Dog Questions

Brush your dog’s teeth?  Please!  That’s what bones are for, right?  Well, partly. Until fairly recently, dental care for your dog was pretty much non existent.  Nowadays, talking to your vet about it is pretty much part of the regular check-up. We all now have a better understanding of a correlation between canine dental health and their general health - just as in humans.  It is now part of the care, feeding and general routine of doggie life.  Clean, tartar free teeth beginning in early puppyhood help to lessen tooth problems and vet visits.

Generally, dogs of the toy and smaller breeds seem to need more specialized care in the dental area than larger dogs.  Also, dogs with growth and bone development problems in any size or breed also require special dental care. 

 Diet is a huge part of keeping your dog’s teeth strong and healthy.  A good quality dry food, along with gnawing on properly sized raw joint and knuckle bones help to keep the tartar build up down to a minimum.  This combination of dry food and raw bones keep the teeth scraped clean, similar to a tooth brush.  Just don’t forget to throw the bones away and get new ones when they start to splinter or crack. 

Along with dry foods and natural bones, there are many things found in pet stores that can be used as well.  These double as a chew toy, and your dog simply thinks of them as fun!  A chew toy with bristles imbedded, acts as a toothbrush. Especially the bone shaped ones with bristles imbedded on the ends.  Just add some doggie toothpaste, let him or her chew for a while each day and- wahlah!  Instant toothbrush!  The bristles act as a regular brush does, but it cannot reach all the teeth or the insides at all, but is great for between regular brushings.

 For full brushings, a finger sleeve is recommended.  This sleeve is a rubberized and textured covering that slips on your index finger. Add some doggie toothpaste, and rub against your dog’s teeth and gum line to remove plaque and tartar.  There are flavors to choose from, and the taste helps the dog to not only enjoy but look forward to this simple routine.  If you don’t particularly like the finger sleeve, there are doggie toothbrushes available at your vet’s or local pet store. 

Why use doggie toothpaste?  Our dental products taste yucky to dogs, and they will probably think of it as a form of punishment or torture.  But doggie toothpaste caters to a canine’s tastes, which makes the dental care process a form of reward instead.  There are many doggie dental treats on the market as well.  Use them as a reward, and your dog won’t even know the difference!

While you’re here, check out the Porch Potty.  It is literally a doggie litter box.  Perfect for cold rainy weather when you don’t really want to take the dog out, but he has to go, or if you live in a condo and apartment with all those stairs.  Porch Potty can be used indoors or out on your patio or balcony, is easy to clean and easy to use.

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