Don’t Brush Off Your Pet’s Dental Health!

Ah, the trials and tribulations of trying to keep your pet’s teeth clean. It could be the hardest part of your pet’s daily routine and you might dread the task as much as your pup, but we are here to remind you that it is all worth it! February is Pet Dental Health Month, so it’s a good time to get our facts straight and to amp up your routine. Most cats and dogs develop signs of dental disease by the time they turn three, and the bacteria on their teeth plaque can enter their bloodstream and cause life-threatening damage. Even when dental disease is mild, it can cause pain for your pups and pain for you when you have to smell their breath! Although dental disease is hard to prevent in the first place, there are things that you can easily add to your routine to prevent it from developing into something more serious. These are our three favourite tips for keeping your pet’s teeth clean, without them even knowing it.

1. Flavoured Toothpaste

Teeth-brushing is one of best things you can do to keep your pet’s pearly whites nice and clean; However, it is plausibly the most trying task. Pups and cats will do anything in their power to ensure you don’t brush a single tooth. Something that might ease this challenge is flavoured toothpaste. Using a peanut-butter or beef flavoured paste for example can make the activity of tooth brushing a little more fun for your pup! One thing to keep in mind when searching for the right toothpaste for your fur-family is that pets cannot use human toothpaste. Many human toothpastes contain fluoride, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol which are toxic to your pups and cats. So steer clear of the human toothpaste aisle and head to your favourite Edmonton pet shop to explore your options.

2. Dental Treats

The mechanical action of chewing on a dental treat can help scrape off plaque and tartar buildup! When picking out some dental treats, here are two things to consider:

• Soft or Hard Treats? Some people opt for soft treats as they believe that hard treats or bones might be too hard on their pet’s teeth. On the other hand, some people reach for the hard treats to avoid upset stomachs as it takes longer for their pets to finish them.
• Some brands of dental treats contain a great deal of artificial ingredients. If you have the means and/or the option to, you might want to consider choosing a chew with less of these ingredients! A lot of local pet treat shops have great chew treats with no preservatives. If you are from Edmonton, check out the Bully Sticks from Hungry Mutts!

3. Dental Toys

Dental toys provide the same mechanical cleaning as dental treats do. Along with the dental health benefits, chew toys can provide great mental stimulation for your pup and reduce stress and anxiety. A sturdy chew toy is an awesome addition to your pup’s life!

Although these three things are a great way to spice up your pet’s dental health routine, taking them to the vet for an annual checkup is crucial! They are sure to give you personalized tips and recommendations for your pup’s dental health. Here at Dog Jog’s, we are also pet health advocates. If you are trying to implement a new treat or toy into your pet’s routine, we can make sure to add in a quick dental chew playtime to our dog walking service or give your pet a dental treat on the way out! Also, we are always on the look for the best Edmonton chew treats and toys, so contact us anytime and let us know your favourites!