Dental chews for Maltese and Boston Terrier

A Maltese and a Boston Terrier — two small breeds that actually sit at opposite ends of the small-dog spectrum in terms of jaw shape and size, which makes finding the right dental chew a bit more involved than just grabbing one bag. Small breeds like both of yours are disproportionately prone to dental disease — crowded teeth accelerate tartar build-up and gum disease faster than most owners expect, and chronic dental pain is one of the most commonly missed problems in dogs. Before I point you in the right direction: how old are each of them, has your vet flagged dental concerns for either dog, and will they both tolerate tooth brushing?

That's a really common picture with both breeds, and honestly the extraction history on your Boston tells me his dental support needs to be consistent from here on — he can't afford to lose many more teeth. The Maltese at 5 with tartar already building is also a dog who needs daily mechanical action on those teeth, not just occasional treats. Given that brushing is off the table for both, a good daily dental chew becomes your main tool. The size difference matters here though — what works safely for a Boston can be a choking risk for a Maltese. Can you tell me roughly how much each of them weighs?

Perfect — that weight gap actually puts them neatly into two different size bands, which makes this straightforward. I'd go with Whimzees by Wellness Natural Dental Chews for both of them, just in different sizes. For your Maltese at 4kg, the XS size is right; for your Boston at 10kg, the Small fits well. Whimzees are vegetable-based, low in fat, and — crucially for your Boston with missing teeth — they're soft enough not to stress the remaining ones while still providing real mechanical scrubbing action. The VOHC seal on Whimzees means there's actual evidence behind the tartar reduction claim, not just marketing. Give one to each daily, ideally after their main meal. Keep them separated while they chew — both dogs tend to guard chews and the size difference makes that a recipe for a scrap.

Yes — for a 9-year-old with extractions already, I'd add a water additive like Vet's Best Dental Water Additive to his bowl daily. It won't replace the mechanical action of the chew but it helps reduce the bacterial load in his mouth between chews, which matters more as dogs age. You can use it for the Maltese too — no harm at all. And given the vet has already flagged tartar on your Maltese at 5, I'd book a dental check for her within the next few months if one isn't already due. The chews will slow things down significantly but they won't reverse existing build-up — that needs a professional clean. After a clean, daily chews are much more effective because they're working on a clean surface.

Great plan. Whimzees XS for the Maltese, Whimzees Small for the Boston, and Vet's Best water additive in both bowls. Consistency is everything with dental care — a chew every day does far more than a handful of chews once a week. Given your Boston's age and history, you're doing exactly the right thing by being proactive now.