Category: Dental Hygeine

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Dental Hygeine

4 Foods Commonly Shared with Dogs That Really Shouldn’t Be

We love our animal friends, and of course, we want to share the things that we enjoy eating with them. They stare at us longingly, and even the most practically minded among us has trouble resisting them. Many of us don’t realize that some foods we commonly share with our furry companions could cause them health problems over the long term.

Onions

Repeat after me: Onions are bad for dogs. According to Canna-Pet, onions are among the worst foods that you can share with your canine companions. While onions may be beneficial for humans, they contain substances that thin the blood and result in anemia in dogs. Caused by a severe reduction in red blood cells, anemia causes your pup to become lethargic and bruise easily. Severe cases can lead to death.

Pizza

We all love pizza. Sometimes you need to live a little, so why shouldn’t your faithful companion? Pizza contains several ingredients that are not advisable to give dogs. According to Sam’s Pizza, the meat on pizza tends to be highly processed, and the crust may have onion or garlic which could upset the dog’s stomach. As we’ve mentioned earlier, onions and garlic can cause anemia. Cheese is also not a good nutritional choice for dogs. Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy products can cause them to suffer from unpleasant digestive symptoms like gas, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, many dairy products contain a high amount of fat. Eating too much fat can cause obesity and problems with the pancreas.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which can cause severe symptoms or even death. According to Embrace Pet Insurance, dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans do. Although dark chocolate contains higher levels of theobromine, milk chocolate and white chocolate are also dangerous for dogs.

Salty Snacks

Who hasn’t shared a few chips or pretzels with their canine best friend? You might think that it’s fine to give your dog these treats once in a while. Most dog owners know not to give their fuzzy friend too many empty calories, but many of us don’t consider the high salt content of these foods. Dogs that eat too many salty foods can develop sodium ion poisoning. Your dog might experience symptoms of dehydration, diarrhea and fever. Like chocolate, too much salt can provoke seizures or death.

Though your dog might beg for a taste of your human food, make sure that you double check that it’s safe for him to eat before feeding him anything. Making sure your dog gets proper nutrition is very important for his health. If you would like to know more about which foods to avoid feeding your canine friends, check out a comprehensive list of unhealthy foods for dogs.

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Dental Hygeine

8 Holistic Health Treatments That Work on Both Humans and Dogs

Holistic treatment methods are popular with many people, but what you may not know is that many of these treatments will provide the same positive benefits to your dog. The following holistic methods are an excellent complement to regular veterinarian care and can greatly benefit the overall health of you and your dog.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that benefits the muscles and circulatory system of your dog, as well as help with the healing of any wounds they receive. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that provides protection against free radicals and will cause the skin of both you and your dog to glow.

Many pet foods come with Vitamin E, and there are many foods that can be added to your dog’s diet that will provide this nutrient. Eggs are a great source of Vitamin E. A few other good sources include spinach, dandelions, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique that stimulates the body’s pressure points with needles. Humans have benefitted from this technique for thousands of years. Acupuncture was approved as an alternative treatment method for dogs in 1998 by the American Veterinarian Association.

The benefits to your dog are joint and muscle pain relief, promotion of healing following surgery, and treatment for cancer and diabetes. The best thing about these benefits is that you and your dog can enjoy them together.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy provides low-impact exercise to aid dogs in recovery from surgery or an injury. It is also beneficial to dogs who suffer from arthritis and other joint issues or who are a little overweight.

A typical hydrotherapy session involves leading your dog into a pool of heated water. The warmer water temperature helps to ease the pain of joints and muscles. Once in the water, your dog will spend up to an hour walking on a treadmill or swimming. A life jacket or harness may be used to keep your dog above water and level if he or she is uncomfortable or not a good swimmer.

Hydrotherapy can also benefit you by providing a boost to your immune system, relieving stress, and easing any pain you may feel in your joints.

CBD

The compound CBD, or cannabidiol, is found in both hemp and cannabis. CBD does not normally contain the THC that provides cannabis with its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products are made from hemp.

CBD has been known to relieve neuropathic pain in dogs. Your dog can also benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties, benefits to the cardiovascular system, ability to stimulate appetite, decreased anxiety levels, and cancer-fighting properties of CBD oil.

Because of the noted health benefits, there are numerous studies on CBD oil that have come out in recent years though most of them focus on treating humans. However, a study sponsored by the Canine Health Foundation is currently underway at the College of Veterinarian Medicine at Colorado State University. The study seeks to document holistic health practices and the benefits of CBD for dogs who suffer from epilepsy.

CBD benefits for humans are similar to canines and include heart health, pain relief, acne reduction, and neuroprotective properties.

Massages

Massages promote healing in both dogs and humans by increasing the flow of blood to the area being massaged. A good massage will also relieve stress, relax muscles, and stimulate the nerves.

Veterinarians concur with the premise that giving your dog regular massages will improve the mental and emotional well-being of your dog while providing another opportunity for bonding with your pet.

Massages are also one of the oldest and well-known holistic health practices for humans. The potential benefits include:

  • Pain reduction
  • Stress reduction
  • Improved circulation
  • Improved flexibility
  • Immunity enhancement
  • Increased energy
  • Improved mood
  • Reduced swelling after surgery

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine blends combinations of herbal ingredients to provide relief from diseases, according to the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is suggested by the institute that Chinese herbal medicine be used along with traditional veterinarian medicine to provide health and healing to your dog.

Dog owners who swear by Chinese herbal medicine explain that dogs can benefit from decreased pain, improved organ function, and a boost for the immune system. The documented evidence of these benefits is lacking, but many people report watching the health of their dogs improve after treating them with Chinese herbal medicine.

Some herbs may have a negative interaction with medications like diuretics and blood thinners. You should also pay attention to any signs of stomach discomfort for you or your dog when you consume herbal medicines.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy for dogs is a mainstream practice now. While aromatherapy has proven to provide many positive benefits to humans, the prevailing logic is that dogs will benefit more due to the powerful sense of smell they possess.

The essential oils used for aromatherapy have been known to reduce both inflammation and anxiety. It is also believed aromatherapy can help fight infections and soothe the pain of muscle aches.

Magnetic Field Therapy

The Veterinary Clinics of America explains that magnetic field therapy is used to improve the healing of injuries and wounds. The technique provides relief from chronic joint pain, and it uses magnetic fields to provide these benefits.

Magnetic therapy is not at this time one of the most well-known holistic health practices. Because of this, there is little documented research on how well this treatment works. However, many dog owners will readily attest to the benefits of this technique. Lack of side effects and noninvasiveness are two more positive aspects of this holistic practice.

The health of you and your dog is something the two of you can improve together. One way to do this is through the use of holistic health practices. When combined with traditional Western medicine, the many treatments mentioned above will ensure that both you and your canine remain in the best health possible. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian and your own primary care provider before embarking on any new treatment protocols, and enjoy good health with your furry friend.

Don’t forget to check out these other articles about pet health from Ruff Ideas:

 

 

 

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bad breath Dental Hygeine

5 Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Breath (hint: they cost under $2.00!)

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Look no further than your kitchen cabinet or fridge for breath freshening herbs & spices! Many have germicidal properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Just finely chop the fresh herb and add them to your dogʼs food. To make it bind with the food (if feeding dry) you can toss the herbs and kibble with a little olive oil.

1. Parsley is excellent for digestion and for sweetening breath.

2. SAGE – The antiseptic properties in sage help reduce oral bacteria when the leaf is rubbed over the teeth.

3. Cilantro / Coriander is a wonderful natural way to clean teeth, stimulate gums and freshen breath.

4. Cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon) – Sprinkle it on your dogs food. Dogs love the taste of cinnamon, so ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on top of your dogʼs food. It helps dissolve food particles and aids with the digestion of food.

5. Mint, Peppermint and Spearmint are natural breath fresheners. Just chop the fresh herb up into fine particles and sprinkle into your dogʼs food. if theyʼre small enough your dog might not even notice. But if you have a picky eater, and youʼre feeding dry food, then toss the food and mint with some olive oil so it binds together.

Have you tried any herbs or spices you can recommend?

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Dental Hygeine

If your dog resists brushing, there are other options

Caring for your dog’s teeth could add years to her life.

Not only will taking care of your dog’s teeth save time & money on vet visits, but will help to prevent heart and kidney disease and add years to your dog’s life. Do you care for your dog’s teeth?

The reality is that most dogs hate getting their teeth brushed and there are times when you’re either out of hours or out of patience. So, even though teeth cleaning with a toothbrush is ideal, instead of giving up, try something else. Something is better than nothing!

If your dog resists the toothbrush, there are other options.

Right from the beginning start using wipes, oral rinses and water additives which can provide the dental care needed to keep your dog’s teeth in good shape.

Water Additives poured directly into your dog’s bowl can loosen plaque build-up and freshen her breath whenever she takes a drink. Made with fatty acid salts that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, and baking soda to fight bad breath and remove plaque and food particles, water additives are an easy way to help your pet’s oral hygiene.

Foams  The foam immediately adheres to teeth to gently clean, sanitize and loosen plaque build-up without using a toothbrush

Dental Wipes are perfect for the dog who resists brushing with a toothbrush, they clean the front and the back of the teeth at the same time

What is your biggest concern?

Small dog? Check out our solutions idea for dog’s with small mouths.

Bad breath? Here’s some products to quell that smell.

Resist brushing? Here’s some alternatives to the toothbrush.

 

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Activities & Fun Dental Hygeine Food Grooming

New Year’s Resolutions For Your Dog…And You

Everybody wants to start the New Year off on the right foot…or in the case of pet parents, the right feet. What are some of the changes you want to see in your dog’s life for the coming year? If you and your dog need to get in shape, find a better eating plan, or just generally de-stress, we have some suggestions for you. Here are five resolutions you and your dog can enjoy together.

1. My dog and I need to get in shape…

If you can’t easily feel your dog’s ribs under a thin layer of skin and there is no significant waistline dip between her ribs and her hips, then chances are your pooch may be anywhere from slightly overweight to obese. Extra pounds can add stress to your pet’s cardiac and respiratory systems, make it difficult for her liver and kidneys to function normally, and strain her joints. As it does in humans, the added weight can detract from her health and take years off her life.

This year, make a plan to take your pooch for longer walks instead of just quickly traipsing around the block after dinner. Go on some over-country hikes or even short runs to increase her activity level. Take her to the doggy park so that she can socialize, run, and play with her canine friends. Throw a ball and play fetch (or just chase her down to retrieve the ball) for an afternoon in your backyard.

All of these activities are guaranteed to increase muscle strength and burn calories and fat on your dog…and you.

2. I want to make sure my pooch gets more nutritious foods and treats…

Now that your dog is playing harder and exercising more, take a look at the kind of foods she eats and what ingredients are in her kibble. Most commercial foods and treats are processed with fillers, chemical preservatives, and un natural coloring and flavoring agents. These ingredients may or may not be harmful to your pet, but by and large, they have no nutritional value. Additionally, if you have a dog with skin allergies, commercial foods containing corn or wheat gluten may be exacerbating her itching problems.

Because of those additives, we recommend feeding your pooch grain-free kibble, a homemade diet using products found in your pantry and refrigerator, or a raw diet. You can go online and research to find which foods or diet would work best for your dog, your budget, and your time. If your choose a homemade diet, look for easy one-, two-, or three-ingredient recipes that provide all the proteins, carbs, and fats your dog requires. Additionally, acquaint yourself with those foods that your dog can eat safely and those foods that she should never eat. Onions, grapes, avocados, chocolate, and yeasty bread dough come to mind. Look for healthy, all-natural, organic treats and nutritional bars and supplements that not only taste good to your pet, but also are good for them.

**Please note: Never start your dog on a new diet or a new food without first consulting with your veterinarian.

3. Giving back to dogs in need

Let’s face it, your dog is pretty lucky, The fact that you are reading this educational dog health blog means you care! Why not give back to other dogs that aren’t as lucky. One really easy way to do that which won’t cost you an extra penny is by buying your dog food and treats from DOG for DOG. For every bag of food or treats you buy one is given to a dog in need! Check out their all natural food and treats and amazing mission.

4. Take care of your dog’s teeth!

Caring for your dog’s teeth is as important a part of owning a pet as feeding and bathing him. It’s unfortunately true that a large percentage of dogs have oral health problems by the time they are three years of age. You can reduce the likelihood of your dog becoming one of these statistics by establishing a dental care routine right from when he’s a puppy.

Other statistics show that just by caring for your dog’s teeth, you can add 3-5 years to her life! Isn’t that amazing? Most of us don’t ever brush our dog’s teeth– EVER. But now you know, so you’ll do something to change that.

The most important part of your dog’s home dental care routine is brushing his teeth (or if your dog resists brushing there are lots of other ways to take care of her teeth). This prevents plaque accumulating on his teeth and gums, and hardening into tartar. Ideally, you should brush his teeth twice daily, just as you do your own. However, life can sometimes get in the way, so if you can manage it once a day, that’s certainly better than not at all. And if you’re like most people once every few days would still be heroic!

5. Grooming should not be so stressful…

Some dogs love the water and love getting regular baths. If yours is one that hides when she hears the bath water running, it may be time to try de-stressing her.

The scent of lavender has long been shown to have a calming effect on both humans and animals, so bathing and conditioning your dog in an lavender shampoo might be a way to ease her water anxieties.You can also try using a leave-in spritzing conditioner made with lavender and calming chamomile to help her stay relaxed after bathing.

For maximum effect try an oral calming remedy. We like Sleepytime Tonic which helps to calm and soothe an anxious pooch. Also perfect before fireworks, travel and trips to the groomer and vet.

For those times when bathing is not an option, a spray-on waterless shampoo and dry bath might be just the ticket. Made with ingredients that eliminate the odor-causing proteins on your dog’s skin and fur, you won’t need to drag her to the tub and get her wet to help her smell and feel better – easing stress levels for both of you.

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Dental Hygeine

Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Teeth Could Add Years To Her Life

by Cate Burnette, RVT

As your pet ages, she becomes more susceptible to the chronic diseases that can make her senior years painful and unhappy. Her heart, kidneys, and liver are more sensitive to the effects of the bacteria in her body that causes dental disease. Keeping her teeth clean and her mouth free from periodontitis can extend her life.

Veterinarians estimate that between 75 and 80% of middle-aged dogs have gum disease, and a new study out of Purdue University shows a clear link between gum disease and heart disease in canines. In the study, dogs with no periodontal disease were diagnosed with endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves, in 1% of the cases. Those dogs with chronic periodontal disease were diagnosed with endocarditis   in 15% of the cases.

Researchers believe that the bacterium causing the gum disease is the culprit behind the heart disease. Mouth tissue – the gums and the other soft areas of the mouth – are rich with blood vessels, and this hastens the speed at which bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream and travel throughout her body.

In periodontal disease, the surface of the gums is weakened and compromised. That breakdown of gum tissue allows the bacteria in your dog’s mouth to go directly into the blood coursing through the rest of her organs. The Purdue study indicates the same strain of oral bacteria causing gum disease infects the heart valves and results in endocarditis.

Certain strains of oral bacteria leave behind sticky proteins that can adhere to the walls of your dog’s arteries. As that protein builds up, the arteries thicken and this narrowing of the blood passageway is closely associated with heart disease. Bacteria are also known to cause the formation of blood clots that can damage the heart and lead to heart failure and stroke.

Not surprisingly, those same bacteria can infect your dog’s kidneys and liver, leading to chronic disease and eventual organ failure.

The best preventive measures to ease your pooch into her senior years without organ disease revolve around regular, at-home dental brushings and annual oral examinations with possible prophylactic tooth cleanings by your veterinarian.

You can go to your vet clinic, your local pet stores, and online retailers to purchase doggy toothpaste and a toothbrush for daily brushings. The toothbrushes are manufactured to fit in your dog’s mouth comfortably and the toothpastes come in flavors that she will love – all to make it easier for you to perform this daily chore with little to no hassle.

Additionally, for those times when you don’t have her toothbrush/toothpaste handy, all-natural dental wipes that can keep the teeth clean and the breath fresh are available for use. You could also try a probiotic anti-plaque spray that goes directly onto her teeth and gums to reduce the bacteria causing gum disease and infections. All-natural fresh breath foams take just a squirt after mealtime to check the growth of microbes and stem bad breath.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to help prevent periodontal disease in your pup is also one of the newest on the market. Organic, oral care water additives make it easy to loosen plaque build-up and freshen her breath and while she drinks from her water bowl. Just a few drops a day added to her regular drinking water are all that is needed to help her stay gum disease free.

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Dental Hygeine

Home Dental Care Can Save You Thousands At The Vet

by Cate Burnette RVT

We’ve all heard that old adage “Prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That could NOT be truer than when it comes to keeping your dog’s teeth and gums free of disease through annual veterinary cleanings. Often, that “pound” becomes a large amount of British Sterling “pounds,” Dollars, Euros, Pesos, or whatever monetary unit your home country designates.

In 2011, Neena Pelligrini, a reporter for the Seattle Times newspaper, received an estimate from her vet’s office for a prophylactic cleaning of her dog’s teeth for an article she was writing on veterinary costs.

According to the article, “It appears to be a standard itemized estimate that ranges from $500 to $900. The cleaning itself is $99. Add $33 for X-rays, $11 for polishing and $21 for sealing. There are separate charges for pre-anesthesia, induction, monitoring and the general anesthesia itself. This adds $120 to the estimate. What’s left? Drugs before, during and after the procedure, hospitalization fees, etc. The bill could jump by hundreds, even thousands, if you add extractions, fillings or even root canals. Is all of this really necessary?”

Her article went on to say that most veterinarians charge individual costs for a pre-anesthetic physical exam and bloodwork, dental x-rays, an oral exam, anesthesia, a complete dental cleaning, any type of oral surgery – including extractions, and all medications. The more detailed procedures, including those with extended periods under anesthesia and those with numerous tooth extractions, were more expensive.

If the dog has advanced periodontal diseases, deep scaling and even surgery might be required. Early stage disease may require only a thorough cleaning, but late-stage surgery or extractions can cost $1,000or more.

Costs also depend on where you live. Veterinary cleanings are typically more expensive in large, urban cities than in smaller cities or rural areas.

Most veterinarians will tell you the best way to cut costs is to brush your pet’s teeth daily at home so that plaque and tartar don’t build up and periodontal disease is kept at bay.

Veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and online shops sell doggy sized toothbrushes that cost very little money. Many vets and retailers often combine doggy toothpaste and a toothbrush into a combo pack that allows you additional savings.

If brushing regularly is not an option, other substitutes for dental hygiene are available. Alternative cleaning solutions include dental wipes that can keep the teeth clean and the breath fresh, and a probiotic anti-plaque spray that reduces the bacteria causing plaque, bad breath, gum disease, and infections.

Oral care water additives make it easy to freshen your dog’s breath and loosen plaque build-up while she drinks from her water bowl, and are a relatively new innovation to at-home dental care. All-natural fresh breath foams also make it easy to keep your pet’s teeth clean at home. Just a squirt after mealtime daily inhibits the growth of microbes that cause periodontal disease.

According to pet insurance companies, these at-home products typically cost between $30 and $60 per year, but they can save you thousands of dollars on veterinary dental bills.

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Dental Hygeine

4 Tips To Use When Your Dog Resists Home Tooth Brushing

More than half of dog owners NEVER brush their dog’s teeth! But as pet parents, we all know we should be taking regular care of our pet’s teeth. Not only can daily brushing save us money and time on clinic visits, but keeping your dog’s teeth as clean as possible helps prevent oral bacteria from traveling to the heart and kidneys and causing disease in those organs.  Do you brush your dog’s teeth? Take this 7 second survey and let us know (be honest please!) http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GRBKHFX

But what can you do if your dog resists her regular brushings? Is there a way to make this chore easier for both of you?

The answer is YES…and we’ve given you some tips on doggy tooth brushing that can help both you and your pooch de-stress during this daily ritual.

Tip #1 – Acclimate your dog to having her mouth handled. This procedure can be used if your pet doesn’t like having her lips or mouth examined, and as training for any new dog in your house. Additionally, we highly recommend using this technique as a teaching tool for puppies.

When your dog is totally relaxed and cuddling with you, softly reach down and gently run your finger under her lips and over her gums, all around the outside of her teeth. If she initially resists, back off, let her relax a bit, and try again. Practice this exercise consistently every time you are snuggling together until she no longer backs away from your touch.

Tip #2– Even though a daily home brushing is ideal, we all know the reality is that most dog’s hate getting their teeth brushed  and there are going to be times when you’re either out of hours or out of patience. So right from the beginning start using oral rinses and water additives which can provide the dental care needed to keep your dog’s teeth in good shape.

All-natural water additives poured directly into your dog’s bowl can loosen plaque build-up and freshen her breath whenever she takes a drink. Made with fatty acid salts that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, and baking soda to fight bad breath and remove plaque and food particles, water additives are an easy way to help your pet’s oral hygiene.

Foams and rinses are another alternative to brushing when life gets too busy. Compounded from the same all-natural ingredients as organic water additives, this new type of oral foam deodorizes your pup’s breath while fighting plaque and bacteria, all without alcohol or harsh chemicals.

Tip #3 – Introduce the toothbrush. Once she is consistently relaxed, you can introduce her toothbrush into this training. Make sure you have either a regular doggy toothbrush small enough to fit comfortably between your pet’s lips and gums, or one of the soft brushes that fit over your finger and slide easily into the proper position.

Use the same technique you tried when introducing your dog to having her mouth examined, substitute her toothbrush for your finger. Make sure she is relaxed when you begin working with the brush, and keep practicing over time until she is totally calm and stress-free each time you put the brush against her teeth.

Tip #4 – Bring on the toothpaste. Now that your pooch is acclimated to having your fingers and her toothbrush in her mouth, you can familiarize her with her toothpaste. Most canine toothpastes are formulated with either a beef or chicken flavoring that makes the paste more palatable for your dog, and she is less likely to resist or spit it out if you choose the kind of flavor she likes. If those flavors don’t work for her, try an all-natural, vanilla-flavored toothpaste to help satisfy even the pickiest dog.

Initially, try placing just a small amount of the toothpaste on your pup’s gums or lips so that she has to lick it off and taste it. Once she realizes that she likes the taste, she is less likely to be resistant to your brushing with it.

Using the same consistently gentle technique as before, you’re now ready to really brush your pet’s teeth in earnest. Using your soft canine brush and toothpaste, let the friction of small, circular motions remove any plaque or food particles found on the outside of the teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. You don’t need to open your pup’s mouth and brush the insides of the teeth; saliva and the action of the tongue tends to dispense with anything left behind in that part of the mouth. There is also no need to rinse her mouth after brushing. Canine toothpastes are made to be swallowed, without all the harsh chemicals found in human toothpastes.

Please remember: NEVER use human toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental rinses to clean your dog’s teeth. Many of the products we use in our human mouths contain harsh chemicals and alcohol that can be toxic to your pooch.

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bad breath Dental Hygeine

6 Quick and Easy Ways To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Teeth

kissable

by Cate Burnette, RVT

Your challenge as a pet owner is how to keep your dog’s mouth and teeth clean, fresh smelling, and free of disease-causing bacteria when work or kids (or both) demand your attention, and free time is at a premium.

While neglecting your pooch’s teeth is not necessarily an option, there are ways to cut corners without spending time or money at the vet clinic until it is time for her annual check-up. We’ve given you five of those options below.

Home Brushing

In about 5 minutes of your time, brushing your dog’s teeth at home on a daily basis helps eliminate plaque, lessens tartar build-up, and keeps her breath smelling nice. Additionally, at-home cleaning reduces the amount of bacteria that can create diseases in your pup’s mouth and internal organs. You’ll need a regular doggy toothbrush small enough to fit comfortably inside her mouth, plus canine toothpaste like an all natural, vanilla-flavored toothpaste.

Water Additives

All-natural water additives can be poured directly into your dog’s bowl so that whenever she takes a drink, their various organic components can freshen her breath and loosen any food particles or plaque build-up attaching to her teeth. Those additives containing fatty acid salts can inhibit the growth of the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, while added baking soda fights bad breath and removes plaque and food particles.

Raw Bones

Raw beef bones not only serve your dog as a tasty treat full of minerals and other necessary nutrients, they also work with your pup’s chewing action to help keep her teeth clean. The friction caused by her teeth working the hard surface of the bone scrapes away any left over food particles, dental plaque, and prevents tartar build-up. Additionally, certain protein enzymes found in raw bones work to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, thus keeping your dog’s breath smelling fresh.

We recommend asking your butcher for beef knuckle bones or checking with your local deer processing plant for venison bones when in season.Make sure the bones are too large for your pooch to fit the whole thing in her mouth to prevent her swallowing and choking on it. You’ll want to clean most of the meat away from the bones unless you feed a raw diet. You’ll also need to make sure the bones are fresh and have been refrigerated to prevent your dog picking up salmonella. Note: Even though some websites say that raw chicken bones are okay to give your dog, we don’t recommend them. Even raw, they can still splinter with sharp edges and can easily penetrate your dog’s soft esophageal, stomach, and intestinal tissues.

Hard Veggie Treats

Hard vegetables and fruits are another type of treat that can help clean your dog’s teeth. Raw carrot chunks, raw broccoli and cauliflower, uncooked bites of sweet potato, and hard green apple bits all serve to rid her mouth and teeth of plaque and tartar, as well as providing extra vitamins and other nutrients necessary to keep your pooch healthy. Try substituting raw veggies for processed cookies and meaty treats and see how your dog takes to them.  Note: Don’t give her onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, tomatoes, or citrus as these foods may upset delicate digestive systems and some are known to be toxic.

Dental Chews

Dental chews have been around for a while and work much the same as raw bones and hard vegetables in keeping doggy teeth clean and free of plaque. Ask your vet for recommendations, or go online and look for chews that have been clinically tested and proven to reduce tartar build-up. Look for those chews manufactured in sizes and shapes to fit your dog’s mouth and those containing supplemental vitamins and minerals.

Dental Wipes

Dental Wipes are textured cloths that have been pre-moistened with ingredients to help remove plaque and tarter. For many dogs with smaller mouths, this is the way to go. Also, dogs that resists brushing may be more likely to allow the owner to wipe their teeth over using a brush.

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Dental Hygeine

Water Additives: Are They REALLY As Effective As Brushing?

by Cate Burnette, RVT

With Pet Dental Health Month just ending, many pet owners are probably wondering just what exactly they need to do to keep their dog’s teeth and gums healthy from one yearly veterinary cleaning to the next. Traditionally, vets have suggested regular, at-home brushing to help prevent plaque and calculus, reduce the chance of infection, and keep your pooch’s breath fresh. With the advent of new water additives and at-home oral rinses in the pet marketplace, we wanted to take a look at some of those products and see what ingredients are in them, and if they are as effective as the friction caused brushing.

What are water additives and how do they work?

Water additives and at-home dental rinses are a relatively new development in pet dental health. Marketed to veterinarians and pet parents as a tool to prevent dental problems in dogs, the additives are supposed to be dropped into your dog’s drinking water on a daily basis and are billed as a safe, healthy alternative to regular tooth brushing. Dental rinses are essentially the same product formulated into a liquid gel that can be squirted on the teeth after meal times.

Several of the additives say that the chemical ingredients used to manufacture them break down the carbohydrate molecules that help to form the plaque on your dog’s teeth. Other additives claim they use particular chemicals and natural ingredients to reduce bad breath, kill microbes, and prevent calculus. However, using a water additive is similar to us using a mouth wash. It’s a nice addition to our dental routine, but we certainly wouldn’t replace brushing with mouth wash. The same goes for our canine companions. Nothing is going to be as efficient as the friction on the tooth from the brush.

What are some of the ingredients in water additives?

Ingredients in water additives include such organics as a mixture of mutanase and dextranase enzymes to break down filmy plaque on teeth, zinc gluconate, a mineral zinc salt used as an anti-bacterial agent, cetylpyridinium chloride, a chemical antiseptic found in some pesticides, and chlorhexidine gluconate, another chemical antiseptic.

The use of chlorhexidine gluconate in at-home dental rinses is particularly troubling to some veterinarians because the chemical is contraindicated for use near the eyes, ears, and mouth of animal patients, yet the manufacturers of products containing this chemical offer it as an alternative to regular in-home brushing. The most common side effects associated with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinses include an actual increase in calculus formation, stomatitis (an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the mouth and gums), and an inflammation of the salivary glands.

Additionally, products containing chlorhexidine have been associated with a high incidence of deafness in cats and thus are not recommended for felines or internal use in humans.

Some products also contain xylitol, a canine antibiotic known to cause stomach upset in some dogs.

Does home brushing still work?

Most veterinarians still recommend daily tooth brushing to help prevent dental disease in your pet, even if you choose to use a water additive or oral rinse. Even the manufacturers of these products suggest that daily brushing is essential for good oral hygiene and that their additives and rinses be used in conjunction with regular vet checkups and at-home brushing.

For those pet parents that want that something extra to help keep doggy breath fresh and teeth clean and white, there are all-natural, organic dental wipes and probiotic sprays on the market that reduce plaque and tartar, freshen breath, and use human grade ingredients safe for people, puppies, and other pets. Additionally, all-natural toothpastes combined with a special doggy brush allow you to reach all the surfaces of your dog’s teeth while disinfecting the whole mouth. These toothpastes are also formulated with human grade ingredients making them safe for your dog’s digestive system.

For those pet parents wanting to keep chemicals and additives away from their sensitive pups, brushing with a naturalc paste still seems the best way to prevent canine dental disease.