Two of the biggest reasons owners buy bully sticks are cleaner teeth and a calmer dog. Both are real benefits — with some limits worth understanding.
What chewing does for teeth
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth after every meal. If it isn't removed, it hardens into tartar within days. When a dog works a bully stick with its back teeth, the firm, fibrous surface rubs against the enamel and scrapes away soft plaque — mechanical cleaning, a bit like a toothbrush.
- Where it works best: the premolars and molars dogs use to grip and grind a chew.
- Why texture matters: a chew that bends and slowly wears down stays in contact with the teeth longer than one that snaps.
- Braided sticks add ridges and grooves, which increases contact with the tooth surface.
What chewing can't do
Chewing won't remove tartar that has already hardened, and it doesn't reach below the gum line, where periodontal disease does the most damage. That's why vets recommend brushing as the foundation and professional cleanings when needed. Chews are a helpful extra. Our dental health guide lays out a realistic weekly routine.
Mental stimulation: the other half
Chewing is a natural, self-soothing behaviour. A long chew session:
- Releases pent-up energy on rainy days or after short walks
- Helps puppies cope with teething discomfort
- Gives anxious dogs a calming activity when left alone briefly or during storms and fireworks
- Redirects destructive chewing away from furniture and shoes
For enrichment, length of session matters more than anything. Aim for a chew that lasts your dog 20–40 minutes — thick or braided for strong chewers, thin or standard for small dogs. See Choosing the right chew for your dog.
Getting the most from a chew session
- Offer the stick when your dog is calm, in a quiet spot.
- Stay nearby and let them work at it at their own pace.
- End the session before the stick gets small; rinse, dry and store it for next time.
- Count the calories — see How many calories are in a bully stick?
Signs your dog needs more enrichment
- Chewing furniture, shoes or door frames
- Restless pacing, barking at nothing, or digging
- Attention-seeking behaviour in the evenings
- Licking or chewing their own paws
These can have medical causes too, so mention them to your vet if they're new or persistent. Often, though, they simply mean your dog needs more to do.
Pair chewing with other enrichment
- Sniffing: a snuffle mat or scattering kibble in the grass engages the nose, which is tiring in a good way.
- Licking: a lick mat with a thin layer of plain yoghurt is calming.
- Problem-solving: puzzle feeders make dogs work for their meal.
- Chewing: a long-lasting braided bully stick for quiet time.
Chewing and anxiety
Chewing releases tension, which is why many dogs chew more when they're stressed. A chew can help a mildly anxious dog settle during a thunderstorm or while you work from home. It isn't a treatment for separation anxiety, though: if your dog panics when left alone, talk to your vet or a qualified behaviour professional — and never leave a dog unsupervised with a chew.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Periodontal disease in small animals (prevalence; plaque hardening into tartar).
- WSAVA — Global Dental Guidelines (Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2020).
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) — VOHC-accepted products.
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Enrichment and activity toys.
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Dogs and destructive chewing.
