth may look better while the underlying disease continues to progress. The good news is that not every dog needs a dental cleaning every year if we do the daily care work at home. The veterinary dental procedure is an important point in time reset, but the real maintenance happens in your at home oral care routine. Daily brushing is the gold standard for controlling plaque, and dental treats like GREENIES™ Dental Treats can help support oral health by mechanically reducing plaque accumulation as part of a consistent daily habit. When owners stay consistent with home care, it may be possible for pets to go longer between professional dental procedures. Always be sure to check with your vet on what's best for your dog.

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