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My old dog lost teeth from rawhide. What are safe chew alternatives?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 1 month old | 22.5 lbs

My Spaniel Charlie is old and has lost teeth from chewing on his favorite Virbac "rawhide" chews. I give him one a day as a special treat, but want to switch to another long lasting chew that won't care dental damage . What do you recommend? He is 22 lbs.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 21st, 2018

Great question! I personally recommend Hill's Prescription Diet Dental Care Chews. They are good for dogs to chew on, and have the added benefit of being beneficial to Charlie's teeth. I would also have his mouth examined by a vet. His teeth shouldn't fall out from chewing on a rawhide (it can happen but not commonly), and it could be he has severe dental disease causing his teeth to be looser than normal. He may benefit from a dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing, which the vet can preform. You can also get those dental chews from the vet's office. I would take him into the vet this week. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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