[Elizabeth P]

I spent a lot of money on a canine dentist when my dog broke a tooth. The dentist told me that dog teeth are much softer than ours, and that very hard chews (Nylabones, Himalayan dog chews) will break their teeth. Now, I know I often looked for the hardest chew so it would last, but it turns out that is not good for a dog’s teeth. Dr. Modrcin (DVM, Kansas City) says if you can’t score it with your thumb nail, it is too hard. Yikes, that knocks out just about everything. I use stuffed Kongs a lot. I also think bully sticks are okay, because as soon as the dog’s saliva hits them, they get soft. But yes, you have to watch carefully that they don’t gnaw down to a stub and swallow it whole. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) recommends Busy Hearty Hide by Purina, and this is the only “hide” product I use. And of course, like anything, you have to be sure your dog doesn’t swallow it whole. There just isn’t one-size-fits-all product, because it depends on your dog and your willingness to supervise.