Development of Dental Hygiene Chew for Dogs Considering Their Anatomical Features of Dentition

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop effective dental hygiene chews for dogs considering the anatomical features of each small breeds dentition and the pattern of chewing motion. Small breed dogs were volunteered for dental impressions with yellow stone and alginate under intravenous anesthesia with tiletamine-zolazepam, tramadol and, medetomidine. Twenty-five dogs (9 Maltese, 8 Miniature poodles, and 8 Shih-Tzus) were recruited. Twenty-two criteria were checked to compare dental impressions. For the chewing motion study, two beagle dogs chewing motion was reviewed with an image analyzing program. Statistically, Shih-Tzus had smaller teeth and shorter interdental spaces than those of Maltese and Miniature poodles (P < 0.017). Grossly, the horizontal gap between upper and lower teeth was wider in Shih-Tzus. Certain chewing patterns such as an oval shape were recognized in the chewing motion study. Dental hygiene chews were designed with a wider gaping space (4.5 mm) for Maltese and Miniature poodles, and shorter (3.5 mm) for Shih-Tzus, respectively. The width, height of teeth and interdental spaces of each teeth were considered primarily. Dental hygiene chews customized for each breed considering the different anatomical features of their teeth might be effective for oral care.